Even if you don't love them, we all know the Fast & Furious movies. Commencing in 2001 with The Fast and the Furious, the franchise has gone on to include nine films so far, with more slated for production. The movies are over the top and often ridiculously expensive, and often feature fast cars, illegal street races, and detailed scenes of automotive work. They have a decidedly old-school vibe, leaning into the absurdity of movie magic, with a focus on family bonds, friendship, and unity over racing. Characters come from different backgrounds and ethnicities, and the Fast & Furious welcomes everyone from anywhere in the world.
Although the films have always been a success, there is one that stands out from the crowd. The most successful Fast & Furious installment is undoubtedly Furious 7 from 2015. The movie not only achieved action movie perfection with director Justin Lin at the helm, but it also featured a perfect backdrop for the action. The movie grossed over $1.5 billion worldwide, making it the highest-grossing movie in the franchise and the one that truly put it on the map. With its entertaining storyline, great dialogue, and exciting stunts, it's no wonder why this movie was the most successful installment, even if it had some pretty unrealistic stunts. It's also worth mentioning that the movie's success was due in part to its excellent casting. Without further ado, let's dive into what exactly makes the Fast & Furious films so popular.
The Characters' Relationships
The Fast & Furious movies are beloved for their unique blend of heartwarming character dynamics and over-the-top action sequences. The characters are driven by a real sense of family, rather than simply by a shared interest in cars and driving. By the fourth movie, Vin Diesel and Justin Lin had developed a mythology that respected the characters' individual stories and relationships, and this has continued to become an even more central theme as the series has progressed. In Fate of the Furious and F9, characters like Dom and Letty, Tej, and Roman, and even Vin Diesel and Dwayne Johnson's feud, are given time to discuss loyalty and their connections to each other. This focus on an adopted family dynamic, combined with the thrills of the high-stakes action sequences, is what continues to draw audiences back to the Fast & Furious movies.
Car Chases & Races
The Fast & Furious movies feature high-octane car chases and races that are thrilling and exciting to watch. These races often involve illegal street racing, high speeds, close calls, and law enforcement officers trying to keep up with the racers. The car chases and races often include exciting stunts, property damage, and creative ways to outrun the police. They are often the highlight of the movies, and are used to introduce characters and move the story along. The cars used in the movies are often classic muscle cars, such as a 1967 Ford Mustang Fastback, a 1971 Nissan Skyline GT-R Hakosuka, a 1987 Buick GNX, and a 1971 Dodge Charger. The cars are often used to showcase the idea of family bonds, add to the "cool factor" of the movies, and keep the audience on their toes. The car chases and races have evolved over time and now include characters jumping across cars at high speeds, driving tanks on open roads, and even piloting submarines. No matter how outrageous or improbable the stunts, they are still some of the most exciting and thrilling scenes in the movies.
Interesting Storylines
The Fast & Furious franchise has been captivating its viewers with interesting storylines since the first movie back in 2001. The first movie follows the main characters Dom, Brian, and Mia as they participate in illegal street racing and attempt to pull off a heist. In the subsequent movies, the storylines become even more complex, taking the characters to exotic locations around the world. In Fast & Furious 6, we follow the team as they embark on a mission to take down a skilled mercenary organization.
Fast & Furious 7 is the first movie in the franchise to take place after Paul Walker's death, with his character Brian retiring from the team and living a peaceful life with his family. However, his former team is forced to come back together when Dom is targeted by a cyber-terrorist, Cipher. Finally, in Fast & Furious 8, the team must find a way to save Dom as he works with Cipher to carry out her world-domination plan. Throughout these movies, the characters are forced to confront difficult truths, reveal surprising secrets, and make tough decisions that affect their lives forever. These storylines make for an exciting and action-packed cinematic experience.
High-End Special Effects
The Fast & Furious movies are known for their high-end special effects, including intense car chases, crazy stunts, and tons of chaos and destruction. These over-the-top action sequences often feature characters performing daring feats at high speeds, such as jumping across cars or piloting submarines. Additionally, the films rely heavily on CGI and visual effects to create a larger-than-life atmosphere, including explosions, smoke, and detailed set pieces. Fast and Furious is known for their beautiful visual effects and crazy scenes. Finally, the movies also feature realistic death-defying stunts, such as leaping between moving vehicles. It's no wonder every Fast & Furious film has grossed over $150 million.