What is the Fast & Furious Franchise About?
The Fast and Furious franchise began as a simple story about "Fast and Furious" characters who love cars, and that love often results in stealing items like DVDs. Those Fast and Furious characters include,Dominic Toretto (played by Vin Diesel) and his close-knit group, "Fast and Furious family" who stand with Toretto throughout all their misadventures. The characters often break the law, but their dedication to one another is the unifying theme.
Those Fast and Furious movies have undergone significant changes. In recent years, the "Fast and Furious story" has morphed into one of "Fast and Furious" action, crime, and international espionage. It has expanded and explored an incredibly vast world where the Fast and Furious cast has met new and unexpected foes - many who have been inspired by a love of cars or perhaps more. It was always intended that the Fast and Furious theme centered on family, and that element has continued in each of the Fast and Furious sequels, showcasing how Toretto has continued to grow and remain an anchor to the core characters in this world of intense and thrilling adventures.
Who is a Part of Dominic Toretto's Fast and Furious Family?
In those Fast and Furious movies we are introduced to Dom's significant other - Letty Ortiz (played by Michelle Rodriguez), a crucial character who is integral in those first few installments of the Fast and Furious franchise, giving a unique perspective on Dominic Toretto Family.
In the early seasons, Letty Ortiz (an integral part of Dominic Toretto family who helps Toretto as he makes decisions - she serves as an emotional and relational anchor in this chaotic world) and Brian O' Conner (Brian O’Conner joins Dom in their crime thrills) who is the other part of that family trio. But as the "Fast and Furious" series makes its way through the story the narrative gets increasingly complex, creating a family story where Brian (and his relationship with Mia Toretto, played by Jordana Brewster, who is Dom's sister and a driving force that helps guide Dom into the next chapter of his life, particularly as he battles with some challenging moments in his life, she continues to provide a calming influence and help) and Letty become even more integral to Dom's story. But it isn't without its problems. There are complex themes that emerge.
Is the Fast and Furious Franchise Related to Other TV Shows or Movies?
There have been a few spinoff "Fast and Furious" series that are not directly related to the movies, and a couple are based on Dominic Toretto family. Those include, Hobbs & Shaw, (with "Fast and Furious" characters Hobbs (played by Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson) and Shaw who team up as an odd pair). As "Fast and Furious" fans know - this spin-off show was created in 2019 as an extension of the franchise that had its roots planted in Fast Five when Hobbs first appeared, showcasing a very distinct approach to that franchise - including several high-profile action scenes and sequences.
Another notable spinoff - Fast and Furious: Spy Racers, featuring Tony Toretto (who serves as the nephew of Dom's) who has been recruited by a "Fast and Furious" governmental organization to take on dangerous enemies. It would be highly anticipated for these two franchises to merge and perhaps make a cross-over appearance in the form of a "Fast and Furious" television show. Fans should wait for those developments.
What Makes the Fast and Furious Movies So Popular?
As fans of "Fast and Furious" know - this Franchise continues to grow and gain momentum and a lot of the appeal comes from those action-packed moments, showcasing the high stakes and danger those characters take on.
But there are a few reasons. The Fast and Furious movies include high-quality racing scenes - some of those moments feature cars as they speed through streets in Havana - others highlight "Fast and Furious" characters (many who are also involved in illegal racing operations). It helps bring in those viewers who are fans of the ""Fast and Furious"" cars, and often create high anticipation and excitement for fans. The franchise also incorporates many famous celebrities, some of who have become mainstays of the Fast and Furious cast such as those who appeared in ""Fast & Furious 6" as John Cena or even "Fast and Furious" (and who's recent passing, while a devastating moment for fans of the franchise was still a pivotal part of those earlier seasons and series, played a crucial part of the Fast and Furious family ), Paul Walker (played a key role, and helped cement the show's enduring legacy) - all of which helps drive viewer engagement and bring this Fast and Furious franchise more attention.
How Do I Watch the Fast and Furious Franchise?
As those familiar with Fast and Furious movies know - there have been many installments. This action-packed, adrenaline-fueled world can be a bit overwhelming to keep up with - especially since "Fast and Furious" has a very diverse lineup - those "Fast and Furious" Characters are all complex and exciting.
But if you are a viewer interested in getting started - it may be useful to know where the storyline begins: "Fast and Furious", 2001, was the original film. Then came, ""2 Fast 2 Furious" in 2003 ( which introduced new characters), followed by ""The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift" (which introduced new elements in the form of a Japanese setting), ""Fast & Furious" ( 2009, serves as the fourth movie in the series, and had the return of Dom and Brian - a highly anticipated reunion that made viewers very happy and gave the franchise the necessary momentum for the show's later success), ""Fast Five", ( in 2011 - the story shifted locations from the streets of Los Angeles and Miami to the excitement of Brazil), "Fast & Furious 6" (2013, another hit and memorable moment in the series), and, most recently, "Furious 7" (2015 - an emotionally-charged film, as well as another huge win for those interested in "Fast and Furious" series),
The ""Fast and Furious" franchise has, more recently, gone on to feature an "Fast and Furious" Spinoff that many fans have watched on Netflix. If you are a new viewer - Fast and Furious: Spy Racers is a great way to begin your journey into this series as the animation has garnered an audience that enjoys a lighter form of those thrilling adventures - many of which revolve around those themes of family, crime, action, and the love for cars.
