So I've recently started watching the Fast and the Furious movie series about a month ago.

Just finished watching Fast Five last night and started a bit of Furious 6. 

So far, loving what I've watched - thought Tokyo Drift (3rd movie) was the weakest, mainly due to the complete cast change. 

So far from what I've seen, I think the first movie and fifth movie are my favorites. Second movie would be a close third with the fourth movie being #4. 

Fast Five's story and cast was great, it was like an Avengers level casting and story telling.

Gonna watch the rest of 6 soon, then watch 7 and 8 which are on Netflix, I think 9 is on HBO Max which I might sub for a month next month cause of the halloween stuff that they have, guess I'll watch 9 on there during that time.

What do you think? I didnt get into the series until a month ago, cant believe I missed out on this series this whole time lol.

The original was enjoyable enough but the endless uninspired sequels have no reason to exist other than as a cynical way to milk money

The first one is fun and a nice way to revisit that early 2000s era. The 5th one was a legit good sequel that moved the series in a new "broad action" direction. The rest of them are just whatever for me. I think the 6th one had that memorable action/chase scene along a mountainside that was kinda cool but after that the action went so far over the top. 

In fairness to the filmmakers, a large part of the draw and appeal of the movies was the chemistry between Vin Diesel and Paul Walker, and it's pretty much impossible to replace/replicate that. I know they've brought in other characters like the Rock and Jason Statham but the heart of the franchise is Vin Diesel + Paul Walker and obviously that was as massive blow to not have him after 6. 

The gay reading of the second movie is just hilarious. Paul Walker and the black lead actor had a relationship. In the movie it becomes a love triangle with Eva Mendes (-at least I think it is her). Recently watched a video on youtube, breaking it down and analysing it scene by scene. This is canon as far as I am concerned.

It's all about family.

Never watched any of them - I love Vin Diesel as Riddick in Pitch Black and as D&D aficionado, but never cared about F&F street racing theme to watch them just because of him.

The first ones were fine enough, even though I'm not a big car guy. The later parts are just stupidly over the top spectacles that defy any believability.

Very stupid, but fun franchise. I find them enjoyable in a "disconnect your brain" kind of way.

Original is like first Rocky or Rambo, the sequels can't really be compared to it.
Second is your average needless sequel, not a bad movie, but meh.
I hate Tokyo Drift. Only film I can't stand.
Fourth is starting to find the eventual style, better than 2 but still kind of ordinary action movie.
Five is the peak of the series (aside original). The most entertaining and rewatchable.
From there on they go downhill, though 7 is the third best film of the series.
Hobbes & Shaw maybe better than 8 (and 2-3).
I still haven't seen 9 & 10.

Loved the first. Thought the second was cool and Tokyo Drift is my favourite. Afte that I don't think of them at all.