The Fast and the Furious (2001)
Kernel Score: 77% · 10,677 ratings · Rated PG-13
Genres: Action, Crime, Thriller
Released: 2001-06-22
Runtime: 106 minutes
Is The Fast and the Furious worth watching?
Depends on your taste. The original street-racing crime film is dated and plain, but it's likeable, with simple stakes and an easy chemistry between Walker and Diesel. Later films are bigger and better, so start here for the history.
Watch it if you
- want to see where the series began
- enjoy cars and 2000s street-racing style
- like simple, undercover-cop stories
Skip it if you
- expect big stunts like the later films
- dislike dated 2000s style
Best for: Casual movie night
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch The Fast and the Furious
- Stream: Netflix
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-22.
Overview
Dominic Toretto is a Los Angeles street racer suspected of masterminding a series of big-rig hijackings. When undercover cop Brian O'Conner infiltrates Toretto's iconoclastic crew, he falls for Toretto's sister and must choose a side: the gang or the LAPD.
The Fast and the Furious parents' guide: ages 11+
Parents need to know that The Fast and the Furious is a PG-13 action film centered on illegal street racing, car theft, and crime.
- Violence & scariness: Some — Includes hijackings, crashes, and tense confrontations between racers and police.
- Products & purchases: Strong — Heavily showcases customized cars and car culture as aspirational and cool.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official PG-13 rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like The Fast and the Furious
If you liked The Fast and the Furious, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Fast Five (2011) — 82%: The series' best entry, with a great heist and chases.
- Furious 7 (2015) — 81%: Bigger sequel with an emotional send-off for Paul Walker.
- Drive (2011) — 85%: Stylish, moody film about a driver and crime.
- To Live and Die in L.A. (1985) — 80%: 80s car-chase thriller with an undercover lead.
- F9 (2021) — 78%: More car-and-family action.
Director
Rob Cohen
Cast
- Paul Walker as Brian O'Conner
- Vin Diesel as Dominic Toretto
- Michelle Rodriguez as Letty Ortiz
- Jordana Brewster as Mia Toretto
- Rick Yune as Johnny Tran
- Chad Lindberg as Jesse
- Johnny Strong as Leon
- Matt Schulze as Vince
- Ja Rule as Edwin
- Ted Levine as Sgt. Tanner
The Fast and the Furious FAQ
Is The Fast and the Furious worth watching?
Depends on your taste. The original street-racing crime film is dated and plain, but it's likeable, with simple stakes and an easy chemistry between Walker and Diesel. Later films are bigger and better, so start here for the history.
Where can I watch The Fast and the Furious?
In the US you can stream The Fast and the Furious on Netflix and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is The Fast and the Furious OK for kids?
The Fast and the Furious is rated PG-13. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 11+. Parents need to know that The Fast and the Furious is a PG-13 action film centered on illegal street racing, car theft, and crime.
What movies are like The Fast and the Furious?
If you liked The Fast and the Furious, try Fast Five, Furious 7, Drive and To Live and Die in L.A..