I Watched 6 'Fast & Furious' Movies And Here's What Happened

Why did I decide to marathon six "Fast & Furious" films within 48 hours? It's simple, really. I felt left out.

Much to my surprise, the "Fast & Furious" franchise has been active since 2001. That's 14 years, in case you couldn't do the math. How have I overlooked such a prolonged topic in popular culture? I think it's because I assumed the films were buffed up, overly oiled, downright ridiculous action movies tailored completely for the opposite sex (and they are, for the most part).

After viewing six "Fast & Furious" films, I've decided they are, quite simply, just fun. They're what we think movies are supposed to be about: fast cars, unlikely friendships, explosive action sequences, the guy getting the girl. So say what you will about the "Fast & Furious" universe, but you can't deny it's nothing but good-hearted entertainment. Here's what happened when I (somehow) watched the first six movies in a row.

1. The Fast and the Furious (2001)

What happens: Brian O'Connor (Paul Walker) is an undercover cop who infiltrates Dom Toretto's (Vin Diesel) gang of elite street racers who are suspected of stealing high-end electronic equipment from moving trucks. Brian obviously gets caught up in Dom's exhilarating lifestyle of illegal racing and his tender devotion to his gang, which he dubs "a family" (that includes Dom's sister Mia, who Brian predictably falls for). By the end, Brian realizes that Dom and his crew are the good bad guys, and he helps Dom evade the police.

Most action-packed moment: In the climactic final action scene, Brian hangs from a full-speeding car to rescue Vince, Toretto's number-two guy, from an armed truck driver. It's not only uncomfortably intense, but it showcases Brian's devotion to the well-being of Dom's family.

Most laughable moment: Vin Diesel wears sleeves maybe once throughout the entire thing.

Why it's not so bad: Paul Walker is nothing but charm in this first movie. With his adorable blonde curls and heart-melting smile (which he flashes in the very beginning), it's clear why Walker has become the centerpiece to this surprisingly heartfelt franchise.

2. 2 Fast 2 Furious (2003)

What happens: Brian goes undercover again (because it worked so well the last time) to bring down a Miami drug lord, Carter Verone. Dom and his gang are nowhere to be found nor mentioned, barely. So Brian teams up with his childhood friend and ex-con Roman Pearce (Tyrese Gibson). They're aligned with a US Customs agent (lol hi, Eva Mendes) and gain access to Verone's inner circle after successfully auditioning to be his driving drug mules. In the end, the ragtag duo catch Verone (by crashing their car into his boat) and leave the film with their records clean.

Most action-packed moment: Did I mention they crashed a car into a moving boat?

Most laughable moment: I don't even know where to begin. It could be the God-awful dialogue, Brian's hideous orange shirt, or Ludacris' caricature of a character (but don't worry, that gets fixed later).

Why it's not so bad: It's pretty bad; they obviously slapped the "Fast & Furious" title on a half-baked, snore-worthy action movie. But Paul Walker embraces the plot and charms his way through it.

3. The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift (2006)

What happens: The third installment features no original characters from the first film — minus a special cameo by Vin Diesel at the end. Instead, we follow Sean Boswell (Lucas Black) when he's shipped off to Japan to live with his father. His high-speed antics continue when he discovers the underground world of Japanese street racing and the art of "drifting." He immediately butts heads with D.K., who is the crowned drifter in this town. He also happens to have the prettiest girlfriend, Neela. Sean — surprise! — woos her away from him. After extensive training with the uber cool Han (Sung Kang), Sean ultimately defeats D.K. in an epic mountain race. He also gets the girl. Duh.

Most action-packed moment: It surprisingly happens during the exposition of the film. Sean's first experience with drifting is mesmerizing. The race, which takes place in the claustrophobic confines of a multi-story garage, and the drifting are beautifully shot. One car barely grazes the wall as it skids expertly up the next level.

Most laughable moment: The plot of this installment is also worth an eye-roll. And the romance between Sean and Neela is hardly believable.

Why it's not so bad: Director Justin Lin (who directs the following three films) visually transforms the "Fast"-verse for the better. Everything is sleeker — including the character of Han — and even a tad darker. And the drifting is, I have to admit, unbelievably cool. Lin also single-handedly creates an entire timeline that the rest of the films will follow, as the events of this film take place after the sixth.

4. Fast & Furious (2009)

What happens: Dom is back! Brian is back! The "Fast" franchise continues the right way in the fourth installment. This time, Dom's gang is hijacking fuel tankers in the Dominican Republic. But Dom leaves in order to protect them when he fears things are getting too dangerous. Meanwhile, Brian is still with the FBI somehow. He's in charge of taking down another drug lord known as Braga, who happens to be the same man responsible for the death of Dom's longtime love, Letty (Michelle Rodriguez). The two reluctantly reunite to take him down. By the end, Brian is back with Mia and in Dom's good graces after they successfully cuff Braga. And when Dom is on his way to prison, the film ends on a doozy of a cliffhanger. In the final shot, we see Brian and Mia racing behind his transport bus.

Most action-packed moment: I'm going to give this one to the poignant street race between Dom and Brian and a handful of other hopeful racers who audition for Braga's team. Brian narrowly loses to Dom, who bumps Brian's car mere seconds before crossing the finish line. It's a turn in a relationship that has come to define the franchise.

Most laughable moment: The action centerpiece happens when Dom and Brian evade Braga's men by racing through the tunnels dug to transfer drugs. But the entire sequence is poorly executed. Also, Vin Diesel wears long (!!!) sleeves for a hot second.

Why it's not so bad: It's exciting to see Dom, Brian, Mia and Letty return to the franchise all at the same time. And although the film definitely isn't the best in the series, it's a great stepping stone for one that (almost) is...

5. Fast Five (2011)

What happens: The gang is officially back together, minus poor Letty. After rescuing Dom in a spectacular opening sequence, they're all officially outlaws and on the run. They end up in Rio, agreeing to do what sounds like an easy job. But when it goes awry, they're caught in the crossfire of a major Brazilian crime lord, Hernan Reyes. Dwayne Johnson also joins the franchise as a badass US DSS agent, Luke Hobbs. He's a temporary foe to Dom's crew, who've decided to take down Reyes and steal his millions so they can finally live freely. Old faces return, like Roman Pearce, Tej (Ludacris), Han and Braga's former henchwoman, Gisele. In an outrageous final action sequence, Dom's crew defeats the crime lord and earns the respect of Hobbs. But they dupe him one last time by making off with Reyes' millions. Also, in an adorable twist, Mia is pregnant!

Most action-packed moment: It's a tie between the freakishly insane moment when Dom and Brian fly off a cliff and land safely in the water, and that time they dragged a giant safe through the streets of Rio.

Most laughable moment: Dwayne Johnson is a legit super human. His total immersion into the outrageousness of his character, and the entire film, is both comical and commendable.

Why it's not so bad: "Fast Five" is definitely the best sequel in the franchise. It milks its stigma as a ridiculous, totally implausible, yet crazy successful action movie for all its worth. It also takes the storyline to the next level by reuniting everyone from the previous installments. Also, the female characters are finally utilized to their potential; we see both Mia and Gisele kick ass throughout the film and in the prominent action sequences. The more lighthearted moments are notable too, between Mia and Brian's sweet surprise, Han and Gisele's budding romance, and the overall entertaining group dynamic.

6. Fast & Furious 6 (2013)

What happens: Everyone from Dom's gang is blissfully content with the millions they stole from the last film. But Hobbs shows up, needing the gang's expertise in taking down a serious European mobster, Owen Shaw. Hobbs offers not only pardons for everyone but information on a not-so-dead Letty. We learn that Letty survived her car crash and stint with Braga's crew, only to be picked up by Shaw from the hospital with her memory gone. The team reassembles, successfully takes out Shaw and wins back Letty. But it comes with a heavy sacrifice; in the final action sequence, Gisele gives her life to save Han. But the film ends with the gang finally given clean records and feasting around the dinner table at Dom and Mia's LA home.

Most action-packed moment: This definitely has to go to the tank sequence. It was both insanely bizarre and emotionally heavy. Dom legit flies through the air between two bridges like a goddamn superhero to save Letty from falling.

Most laughable moment: I legit laughed out loud when The Rock cooly told his colleague to "take the wheel," then jumped out of a moving car and off the highway ramp onto the car below. It was the most ridiculous thing I think I've ever seen.

Why it's not so bad: There were so many heartfelt moments in this one, from Dom continually insisting that this crew is a family, to Brian and Mia's baby boy, to the ill-fated romance between Han and Gisele (Han's face when he sees Gisele let go and fall to her death is the saddest thing ever).

Overall, this marathon was a terrible waste of time but surprisingly fun! It's obvious why the "Fast" movies haven't won over a majority of critics or Oscar voters, but is that any reason not to enjoy them for what they are? Nah. So put on your bro-est, Vin Diesel-est tank top and watch one or two.