In addition to shutting down schools and shopping malls, the COVID-19 virus also has taken a toll on the world of films. It has pushed back many anticipated movie release dates, including the live-action Mulan, A Quiet Place Part II, and most importantly, Fast and Furious 9.

But don’t worry. This time in self-isolation gives action-seeking movie fans plenty of time to catch up on, or rewatch, the entire adrenaline-fueled Furious series.

The hit franchise, which began in 2001, follows infamous street racer Dominic Toretto and his ever-growing “family” as they challenge the limits of what was once illegal street racing, but has evolved into saving the world.

The most confusing factor when watching the films is the order in which they were released. The first movie, Fast and Furious, features franchise title character Dominic Toretto, whereas 2 Fast 2 Furious follows another main character from the first film, ex-cop Brian O’Conner.

The third movie in the franchise, The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift, falls out of order. Tokyo Drift reintroduces the character Han Lue, who debuted in director Justin Lin’s Better Luck Tomorrow. For Fast and Furious franchise fans, Tokyo Drift introduced previously unassociated characters into the franchise, which did not sit well with audiences, and the movie ultimately underperformed at the box office. 

Despite this, Lin chose to further Han’s involvement in the franchise. This decision led to Fast and Furious 4, where the original cast gets back together. The fourth movie was preceded by the short film Los Bandoleros, showing how Han and Dom first meet. 

Following the fourth movie are Fast Five and Fast and Furious 6, which unite the makeshift family as one. The films rein in characters, such as Roman Pearce, Tej, and Gisele, from the second and fourth movies. Here, Tokyo Drift plays into the plot of the next two movies after Han leaves the crew and travels to Tokyo to drift race. Because of this odd placement, it is strongly suggested that fans watch Tokyo Drift after Fast and Furious 6.

From here, the films briskly escalate and the plots get bolder. Now the team is not only saving the world but defying the laws of gravity and physics with their daring stunts. By Furious 7 and Fate of the Furious, the characters are practically a group of skilled fighters and assassins — in addition to being insanely fast drivers, of course. 

The saga leaves off with Fate of the Furious as the latest movie, which ends with a cliffhanger. That was followed by a phenomenal trailer for Fast and Furious 9, where it is insinuated that the group will be continuing its gravity-defying stunts.

Unfortunately, due to the coronavirus outbreak, Universal Studios has chosen to delay the ninth movie’s official release an entire year from its previous date in April 2020. Fast and Furious 9 is currently scheduled to arrive in theaters on April 2, 2021.

While awaiting the delayed ninth movie, fans can also look forward to the tenth and final movie and a female spinoff.