From bad to brilliant: Ranking all the Final Destination movies

Are you a horror fan ready to dive into the Final Destination franchise? Here’s your guide to getting the most out of these cult classic thrillers.

The original Final Destination film debuted in 2000, and the latest installment, Final Destination: Bloodlines, the sixth in the series, was released on May 16 and is now playing in theaters nationwide.

In the first weekend since the film’s release, it raked in over $100 million, and has been praised by critics as one of the best films in the series. The Hollywood Reporter’s film critic Frank Scheck said that the latest addition to the franchise, “gives its audiences exactly what they expect.”

“Namely, a series of ingeniously designed, diabolical Rube Goldberg-style fatalities that are mostly so within the realm of possibility that you’ll find yourself crossing the street very carefully after you leave the theater,” wrote Scheck.

What are the Final Destination movies about?

Without giving too much away, the Final Destination movies follow a cast of characters who escape Death, who is personified within the series. Feeling cheated, Death seeks revenge, hunting all but one of the characters down.

The best way to watch the series

Since each film features new characters and a standalone storyline, there’s no real need to watch the Final Destination movies in release order.

For those who want to start with the most well-received entries, the Rotten Tomatoes guide might be your best bet. The review aggregator ranks the films based on a combination of critic and audience scores, offering a snapshot of how each installment has been received over time.

If you’re a glutton for punishment, you could always begin with the lowest-rated entry—2009’s The Final Destination—and work your way backward to see if you agree with the internet’s verdict.

As of May 19, the top spot belongs to the most recent release, Final Destination: Bloodlines. However, viewers should note that its high ranking may be due to a limited number of reviews, and its position could shift as more ratings come in.

Interestingly, Final Destination 5 (2011) holds second place, suggesting the series improved over time. Then again, it could also reflect a selection bias—perhaps only die-hard fans made it that far into the franchise, and were more inclined to rate it favorably.

Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all. Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.