Films & Entertainment
‘Final Destination’ Rankings: From Worst To Best
The Final Destination franchise has captivated horror fans since its inception in 2000. After all, it presents a unique concept in which “Death” itself serves as the relentless antagonist; an unseen force that claims victims through elaborate, unforeseen accidents.
Each film revolves around a group of teenage characters who, after evading a grisly, catastrophic fate through premonitions, find themselves embroiled in a claustrophobic cat-and-mouse game with Death as they attempt to thwart its designs.
So, with five entries to unpack, and with a sixth film in development (Final Destination: Bloodlines) we’ve ranked all the Final Destination movies from worst to best.
The Final Destination (2009)
The Final Destination (2009) follows a group of friends who narrowly escape a deadly accident at a racetrack; a catastrophic event that is easily the goriest in the series.
But despite being filled with high-level violence — a hugely appealing element of these films — the fourth installment in the series is often hailed as one of the weaker entries. Though it grossed over $187 million worldwide, it garnered mostly negative reviews.
One of the the film’s biggest pitfalls is its use of 3D HD. Though intended to enhance the horror experience, many found the execution to look low-budget and gimmicky, and that it ultimately detracted from the suspenseful atmosphere the series is so well known for.
Final Destination 5 (2011)
Despite being mostly a repeat of its 2009 predecessor, Final Destination 5 (2011) made some notable contributions to the franchise.
One notable aspect is the film’s death sequences, which are among some of the most shocking in the franchise. However, Final Destination 5 fell short in creating emotional connections among its characters. And, while set against the backdrop of a major disaster involving a collapsing bridge, the actors completely failed to resonate with the audience.
With all that said, a clever twist in the film’s climax that connects it with an earlier film certainly some of its shortcomings while delighting fans – even if felt a little too late.
Final Destination 2 (2003)
Rather than continuing with the same set of characters from its 2000 predecessor, Final Destination 2 (2003) introduces a new lineup, lead by Kim (A.J. Cook), who survives an incredibly horrific pile-up on a freeway due to a premonition.
As for the film’s death sequences, Final Destination 2 certainly improves on the groundwork established in the first film, giving viewers even more thrilling, elaborate, and violent setups. These gruesome deaths have become a hallmark of the series, and they’re largely owed to the 2003 sequel more than the original.
Overall, Final Destination 2 received more positive reviews than its predecessor, and though it lacks the same tension as the first installment, it paved the way for what it easily the best addition to the franchise.
Related: Every ‘Child’s Play’ Movie Ranked From Worst to Best
Final Destination (2000)
The original film, Final Destination (2000), holds a special place within the franchise and the horror/slasher genre as a whole. Serving as the brainchild of Jeffrey Reddick, James Wong, and Glen Morgan, it set the stage for a completely fresh take on the traditional slasher narrative by positioning Death itself as the primary villain.
Despite being a murder-by-numbers slasher, the film also deals with the fragility of life, although these themes sadly become lost after the third film in exchange for visual gimmicks and shock value. The original film also cleverly utilizes premonitions and more subtle warning signs to build a huge amount of tension and atmosphere.
Upon its release, Final Destination garnered mixed reviews; however, it found a dedicated audience that appreciated its distinct approach to horror, which led to the film becoming a cult horror classic. Perhaps some of its weaker sequels have also helped to solidify it as a pioneering addition to the slasher subgenre; one that doesn’t rely on the conventional tropes that plague so many other films in the field.
Final Destination 3 (2006)
The third installment, Final Destination 3 (2006), introduces yet another new set of characters to the fold, this time led by Mary Elizabeth Winstead’s Wendy Christensen.
The film is particularly renowned for its balance of horror and humor, incorporating a tongue-in-cheek approach to the absurdity of its situations – which feels far more inline with the original film than the 2003 sequel, which oftentimes takes itself too seriously.
This offering doesn’t just heighten the entertainment value, but it also helped the film appeal to a broader audience, leading to strong box office results.
Death is treated with a growing sophistication in Final Destination 3, as it becomes a character-driven force that adds plenty of unexpected depth to the plot. Of course, this is a slasher movie, however, themes of mortality and destiny are very present.
Final Destination 3 remains a standout entry within the franchise.
Where Can I Watch the Final Destination Movies?
You can stream all five Final Destination movies on Max, AMC+, and Amazon Prime Video.
How To Watch the Final Destination Movies in Order
The correct viewing order to watch the Final Destination movies is by starting with the latest film, Final Destination 5, which is secretly a prequel to the original 2000 film.
Final Destination: Bloodlines
Final Destination: Bloodlines (2025) is scheduled for theatrical release sometime in 2025. The film is being directed by Zach Lipovsky and Adam Stein and written by Guy Busick and Lori Evans Taylor. Tony Todd will be reprising as William Bludworth.
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