10 Best Drivers in the Fast & Furious Franchise, Ranked
We've seen many drivers get behind the wheel across 10 Fast & Furious movies (so far). Here are the best of the best.
While the Fast & Furious franchise of today is more focused on high-octane action than driving, it is worth remembering that this was not always the case. Before these movies were big-budget science fiction blockbusters, there was a lot of focus on the cars themselves, with underground street racing being just as prominent as heists, fist fights, and family. While this focus made the earlier films in the franchise very niche, and later installments would move away from the adrenaline-soaked blacktop and into the world of international espionage, cars and driving are still a big component of the series, with some characters even being instantly recognizable by the kind of ride they favor.
As a major plot point of early movies, and as a feature for the ongoing action of the series, driving is a skill that the characters are constantly employing in between backyard barbecues. The Fast & Furious family has grown over the last 20 years, bringing some very memorable characters to life, each with immensely entertaining moments, and special skills all their own. But which of them are true precision drivers, and which would be better off with a minivan?
One of the team's tech experts, and a former race organizer from Miami, Tej Parker is also a talented driver. Played by Ludacris, this wisecracking master of technology is not one of the main drivers or fighters on the team. Instead, Tej is more involved with the modification of the team's equipment, including their cars. However, during those instances where he does get behind the wheel, he is shown to be a very capable driver in his own right.
Related: Every Film in the Fast & Furious Franchise, Ranked by Rotten Tomatoes Score
Dom's younger sister, and a grounding influence for both him and Brian, Mia Toretto is also a skilled river. While driving is not one of her major focuses, she has proven her skills on several occasions, including when the team rescued Dom from prison. She later returned to assist the team against her estranged brother Jakob. As a more grounded part of the team, Mia's role as support has been critical through the entire series, even if she isn't as involved with the action.
The protagonist of The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift, Sean Boswell is an exceptionally talented driver, having been a street racer long before the events of his film. Sean was later mentored by Han in the art of drifting, becoming the "Drift King" of Tokyo, and defending that title against Dominic Toretto himself. Despite being absent for much of the series, Sean returned in F9, helping to destroy a satellite by sending a Pontiac Fiero into space.
Originally a sworn enemy of Dom and his family, Deckard Shaw would eventually become a friend and ally, helping to save Dominic's son and assisting in their exploits on several occasions. As a skilled mercenary, Shaw has mastered several skills that make him a powerful asset. Naturally, Deckard is a skilled driver, and has been seen driving some of the fastest and most exotic vehicles in the series with incredible precision, even keeping up with the likes of Dominic Toretto himself on some occasions.
Gisele Yashar is first seen working for drug trafficker Arturo Braga during the events of the fourth film before returning to help the family steal $100 million from Hernan Reyes. Being brought in as "someone to back up every position", Gisele is also a very skilled driver, demonstrating this ability when practicing for the vault heist, being the driver who was closest to being able to slip through Reyes' security cameras in the 370z. This is noteworthy, as several other drivers, including Brian and Han, were unable to replicate the feat.
The fast talking, fast driving Roman Pearce made his debut in 2 Fast 2 Furious as Brian's childhood friend who was brought in to help the DEA take down Carter Verone. Later, he was brought in for the Rio heist, and has been with Dominic and his crew ever since. Roman has proven to be one of the most skilled but reckless members of the crew, with a penchant for conspicuous rides, including an orange Lamborghini Murcielago, which he drove in Russia while chasing down a nuclear submarine.
Cool, confident, and tough as nails, Letty Ortiz is a critical member of the Fast & Furious family and one of the best drivers in the series. Her skills are frequently on display, and is also exceptionally skilled with motorcycles as well, which is a skill that very few other members of the crew have demonstrated. When racing Dominic Toretto himself in London, Letty was only narrowly beaten and was even able to hold a lead for the majority of their race. This is a feat that almost no one in the Fast & Furious franchise has been able to pull off, and is proof of her ability.
Related: Brie Larson Joins Fast X Co-Stars in Campaigning for Female-Led Spinoff
Making his debut in Tokyo Drift and later returning to the franchise in Fast & Furious, Han Seoul-Oh is easily one of the best drivers in the franchise. Keeping his cool under immense pressure, Han's driving is always precise and in control, and he has demonstrated his skills both as a stunt driver and street racer. This is in sharp contrast with most of his fellow fast family members, who often drive with extreme emotion, and are constantly cracking under pressure, or in response to some new revelation in the heat of the moment.
As one of the core members of Dom's family and a key player in many of their biggest jobs, Brian O'Connor's abilities as a driver are second only to Toretto himself, and Brian is the only character in the entire franchise that has ever beaten Dom in a race. Beginning the series in opposition to Dominic and his crew but later leaving his career in law enforcement to join them, Brian's talent as a driver and fierce loyalty to his family make him a key part of the crew, and one of the most beloved characters in the franchise.
Dominic "Dom" Toretto is unquestionably the best driver in the Fast & Furious franchise, demonstrating unmatched skill in racing and stunt driving, and pulling off feats of car control that no other character could ever dream of. He is particularly fond of drag races, boldly stating that he lives his life by the quarter-mile. Numerous characters also comment on Dominic's driving, regarding him as invincible when he is driving. While Dom has been seen performing superhuman feats of strength, and making friends out of even his most vicious enemies, his most impressive skill remains his talent behind the wheel.
Ryan Christian is a writer and self-styled "story enthusiast" with a passion for plot and character in any medium, and enjoys a good video game as much as classic literature. If he isn't writing, Ryan can usually be found scouring a local book store, catching the latest blockbuster, or enjoying a long relaxing drive through the countryside.
Fast & Furious MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY SCROLL TO CONTINUE WITH CONTENT Tej Parker Mia Toretto Sean Boswell Deckard Shaw Gisele Yashar Roman Pearce Letty Ortiz Han Seoul-Oh Brian O'Connor Dominic "Dom" Toretto