For over two decades, the Final Destination franchise has preyed on our most primal fears, transforming everyday objects and mundane situations into instruments of a gruesome and inescapable fate. The premise is brilliantly simple yet terrifyingly effective: you can’t cheat Death. Since the original film terrified audiences in 2000 with the explosive premonition of Flight 180, the series has become a horror staple, renowned for its elaborate death sequences and the relentless, unseen force that hunts those who dare to survive their initial demise.
Each instalment has found new and inventive ways to explore this deadly design, from catastrophic highway pile-ups to horrific roller coaster derailments. Now, with the franchise roaring back to life with the recent release of its sixth chapter, Final Destination: Bloodlines, it’s the perfect time to look back. We are ranking all the films, from the terrifying beginning to the latest instalment that just hit cinemas, to see which of Death’s designs truly stands the test of time.
1. Final Destination 2 (2003)
Final Destination 2 (2003) successfully built upon its predecessor, delivering a thrilling sequel that cleverly connected to the original while introducing a new, terrifying scenario. The film effectively expands the lore, deepening the audience’s understanding of Death’s intricate designs.
This instalment has some truly iconic and visceral death sequences, most notably the incredibly staged highway pile-up that initiates the core conflict. The narrative cleverly intertwines the new group of ill-fated individuals with the events and survivors of the first film, offering a satisfying expansion of the story’s world. It maintains the suspense and gruesome creativity that defined the franchise, proving that Death’s reach is far-reaching and meticulously planned. Final Destination 2 is a strong sequel that amplified the thrills and stakes of the original.
2. Final Destination: Bloodlines (2025)
Final Destination: Bloodlines, the latest instalment in 2025, offers a compelling and welcomed deeper dive into the established lore of the series. This film distinguishes itself by exploring the generational impact of Death’s designs, showcasing how escaping fate can haunt entire families across time. It’s an interesting expansion of the universe, suggesting a more intricate and persistent force at play than previously seen.
While perhaps not reaching the heights of the absolute best in the franchise, Bloodlines delivers the expected over-the-top and creatively gruesome death sequences that fans have come to anticipate. The exploration of familial connections to past events adds a layer of emotional weight and narrative complexity, making this a great addition to the Final Destination legacy and a testament to the enduring appeal of its fatalistic premise.
3. Final Destination 5 (2011)
Final Destination 5 (2011) is widely regarded as one of the best in the series, largely due to its stunning and cleverly executed final twist. While the film delivers on the franchise’s promise with a spectacular opening bridge collapse and inventive, grisly kills, these moments, though strong, weren’t necessarily the series’ best. The film introduces a new rule—killing someone else to claim their remaining lifespan—which adds a fresh dynamic to the familiar formula.
This clever twist not only provides a shocking and satisfying conclusion but also re-contextualises the entire movie, elevating it from a solid entry to arguably one of the best in the franchise.
4. Final Destination (2000)
The original Final Destination (2000) effectively launched a memorable horror franchise by introducing its core concept: Death, an unstoppable force, hunting those who escape their fate. The film establishes the narrative blueprint for its sequels, with a chilling premonition leading to a group’s survival, only for Death to stalk them in elaborate, suspenseful sequences.
Starring Devon Sawa and Ali Larter, the performances are solid for the era’s teen horror, though some aspects, alongside the early 2000s aesthetic and visual effects, show their age. Despite this, Final Destination remains a clever and influential entry in the genre. Its innovative premise of an invisible antagonist and the creative exploration of fate resonated with audiences, cementing its status as a foundational horror film that masterfully built suspense around the inescapable.
5. Final Destination 3 (2006)
Final Destination 3 (2006) offers another solid entry in the franchise, especially because of its creative death sequences and the central roller coaster premonition. This instalment largely stands alone, with very little direct narrative connection to the previous films, which could be seen as refreshing, but ultimately is a negative.
A notable element is its exploration of premonitions through photographs, where clues to the impending demises are subtly hidden, adding an interactive layer for audiences. The film maintains the series’ tradition of inventive and grisly deaths, providing the expected thrills. However, its ending is often described as abrupt and feeling more like a cliffhanger, leaving the fate of its characters somewhat ambiguous. Despite this, Final Destination 3 is a competent and entertaining horror film within the series, delivering on the gruesome spectacle fans anticipate.
6. The Final Destination (4) (2009)
The Final Destination (2009), also known as Final Destination 4, heavily leaned into the 3D craze of its release. This focus on gimmicky 3D effects often overshadows the narrative and is a common point of criticism, feeling more like a promotional tool than a genuine enhancement. It is certinaly the weakest in the series.
Many viewers found the acting and CGI to be a step down from previous instalments, contributing to a less immersive experience. While still delivering the franchise’s signature elaborate death sequences, the film often veered into a tone reminiscent of mid-2000s cheesy high school horror flicks, lacking the fresher feel of earlier entries. Despite some solid gore, its overreliance on 3D and perceived dip in quality leaves you disappointed, marking it as a low point for the series.
While ranking the films is part of the fun when watching, the truest way to experience the Final Destination series is to watch the movies in their original order of release. There’s a certain magic to seeing the series evolve, from the darker, more serious tone of the original to the increasingly elaborate set pieces and shifting rules in the sequels.
This journey allows you to appreciate the franchise’s creative growth and inside jokes as the filmmakers intended. Even the more forgettable entries have their place in the saga, contributing to the overarching narrative of Death’s inescapable design. To fully appreciate the clever narrative links and surprises sprinkled throughout the series, and to soak up everything the franchise has to offer, it’s best to start at the beginning and let Death’s plan unfold one film at a time.