All 6 ‘Final Destination’ Movies in Order: Chronological & By Release Date
Since bursting onto the horror scene in 2000, the Final Destination franchise has thrilled audiences with its unique premise of inescapable death chasing those who cheat their fates. For fans looking to dive into the Final Destination movies in order, there are two primary ways to experience the series: by release date or in chronological order.
Each film introduces a new group of characters facing gruesome ends after narrowly escaping disaster, thanks to a premonition, only to realize that death has a plan that cannot be outrun. With six films, including the upcoming ‘Final Destination: Bloodlines,’ the series has cemented its legacy as a inventive staple of supernatural horror.
What sets the Final Destination movies apart is their blend of suspense, elaborate death sequences, and a loose but intriguing continuity that ties them together. While watching the films in the order they were released offers a straightforward journey through the franchise’s evolution, chronological order provides a deeper understanding of how the events unfold within the universe.
This article will break down both approaches, explore the connections between the films, and guide you on where to watch them as the series prepares for its sixth installment.
Editor’s Note: This article has been updated to reflect the latest developments and information regarding the ‘Final Destination’ movie series.
All ‘Final Destination’ movies in release date order
The Final Destination franchise unfolded over the years with each film building on the eerie concept of death’s relentless pursuit, starting with the original in 2000 and culminating in the anticipated ‘Final Destination: Bloodlines’ in 2025. Here’s how they rolled out in theaters:
- ‘Final Destination’ (2000)
- ‘Final Destination 2’ (2003)
- ‘Final Destination 3’ (2006)
- ‘The Final Destination’ (2009)
- ‘Final Destination 5’ (2011)
- ‘Final Destination: Bloodlines’ (2025)*
* It’s not yet known when ‘Final Destination: Bloodlines’ is set
Are all ‘Final Destination’ movies connected & what’s the best order to watch them in?
Yes, the Final Destination movies are loosely connected through a shared universe where death operates by a strict design, reclaiming those who escape their intended demise. Recurring elements like the mysterious mortician William Bludworth (Tony Todd) and references to past disasters—such as the Flight 180 explosion from the first film—tie the series together, though each installment largely stands alone with new characters and scenarios. However, ‘Final Destination 5’ revealed itself as a prequel, linking directly to the original, which adds a layer of continuity best appreciated in chronological order.
For the optimal viewing experience, watching the Final Destination movies in chronological order is recommended. This approach aligns the timeline of events, starting with the earliest incident in ‘Final Destination 5’ and progressing through the ripple effects seen in subsequent films. It enhances the narrative flow and reveals how death’s design spans years, making the stakes feel even more inevitable and interconnected.
‘Final Destination’ movies in chronological order
Unlike the release sequence, the chronological order of the Final Destination movies rearranges the timeline based on when the events occur within the franchise’s universe. This list starts with a surprising prequel and ends with the yet-to-be-released sixth chapter, offering a fresh perspective on death’s methodical pursuit.
1. ‘Final Destination 5’ (2011)
Sam Lawton (Nicholas D’Agosto) has a premonition of a catastrophic bridge collapse during a company retreat, saving himself and several coworkers from certain death. As the survivors begin dying in horrifying accidents—like gym equipment malfunctions and a gruesome LASIK surgery mishap—Sam and his girlfriend Molly (Emma Bell) uncover death’s unyielding pattern, culminating in a twist that ties their fate to the original film.
Chronologically, ‘Final Destination 5’ is the earliest event, set in 2000 just before the Flight 180 disaster. The film ends with Sam and Molly boarding that doomed flight, revealing it as a prequel to the first movie and setting the stage for the franchise’s timeline.
2. ‘Final Destination’ (2000)
Alex Browning (Devon Sawa) foresees the explosion of Volée Airlines Flight 180, leading him and a handful of classmates to exit the plane before takeoff. After the aircraft explodes, the survivors—including Clear Rivers (Ali Larter) and Carter Horton (Kerr Smith)—face bizarre deaths, from a bathroom strangling to a bus collision, as death reclaims them one by one.
Set in May 2000, this film follows immediately after Final Destination 5, as its opening disaster—Flight 180—is the same flight Sam and Molly board at the end of the prequel. It establishes the rules of death’s design and kicks off the series’ chronological chain of events.
3. ‘Final Destination 2’ (2003)
Kimberly Corman (A.J. Cook) prevents a deadly highway pileup after a vision of logs spilling from a truck, saving herself and others. As survivors meet grisly ends—like a lottery winner’s explosive demise—Kimberly teams up with Clear Rivers, the lone survivor from the first film, to outwit death, learning that new life might break the cycle.
Taking place in 2001, one year after Flight 180, Final Destination 2 builds on the original by connecting its victims to those who escaped the first disaster. Clear’s return and references to Alex’s fate reinforce the chronological progression.
4. ‘Final Destination 3’ (2006)
Wendy Christensen (Mary Elizabeth Winstead) survives a roller coaster derailment at a fair after a premonition, but her friends aren’t as lucky as death stalks them with tanning bed burns and nail gun impalements. Using photos as clues, Wendy tries to save the group, only to face a haunting subway crash in the end.
Set in 2005, four years after Final Destination 2, this installment reflects a later point in the timeline. It stands more independently but maintains the franchise’s continuity through death’s consistent mechanics and a nod to the tricentennial of McKinley, suggesting a natural progression.
5. ‘The Final Destination’ (2009)
Nick O’Bannon (Bobby Campo) escapes a racetrack catastrophe after envisioning a fiery crash, saving his girlfriend Lori (Shantel VanSanten) and others. Death catches up with tire blowouts and escalator shredding, ending with a theater explosion that leaves no survivors, marking a grim conclusion.
Chronologically placed in 2009, The Final Destination is the latest confirmed event in the existing timeline. Its standalone nature fits after Final Destination 3, with no direct ties to earlier films beyond the shared theme of death’s pursuit.
6. ‘Final Destination: Bloodlines’ (2025)
Set for release on May 16, 2025, this sixth installment follows a college student (Kaitlyn Santa Juana) plagued by nightmares foretelling her family’s doom. Directed by Zach Lipovsky and Adam B. Stein, it introduces first responders into death’s game, with Tony Todd reprising his role as Bludworth, promising fresh twists on the classic formula.
As of now, the chronological setting of Final Destination: Bloodlines remains unknown. It could take place anywhere in the timeline—before, during, or after the previous films—depending on its story, which will only be clear once it hits theaters.
Where to watch all above-mentioned movies?
The first five Final Destination films are widely available for streaming or purchase. You can find them on platforms like Amazon Prime Video (for streaming or rental), Max, and Hulu in the U.S., with options varying by region. Digital purchases are also available on iTunes, Google Play, and YouTube. ‘Final Destination: Bloodlines’ will debut in theaters on May 16, 2025, with streaming availability likely following later in the year on similar platforms, depending on Warner Bros.’ distribution plans.
Will there be more ‘Final Destination’ movies?
The future of the Final Destination franchise beyond Bloodlines likely hinges on the success of this sixth film. If ‘Final Destination: Bloodlines’ performs well at the box office and resonates with audiences, it could pave the way for more installments, especially given the series’ enduring popularity and flexible premise. Producers have hinted at fresh ideas, like exploring first responders, but for now, fans will have to wait and see if death’s design extends further.