From The Final Destination’s 3D chaos to Bloodlines’ emotional farewell we have a full ranking of the Final Destination franchise from worst to best.
Over 20 years after it first terrified audiences with its inventive take on fate, the Final Destination franchise remains a staple of horror movie marathons. Writer Rob Stewart took on the daunting task of watching — and ranking — every installment in the long-running series, from its 2000 debut through Final Destination: Bloodlines.
After bingeing the entire saga thanks to HBO Max and Amazon Prime’s tempting recommendations, Stewart dove deep into what makes each film tick — or crash, as the case may be. Below is his full ranking of the Final Destination films, from the weakest to the strongest.
6. Final Destination 4 (The Final Destination)
Every horror franchise has its low point, and for Final Destination, it’s this one. Featuring wooden acting, unlikable characters, and painfully forced 3D effects, The Final Destination feels more like a gimmick than a genuine scarefest. The NASCAR crash that kicks things off fails to impress, and without Tony Todd’s iconic presence, it’s the weakest of the bunch.
5. Final Destination 3
This entry benefits from Mary Elizabeth Winstead’s standout performance, but even she can’t fully elevate a formula that’s starting to show its age. The film’s “photos predict fate” twist adds intrigue, yet the rollercoaster opening ranks among the series’ less memorable premonitions. Still, it’s a step up from its predecessor, thanks in part to Winstead’s committed turn.
4. Final Destination 2
Arguably the most iconic setup of the series — the infamous highway log truck crash — earns this sequel a spot near the top half. Final Destination 2 also brings back Ali Larter’s Clear Rivers, linking it to the original film and exploring new ways Death comes for those who escaped before. Though the characters lack depth, the inventive kills and high-stakes tension make this a fan favorite.
3. Final Destination 5
After the stumble of part four, the franchise roared back to life with Final Destination 5. Its bridge-collapse premonition is a thrilling return to form, bolstered by solid performances and sharp direction. The twist ending and the idea that survivors can “cheat” Death add clever layers to the story — making this a surprisingly strong rebound for the series.
2. Final Destination (2000)
The film that started it all still holds up as a fresh and frightening concept: cheat Death, and it will come back for you. With a cast that includes Devon Sawa, Ali Larter, Sean William Scott, Kerr Smith, and Tony Todd, the original Final Destination blends early-2000s horror charm with a premise so strong it spawned a cultural phenomenon. It’s slightly goofy but undeniably iconic.
1. Final Destination: Bloodlines
The most recent installment, Bloodlines, takes the crown. It balances dark humor, sharp writing, and emotional weight — particularly through Tony Todd’s touching farewell as William Bludworth. With a story that spans generations and an ending twist that hits hard, Bloodlines proves the franchise still has life left in it.
As Stewart notes, Bloodlines perfects the series’ blend of humor, horror, and heart — a rare feat for a sixth film in any franchise. Whether there’s room for Final Destination 7 remains to be seen, but if Bloodlines is the end, it’s one worthy of applause.