Get ready, horror fans! Today, we’re taking you into the Final Destination series. This series is known for its creative death scenes and spooky, fate-driven stories. With five movies, it’s had some great moments and some not-so-great ones. Let’s rank these movies from worst to best, looking at the story, creativity, and how scary they are. Let’s begin!
5. Final Destination 4 (2009) – The Flat Tire of the Franchise
IMDb Rating: 5.1/10 | Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 28%
Where It Misses the Mark: Coming in at the bottom, Final Destination 4 (also known as The Final Destination) attempted to be the big finale but unfortunately fell short. This installment leans heavily on CGI, which doesn’t always hold up, making some scenes look more cartoonish than chilling. The storyline feels a bit too familiar, following the same formula without much innovation, and the suspense that defined earlier films seems watered down.
Biggest Issue: The lack of originality. Final Destination 4 doesn’t bring anything new to the table, and even the deaths feel less memorable compared to the creativity fans expect from the series.
Death Scene Highlight: While most scenes are forgettable, the car racetrack disaster is worth noting. The chaotic setup had potential, but the reliance on CGI makes it feel less intense than it should be.
4. Final Destination 3 (2006) – A Middle Ground
IMDb Rating: 5.8/10 | Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 43%
Where It Falls Short: Though not terrible, Final Destination 3 didn’t quite reach the heights of its predecessors. The plot follows a group of teens who escape a deadly roller coaster accident, only to be picked off one by one. The premise is solid, but it feels like it’s trying too hard to recreate the energy of the original films.
Why It’s Still Watchable: Despite some issues, Final Destination 3 does deliver solid scares. It even introduced the iconic “choose your fate” DVD, where fans could alter death scenes, adding an interactive twist to the franchise. Plus, the series sticks to its blueprint, and some deaths are so over-the-top that they’re hard to forget.
Death Scene Highlight: The tanning bed scene has become legendary. The slow build-up and brutal ending make it one of the most remembered sequences in the series.
3. Final Destination 5 (2011) – A Surprising Comeback
IMDb Rating: 5.9/10 | Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 63%
Where It Shines: After a lackluster fourth movie, Final Destination 5 brought the series back to life—pun intended! This entry brings in new plot twists and more creative kills while paying homage to the series’ roots. It managed to take the familiar formula and introduce a fresh twist that kept fans guessing right up to the end. Also, the 3D effects are well-executed, adding depth to the terrifying sequences.
Why Fans Love It: With a smart storyline that connects back to the original, Final Destination 5 gave the series a sense of closure while also adding layers to the mythology. The filmmakers put genuine effort into the story and execution, making it one of the better sequels.
Death Scene Highlight: The bridge collapse is not only terrifying but also serves as one of the most intense opening scenes of the series. It’s meticulously crafted, setting a high bar for the rest of the film.
2. Final Destination 2 (2003) – Bigger and Bolder
IMDb Rating: 6.2/10 | Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 51%
Where It Excels: Coming in strong as a close second, Final Destination 2 took everything great about the first film and amplified it. It raises the stakes with even more complex death scenes and a story that builds on the concept of fate and design. The opening highway pile-up is iconic and has stuck with fans for years, adding a real sense of dread for anyone taking a road trip.
Why Fans Remember It: This sequel expanded the franchise’s mythology with the concept of “new life ending death’s design,” giving the plot a bit more depth than a simple chain of events. The characters may not be as memorable as in the original, but the movie compensates with intense suspense and horrifyingly inventive deaths.
Death Scene Highlight: The log truck highway pile-up scene is easily one of the most intense opening scenes in horror history. The meticulous setup and brutal execution make it a jaw-dropping start to an unforgettable ride.
1. Final Destination (2000) – The Original and the Best
IMDb Rating: 6.7/10 | Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 37%
Why It’s #1: There’s no question that the original Final Destination is the best in the series. This movie introduced audiences to a fresh, terrifying concept: what if death itself was hunting you down? The story is grounded and suspenseful, with memorable characters and scenes that are as unsettling today as they were back in 2000.
The Legacy It Left: With a chilling atmosphere, a solid plot, and a unique take on fate, Final Destination left a lasting impression on horror fans and cemented its place in pop culture. It’s no wonder that the franchise kicked off such a strong following—this movie truly redefined horror for a new generation.
Death Scene Highlight: The airplane explosion is unforgettable. It’s a simple scene, but the sense of dread and inevitability it builds is pure horror magic.
Why the Final Destination Series Still Has a Hold on Us
Final Destination is more than just a horror franchise. It taps into one of our biggest fears: the inevitability of death. While other horror movies feature killers or monsters, this series made “fate” the true villain, which added a unique twist. Watching each movie is almost like solving a puzzle—can you figure out who’s next and how? That’s part of the thrill and why fans keep coming back, even after five films.
Honorable Mentions: Scenes that Defined the Franchise
While we’ve covered the best and worst of the movies, a few scenes across the franchise deserve special mention. Scenes like the escalator tragedy, acupuncture mishap, and the dentist appointment from Final Destination 2 have all contributed to making the franchise unforgettable. Each film has moments of brilliance, proving that even the “worst” Final Destination movie still offers something to horror lovers.
The Future of Final Destination
There have been rumors of a sixth Final Destination movie for years. Fans have wondered if it would be a reboot or a new take on the idea of fate. This series is great at pushing boundaries, so we’re excited to see what they do next.
Apart from that I have a Great news! The series creator, Jeffrey Reddick, just confirmed that a sixth movie called Final Destination: Bloodlines is coming out in 2025. Can’t wait to see it! Are you excited?
Wrapping It Up
There you have it—Final Destination movies ranked from worst to best. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual horror enthusiast, this series has something for everyone. Even the lower-ranked films have memorable scenes and thrilling moments that keep audiences on the edge of their seats. If you haven’t seen these yet, grab some popcorn and dive in—but beware, you may never look at a log truck or roller coaster the same way again!
Are you ready to take on fate? Let me know which Final Destination movie ranks as your top choice!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Final Destination has the highest rating?
Generally speaking, the first Final Destination film is often considered the highest-rated by both critics and fans. It established the series’ unique premise and delivered some iconic death scenes.
Does Final Destination 5 lead into 1?
No, Final Destination 5 is not a direct sequel to the first film. It’s actually a prequel, meaning it takes place before the events of the original movie.
Is Final Destination 1 a good movie?
Yes, Final Destination is widely considered a good horror movie. It introduced a unique concept of death cheating fate, leading to a series of gruesome and creative accidents.
Which is the best movie in Final Destination?
The best Final Destination movie is a matter of personal preference, but many fans and critics consider the original Final Destination to be the strongest.