The Final Destination franchise has been a horror staple for over two decades, turning everyday scenarios into elaborate death traps. From its 2000 debut to the latest chapter, Final Destination: Bloodlines (2025), the series’ six films thrive on a simple premise: cheat death, and it’ll come for you with creative, gruesome vengeance. With Bloodlines now in the mix, here’s how all six stack up, ranked from worst to best based on scares, kills, and impact. Buckle up—death doesn’t play favorites.
6. Final Destination 4 (The Final Destination, 2009)
Rotten Tomatoes: 28% | IMDb: 5.1/10
The Final Destination promised a grand send-off but stumbled hard. Nick (Bobby Campo) foresees a racetrack catastrophe, kicking off death’s usual hunt for survivors. The kills—an escalator shredding, a car wash impalement—are brutal but lack soul, leaning on cheap shocks over clever setups. The 3D gimmick, hyped in 2009, feels tacky now, and shoddy CGI drags down the spectacle. Critics like Slashfilm’s Chris Evangelista slammed its “lazy” script, and X fans often call it the franchise’s nadir for weak characters and a rushed vibe.
It’s not without merits. The opening disaster is a chaotic standout, and the 3D tire-flying scene had theatergoers ducking. Still, the film’s mean-spirited tone and forgettable cast make it a low point. It’s the one you skip on a rewatch, though diehards on X defend its gonzo energy. For a series built on inventiveness, this entry feels like a pit stop gone wrong.
5. Final Destination 5 (2011)
Rotten Tomatoes: 62% | IMDb: 5.8/10
Final Destination 5 tries to rebound from its predecessor but doesn’t quite stick the landing. Sam (Nicholas D’Agosto) survives a bridge collapse, only to face death’s wrath alongside his coworkers. The kills—a laser eye surgery gone haywire, a fatal gymnastics mishap—are grisly and inventive, but they lack the emotional punch of earlier films. A clever twist tying it to the original adds intrigue, yet the story feels recycled. Roger Ebert called it a “cheerful” gorefest, but X fans often rank it low for retreading old ground.
The film’s strengths lie in its polished visuals and a few standout sequences, like the bridge disaster’s nerve-wracking buildup. The cast, including Emma Bell and David Koechner, brings some charm, but the script leans too hard on formula. It’s a step up from The Final Destination, with enough flair to please casual viewers. Still, it’s more of a footnote than a must-see in the franchise’s legacy.
4. Final Destination: Bloodlines (2025)
Rotten Tomatoes: 98% | IMDb: 7.0/10
Final Destination: Bloodlines, the sixth entry, hit theaters on September 26, 2025, aiming to refresh the formula. Set in the early 2000s, it follows Stefani (Brec Bassinger), an 18-year-old first responder haunted by visions of disasters linked to past survivors. The kills—like a paramedic’s ambulance explosion and a chilling IV drip mishap—lean into practical effects, earning praise for retro grit. Early reviews, like Variety’s Owen Gleiberman, call it “serviceable” but fault its thin characters. X fans are split, with some hyping the nostalgic vibe and others wanting more lore depth.
Directed by Zach Lipovsky and Adam B. Stein, Bloodlines tries to balance fresh ideas with classic Final Destination chaos. The EMT angle adds a new lens, and cameos from Tony Todd and Devon Sawa nod to the series’ roots. Yet, its early 2000s setting feels gimmicky to some, and the pacing sags mid-film. It’s a solid addition but doesn’t top the franchise’s peaks, landing it mid-tier for now.
3. Final Destination 3 (2006)
Rotten Tomatoes: 43% | IMDb: 5.8/10
Final Destination 3 recaptures the series’ wicked charm with a rollercoaster of terror. Wendy (Mary Elizabeth Winstead) survives a theme park ride derailment, then races to save her classmates from death’s traps. The tanning bed scene—horrific and unforgettable—steals the show, while a nail-gun accident adds gruesome flair. Director James Wong infuses dark humor, making each kill feel like a twisted prank. Variety’s Justin Chang lauded its “gleeful sadism,” though X fans sometimes knock the unlikeable supporting cast.
Winstead’s breakout performance grounds the carnage, and the film’s Choose Your Fate DVD feature was a fun novelty. The rollercoaster opener remains a series highlight, with meticulous tension that hooks you early. It’s not as groundbreaking as the first two, but its campy energy and iconic kills make it a fan favorite. For many, it’s the ultimate popcorn horror flick.
2. Final Destination 2 (2003)
Rotten Tomatoes: 48% | IMDb: 6.2/10
Final Destination 2 cranks up the chaos, cementing its cult status. Kimberly (A.J. Cook) dodges a highway pileup—one of the franchise’s most gripping disasters—only to face death’s relentless pursuit. The kills, like a log smashing through a windshield or an elevator decapitation, are bold and quotable. The film expands the lore with the “ripple effect,” tying survivors’ fates together. Entertainment Weekly’s Owen Gleiberman praised its “wit,” and X fans call it the most rewatchable for its pacing and wild energy.
The sequel’s strength is its balance of humor and horror, with a cast—including Ali Larter returning as Clear Rivers—that clicks. The highway sequence alone is worth the price of admission, its visceral chaos setting a high bar. It leans into the series’ absurdity without losing tension, making it a near-perfect follow-up. For many, it’s the one that defined what Final Destination could be.
1. Final Destination (2000)
Rotten Tomatoes: 35% | IMDb: 6.7/10
The original Final Destination is a horror classic that still holds up. Alex Browning (Devon Sawa) foresees a plane explosion, saving a few classmates only to trigger death’s wrath. The kills—a bus collision, a kitchen strangling—are simple yet chilling, building paranoia that feels like The Twilight Zone with gore. Directed by James Wong and co-written by Glen Morgan, it blends teen drama with existential dread. Despite mixed reviews (Roger Ebert gave it 1.5 stars), X fans hail it as the gold standard for its tight story and Sawa’s earnest lead.
Its genius lies in its simplicity and atmosphere. The plane crash sequence is a masterclass in tension, and Tony Todd’s creepy mortician adds eerie depth. It set the template for every sequel, making everyday objects terrifying. From the haunting use of John Denver’s “Rocky Mountain High” to its lean 98-minute runtime, it’s a lean, mean horror machine that never gets old.
Final Thoughts
The Final Destination series thrives on its knack for turning the mundane into mayhem, with each film offering a unique spin on death’s relentless pursuit. Bloodlines adds fresh blood, but the original remains king for its raw ingenuity. Whether you’re here for the iconic highway pileup or the tanning bed nightmare, there’s something for every horror fan. Stream the first five films on HBO Max, catch Bloodlines in theaters, and join the ranking debate on X. What’s your top pick? Let us know, and watch your step—death’s always lurking.