The Cannes Film Festival 2026 is set to spotlight a high-octane classic, with The Fast and the Furious selected for a special midnight screening as part of its Cannes Classics lineup.

The original 2001 film will be screened on May 13 at the Grand Théâtre Lumière, marking 25 years since the franchise first hit cinemas and reshaped action storytelling with its street-racing roots.

Stars Vin Diesel, Michelle Rodriguez and Jordana Brewster are expected to attend the late-night event, alongside producer Neal H. Moritz and Meadow Walker, daughter of the late Paul Walker.

The announcement, shared via the franchise’s official social media, confirmed the milestone moment: “The Fast and the Furious has officially been selected for Cannes Classics at #Cannes2026… to celebrate 25 Years of living life a quarter mile at a time.”

Originally released on June 22, 2001, the film—directed by Rob Cohen—introduced audiences to Dominic Toretto and Brian O’Conner, launching what would become a billion-dollar global franchise. 

Its mix of street racing, action and family themes helped redefine blockbuster cinema in the early 2000s.

The midnight screening forms part of Cannes’ tradition of honouring influential films that have left a lasting mark on global cinema. 

The anniversary celebration is expected to draw significant attention, with the franchise’s legacy continuing to resonate more than two decades later.

The event adds a commercial crowd-pleaser to the festival’s typically auteur-driven slate, blending nostalgia with cinematic history on one of film’s most prestigious stages.