The Fast and the Furious franchise kicked off in 2001, and perhaps surprisingly has become a major blockbuster series. The sequels have gone from strength to strength, and not just commercially. Starting with a significant change of tone with Fast Five - which embraced the more ridiculous and action-packed aspect of the series, as well as the strengths of the increasingly huge ensemble cast - the series has also won more fans as well as much more positive reviews (given the first few films were not exactly 'critically acclaimed').

Now the seventh entry has proven the most successful yet during its debut weekend. As reported by Variety, the film has opened to a global total of $384 million (around €350m) - making it the fourth highest global opening of all time, behind two Harry Potter films and The Avengers. It includes a $19m (around €17m) UK & Ireland opening.

Not only that, but the film has broken a number of records, including the biggest Easter opening in history, and Universal's largest opening. It's also the highest ever April debut.

The financial success could be partially attributed to the increased profile the film received following the tragic death of Paul Walker in 2013, while the film was in the middle of production. The film was completed, with two of Walker's brothers standing in for the late actor in a number of scenes. Furious 7 marks the actor's final screen appearance, with many viewers and reviewers having already said the film pays a very poignant tribute to Paul Walker. On Moncrieff, Esther McCarthy called it "a classy goodbye to a much-loved cast member".

While the Fast and the Furious series has lost one of its biggest stars - Walker featured in all of the films in the series except for Tokyo Drift - the ongoing popularity of the series means it is increasingly likely the series will continue. Vin Diesel has already teased an eighth film set on the streets of New York.