Throughout the movie, the remaining friends face gruesome and unexpected deaths. Ashley is crushed by a collapsing gravestone, Haley is electrocuted while showering, Seann is suffocated by a collapsing awning, and Jess suffers a severe neck injury.

The success of "Final Destination" spawned a franchise with four sequels: "Final Destination 2" (2003), "The Final Destination" (2009), "Final Destination 5" (2011), and "Final Destination 6" (not yet released).

The movie's writer, Jeffrey Reddick, drew inspiration from a short story he wrote for a college film course, which was later developed into the film.