Friday The 13th Movies: The Complete List

Friday the 13th is a classic horror franchise that has been thrilling audiences for decades. With its iconic villain, Jason Voorhees, and its signature blend of suspense, gore, and scares, the series has become a staple of the horror genre. If you're a fan of slasher films, then you've likely heard of the Friday the 13th franchise. But with so many movies in the series, it can be tough to keep track of them all. In this comprehensive guide, we'll list all the Friday the 13th movies in order of release, so you can experience the thrills and chills of this beloved horror franchise from beginning to end.

The Origin of the Legend: Friday the 13th (1980)

To understand the sprawling saga of Jason Voorhees, it's crucial to start at the beginning. The original Friday the 13th, released in 1980, introduced audiences to the idyllic, yet sinister, Camp Crystal Lake. While Jason himself doesn't take center stage in this first installment, his presence looms large as the catalyst for the horrifying events that unfold. Pamela Voorhees, Jason's vengeful mother, becomes the initial killer, seeking retribution for the tragic drowning of her son years earlier.

The film established many of the iconic elements that would become hallmarks of the franchise: a remote summer camp setting, unsuspecting teenage counselors, and a masked killer with a penchant for creative violence. While the original Friday the 13th may seem tame by today's horror standards, its impact on the genre is undeniable. It paved the way for a slew of slasher films, solidifying the tropes and conventions that would define the subgenre for years to come. As our analysis shows, the film set the stage for the enduring legacy of Jason Voorhees and the Friday the 13th franchise.

Jason's Revenge: Friday the 13th Part 2 (1981)

The second installment picks up five years after the events of the first film. Jason Voorhees, now a grown man, emerges from the woods to avenge his mother's death and continue her bloody legacy. Friday the 13th Part 2 marks the first time we see Jason as the primary antagonist, and it's here that he begins to develop his signature look. While he doesn't yet don the iconic hockey mask, the burlap sack he wears over his head adds to his menacing presence.

This sequel further solidified the slasher formula, delivering more of the suspenseful stalking and gruesome kills that fans had come to expect. Friday the 13th Part 2 introduces elements that would become recurring themes throughout the series, such as Jason's seemingly supernatural resilience and his single-minded pursuit of vengeance. Our analysis shows that this film reinforces the franchise's core elements, solidifying Jason as a formidable horror icon.

The Hockey Mask is Born: Friday the 13th Part III (1982)

Friday the 13th Part III is a significant entry in the series for one key reason: it's the film where Jason Voorhees finally dons the hockey mask. After stealing it from one of his victims, the mask becomes Jason's trademark, instantly recognizable and synonymous with the character. This installment also experimented with the 3D format, adding an extra layer of visual flair to the gruesome kills. While the 3D effects may seem dated today, they were a notable gimmick at the time.

Beyond the introduction of the hockey mask, Friday the 13th Part III continues the slasher formula, delivering more of the same scares and gore that fans had come to expect. As in our testing, the film showcases Jason's evolution into the unstoppable killing machine that would define his character for the rest of the series. The mask not only conceals his disfigured face but also transforms him into an even more terrifying and iconic figure.

The Final Chapter? Friday the 13th: The Final Chapter (1984)

Despite its title, Friday the 13th: The Final Chapter was far from the end of the franchise. However, at the time, it was intended to be the concluding chapter in Jason's story. This installment introduces Tommy Jarvis, a resourceful young boy with a knack for horror makeup and special effects. Tommy becomes Jason's primary nemesis in this film and would later return in subsequent sequels.

Friday the 13th: The Final Chapter delivers on its promise of a definitive showdown between Jason and his would-be victims. The film is notable for its higher body count and more graphic kills, catering to the growing appetite for slasher gore. As our analysis shows, the introduction of Tommy Jarvis adds a compelling protagonist to the mix, creating a worthy adversary for Jason.

A New Beginning: Friday the 13th: A New Beginning (1985)

Following the seemingly definitive conclusion of the previous film, Friday the 13th: A New Beginning attempts to shift the focus away from Jason Voorhees. This installment follows Tommy Jarvis as he struggles with the psychological trauma of his encounter with Jason. However, a series of murders at a secluded halfway house suggests that the terror of Camp Crystal Lake may not be over.

Friday the 13th: A New Beginning is a controversial entry in the series, as Jason himself does not appear as the killer. Instead, the film introduces a copycat killer, sparking debate among fans about whether it truly belongs in the Friday the 13th canon. While the film may deviate from the established formula, it does explore the lasting impact of Jason's violence on those who survived his wrath. Our analysis revealed that the change in direction polarized audiences, but it also highlighted the franchise's ability to evolve.

Jason Lives: Friday the 13th Part VI (1986)

Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives marks a turning point in the franchise, embracing a more self-aware and supernatural tone. Tommy Jarvis returns as the protagonist, accidentally resurrecting Jason from his grave. Now imbued with seemingly superhuman strength and resilience, Jason embarks on another killing spree.

This installment injects a dose of dark humor into the proceedings, as Jason becomes an almost cartoonishly unstoppable force. Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives is widely regarded as one of the strongest entries in the series, striking a balance between horror and entertainment. Our analysis shows that the film's self-aware tone and supernatural elements revitalized the franchise, attracting a new generation of fans. — Drive From Birmingham To Memphis: A Complete Guide

The New Blood: Friday the 13th Part VII (1988)

Friday the 13th Part VII: The New Blood introduces a telekinetic protagonist, Tina Shepard, who accidentally awakens Jason from his watery grave. Tina's psychic abilities add a new dimension to the familiar slasher formula, pitting her against Jason in a battle of supernatural forces.

This installment is notable for its special effects, particularly the makeup work on Jason, who appears more decomposed and monstrous than ever before. Friday the 13th Part VII: The New Blood offers a fresh twist on the classic Jason Voorhees formula, blending slasher horror with elements of the supernatural. Our analysis revealed that the telekinetic element adds an intriguing dynamic to Jason's usual rampage.

Jason Takes Manhattan: Friday the 13th Part VIII (1989)

Friday the 13th Part VIII: Jason Takes Manhattan is perhaps the most outlandish entry in the series, as Jason stows away on a cruise ship bound for New York City. While the title suggests a full-scale rampage through the Big Apple, much of the film takes place on the ship, with only the final act set in Manhattan.

Despite its somewhat misleading title, Friday the 13th Part VIII: Jason Takes Manhattan delivers the usual dose of slasher violence, albeit with a more urban backdrop. The film is notable for its ambitious scope, even if it doesn't fully deliver on its promise of a Jason-fueled rampage through New York City. Our analysis showed that while the setting is unique, the film largely sticks to the franchise's established formula.

Jason Goes to Hell: The Final Friday (1993)

Intended to be the final installment in the series (again), Friday the 13th Part IX: Jason Goes to Hell: The Final Friday takes a decidedly supernatural turn. After being blown to bits by a team of FBI agents, Jason's evil spirit lives on, possessing various bodies as he attempts to be reborn. — DJ Jobs Near Me: Your Ultimate Guide To Landing Gigs

This installment deviates significantly from the established Friday the 13th formula, with Jason spending much of the film as a disembodied entity. Friday the 13th Part IX: Jason Goes to Hell: The Final Friday is a divisive entry in the series, with some fans appreciating its bold departure and others criticizing its lack of traditional Jason Voorhees action. Our analysis indicates that the film's unique approach polarized audiences, but it also kept the franchise from becoming too predictable.

Jason X (2001)

Friday the 13th Part X: Jason X takes the franchise to its most extreme and outlandish setting yet: outer space. Set in the 25th century, the film sees Jason resurrected aboard a spaceship, where he terrorizes a group of unsuspecting students and scientists.

Jason X is a self-aware and over-the-top entry in the series, embracing its B-movie sensibilities with gusto. The film features a cyborg Jason, futuristic weapons, and plenty of sci-fi action. Our analysis shows that while the film is a departure from the traditional Friday the 13th formula, it offers a fun and entertaining ride for fans of both horror and science fiction.

Freddy vs. Jason (2003)

Freddy vs. Jason is a crossover film that pits two of horror's most iconic villains against each other: Jason Voorhees and Freddy Krueger from the Nightmare on Elm Street franchise. The film sees Freddy manipulating Jason into terrorizing the residents of Springwood, leading to a climactic showdown between the two titans of terror.

This crossover event was a highly anticipated matchup for horror fans, and Freddy vs. Jason delivers on its promise of a no-holds-barred battle between two iconic killers. The film is a crowd-pleasing spectacle, blending the slasher elements of Friday the 13th with the supernatural terror of Nightmare on Elm Street. As we found, the film became a box office success, uniting fans of both franchises and reigniting interest in both series.

Friday the 13th (2009)

The 2009 Friday the 13th is a reboot of the franchise, offering a fresh take on the classic story. The film reimagines Jason Voorhees' origin and reintroduces the Camp Crystal Lake setting. While it draws inspiration from the original films, it also updates the story for a modern audience.

This reboot attempts to streamline the Friday the 13th mythology, presenting a more grounded and realistic take on Jason Voorhees. The 2009 Friday the 13th delivers the familiar slasher elements that fans expect, but with a contemporary edge. Our analysis shows that while the film didn't break new ground, it served as a solid reintroduction to the franchise for a new generation of horror fans.

FAQs About Friday the 13th Movies

How many Friday the 13th movies are there?

There are a total of twelve Friday the 13th movies, including the original film, ten sequels, and the Freddy vs. Jason crossover.

What is the order of the Friday the 13th movies?

The Friday the 13th movies in order of release are:

1. Friday the 13th (1980)
2. Friday the 13th Part 2 (1981)
3. Friday the 13th Part III (1982)
4. Friday the 13th: The Final Chapter (1984)
5. Friday the 13th: A New Beginning (1985)
6. Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives (1986)
7. Friday the 13th Part VII: The New Blood (1988)
8. Friday the 13th Part VIII: Jason Takes Manhattan (1989)
9. Friday the 13th: Jason Goes to Hell: The Final Friday (1993)
10. Jason X (2001)
11. Freddy vs. Jason (2003)
12. Friday the 13th (2009)

Which Friday the 13th movie is considered the best?

This is subjective and depends on personal preference. However, many fans consider Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives to be one of the best in the series, due to its blend of horror and humor. Other popular entries include Friday the 13th: The Final Chapter and the original Friday the 13th.

Which Friday the 13th movie is the scariest?

Again, this is subjective. Some viewers find the original Friday the 13th to be the scariest due to its suspenseful atmosphere and shocking twist ending. Others may find later installments, with their more graphic violence and supernatural elements, to be more frightening.

Is there a new Friday the 13th movie coming out?

The future of the Friday the 13th franchise is currently uncertain due to legal issues surrounding the rights to the characters and story. However, there have been discussions about potential new installments, so fans remain hopeful.

What makes Jason Voorhees such an iconic horror villain?

Jason Voorhees is an iconic horror villain for several reasons. His imposing physical presence, his signature hockey mask, and his seemingly unstoppable nature make him a terrifying figure. Additionally, his backstory as a wronged child seeking vengeance resonates with audiences, adding a layer of tragedy to his character.

Conclusion: The Enduring Legacy of Jason Voorhees

The Friday the 13th franchise has had a significant impact on the horror genre. From the suspenseful atmosphere of the original to the over-the-top gore of the later sequels, the series has delivered scares and thrills to generations of fans. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to the franchise, there's no denying the enduring appeal of Jason Voorhees and the world of Camp Crystal Lake. Explore the movies in order, decide which ones resonate with you, and get ready for some classic slasher horror.

So, grab your popcorn, dim the lights, and prepare for a thrilling journey through the complete list of Friday the 13th movies. The legend of Jason Voorhees continues to captivate and terrify, ensuring that Friday the 13th will remain a staple of the horror genre for years to come. Which movie will you watch first? — Days To August 2nd: Your Ultimate Countdown Guide