The Jason Voorhees Slashers: What to Watch on Friday 13th

In the heart of the 1980s, horror cinema witnessed the birth of a genre icon—a hockey-mask-wearing, machete-wielding terror lurking by the serene shores of Camp Crystal Lake. Friday the 13th emerged as a cultural phenomenon, reshaping the landscape of horror forever. Let’s venture deep into the nightmarish realm of this legendary franchise, unearthing chilling tales, fun facts, and, of course, ranking the films from best to least favourite, complete with star reviews.

The Countdown Begins…

1. Friday the 13th (1980) ★★★★★

The film that started it all! Sean S. Cunningham’s low-budget masterpiece set the stage for a slasher revolution. Camp Crystal Lake’s cursed history leads to gruesome murders as a mysterious killer dons a variety of disguises. The shocking final scare lingers long after the credits roll.

Fun Fact: The original title of this film was “Long Night at Camp Blood”.

2. Friday the 13th: The Final Chapter (1984) ★★★★☆

Tom Savini‘s return for the special effects brought unparalleled gore to the series. Jason appears to meet his grisly end, yet terror still lurks in the shadows. The iconic “hockey mask” Jason cements his place as a horror legend.

Fun Fact: Corey Feldman, who later starred in “The Goonies,” appears as a child actor in this film.

3. Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives (1986) ★★★★☆

Jason rises, quite literally, from the grave. A bolt of lightning reanimates him, setting the stage for a more supernatural era of the franchise. This instalment adds an injection of humour without sacrificing the fear factor..

Fun Fact: Alice Cooper‘s “He’s Back (The Man Behind the Mask)” adds a rock ‘n’ roll touch to the soundtrack.

4. Friday the 13th Part 2 (1981) ★★★☆☆

A sack-wearing Jason takes over, setting the stage for his future hockey mask persona. As a new group of counsellors heads to Camp Crystal Lake, the body count rises, and the series’ trademark “kills” take shape.

Fun Fact: In “Friday the 13th Part 2”, Jason’s look was a progression from the original film. The design retained elements of deformity, and his head was moulded to appear larger with crooked eyes and irregular teeth. The character wore a sack over his head in this installment.

5. Friday the 13th: A New Beginning (1985) ★★★☆☆

A new killer, Roy, takes the reins temporarily as the mystery of Jason’s legacy unfolds. Though not the most beloved entry, it has its own charm and surprises, continuing the tradition of terror.

Fun Fact: Corey Feldman was initially set to return but didn’t, as he was busy filming “The Goonies.”

6. Friday the 13th Part III (1982) ★★★☆☆

This film ventured into 3D, contributing to the boom of the format. The now-familiar hockey mask makes its debut, and Jason’s body count rises in gruesome fashion, making this a fan favourite.

Fun Fact: Jason’s hockey mask here was inspired by a Detroit Red Wings goalie mask. Jason’s face under the mask was designed with a droopy eye and other deformities to match the established look from previous films.

7. Friday the 13th (2009) ★★★☆☆

This reboot attempted to capture the essence of the original series for a new generation. It offers its share of suspense and kills, but it struggles to escape the shadow of its iconic predecessor.

Fun Fact: Jared Padalecki and Amanda Righetti, the film’s stars, both later appeared in the TV series “Supernatural“.

8. Friday the 13th Part VII: The New Blood (1988) ★★☆☆☆

Jason faces off against a telekinetic adversary, turning the tables in this unique entry. The telekinetic battles add a fresh dynamic to the familiar formula, even if the film doesn’t reach the heights of its predecessors.

Fun Fact: Actress Lar Park Lincoln is the first to have her character fight Jason one-on-one.

9. Friday the 13th Part VIII: Jason Takes Manhattan (1989) ★★☆☆☆

Despite the title, most of the “Big Apple” adventure unfolds on a cruise ship. While the concept offers some entertaining moments, the film doesn’t fully capitalize on its urban setting.

Fun Fact: Due to budget constraints, the movie primarily filmed in Vancouver, not New York.

10. Jason Goes to Hell: The Final Friday (1993) ★☆☆☆☆

The most divisive entry introduces body-hopping and ancient curses, taking the franchise in a different direction. While it has its moments, it strays far from the series’ roots, and many fans were left divided.

Fun Fact: The film features a cameo by the “Necronomicon” from the “Evil Dead” series.

11. Jason X (2001) ★☆☆☆☆

Taking the killer to space and the distant future seemed like a daring leap of faith. Jason’s evolution into a sci-fi setting is, unfortunately, a forgettable chapter in the franchise.

Fun Fact: This film satirizes its own franchise, showcasing a sense of humour about the series.

Action Reloaded Verdict 👍

From the tranquil beginnings of Camp Crystal Lake to Jason’s cosmic odyssey, the Friday the 13th franchise has delivered both horror and hoots over the years. A testament to the enduring love for slashers, this series has thrilled and terrified generations. With the iconic hockey mask and unforgettable chase scenes, it continues to haunt our dreams.

Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a first-time visitor to Camp Crystal Lake, there’s no denying the lasting power of Friday the 13th. So, turn down the lights, pop some popcorn, and let the blood flow as you explore this timeless slice of horror cinema history.

Read more on the iconic Jason Voorhees