The Friday the 13th film franchise has etched its mark on horror history, becoming synonymous with masked mayhem and summer camp slasher thrills. But how many times has Jason Voorhees slashed his way across the silver screen? The answer, depending on how you count crossovers, is either 12 or 13 movies, including the crossover with Freddy Krueger.
The Definitive Friday the 13th Filmography
Let’s break down the official count and explain the nuances surrounding it. The core Friday the 13th series consists of ten films directly focusing on Jason Voorhees’s reign of terror, beginning with the original and culminating (initially) with Jason Goes to Hell: The Final Friday. However, the story doesn’t end there. Freddy vs. Jason offers a unique addition, as both franchises play a central role. The 2009 reboot also exists, making the total thirteen if you include Freddy vs. Jason. But for many purists, the true numbered series is the original ten films. The key is understanding the definition of “Friday the 13th movie.”
Diving Deeper: Key Aspects of the Franchise
Understanding the nuances of the franchise requires looking beyond a simple numbered list. We must consider the shifting tones, the evolution of Jason’s character (or lack thereof in the first film!), and the impact these movies have had on the horror genre as a whole. Let’s investigate these topics further.
The Evolution of Jason: From Son to Slasher
The original Friday the 13th introduced us to Pamela Voorhees, Jason’s mother, as the killer seeking revenge for her son’s drowning. Jason himself wasn’t the primary antagonist until the sequel, Friday the 13th Part 2. This marked a turning point, establishing the iconic machete-wielding maniac we all know and fear. The franchise subsequently developed Jason’s character (albeit superficially), granting him superhuman strength and near-invulnerability, attributes that became hallmarks of the series.
The Franchise’s Impact on Horror
The Friday the 13th films popularized the slasher subgenre, influencing countless subsequent horror movies. The use of POV shots, the focus on gore and practical effects, and the “final girl” trope are all elements the franchise helped to solidify. While critically maligned for much of its run, the franchise’s commercial success and cultural impact are undeniable.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Friday the 13th
Below are some of the most common questions asked about the Friday the 13th film franchise. These FAQs offer a deeper dive into the series’ history, characters, and future.
FAQ 1: What’s the official order of the Friday the 13th movies?
The official order is:
- Friday the 13th (1980)
- Friday the 13th Part 2 (1981)
- Friday the 13th Part III (1982)
- Friday the 13th: The Final Chapter (1984)
- Friday the 13th: A New Beginning (1985)
- Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives (1986)
- Friday the 13th Part VII: The New Blood (1988)
- Friday the 13th Part VIII: Jason Takes Manhattan (1989)
- Friday the 13th: Jason Goes to Hell: The Final Friday (1993)
- Jason X (2001)
- Freddy vs. Jason (2003)
- Friday the 13th (2009) (Reboot)
FAQ 2: Why isn’t Jason the killer in the first Friday the 13th movie?
In the original film, the killer is Pamela Voorhees, Jason’s mother. She seeks revenge on the counselors for their negligence that led to Jason’s drowning at Camp Crystal Lake. Jason only becomes the antagonist in the sequels.
FAQ 3: Which Friday the 13th movie is considered the best?
Opinions vary widely. Some fans favor Friday the 13th: The Final Chapter due to its action and the presence of Corey Feldman as a young Tommy Jarvis. Others appreciate Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives for its self-aware humor and over-the-top action. Ultimately, the “best” film is subjective.
FAQ 4: What’s the deal with Jason’s mask?
Jason doesn’t acquire his iconic hockey mask until Friday the 13th Part III. Initially, he wore a burlap sack over his head in Part 2. The hockey mask became synonymous with the character and is arguably his most recognizable feature.
FAQ 5: Does Jason ever actually die in any of the movies?
This is a complex question. Jason is seemingly “killed” multiple times throughout the series, only to return in the next installment. He’s blown up, drowned, electrocuted, and more. However, Jason Goes to Hell: The Final Friday attempts to explain his recurring resurrection through the concept of him being a supernatural entity needing to inhabit a new body. Even then, he returns in Freddy vs Jason and the reboot. So, truly, definitively “dying” is not something Jason does well.
FAQ 6: What is Jason X about?
Jason X takes the franchise in a completely different direction, setting it in the future. Jason is cryogenically frozen and reawakens aboard a spaceship in the year 2455. The movie features a futuristic setting, spaceships, and cybernetic enhancements to Jason, dividing fans due to its radical departure from the traditional camp setting.
FAQ 7: What happened to the proposed Friday the 13th TV series?
Several attempts to create a Friday the 13th television series have been made over the years, but none have gained significant traction or lasting success. One series, Friday the 13th: The Series, existed from 1987 to 1990 but had no connection to Jason Voorhees or Camp Crystal Lake; it focused on cursed antiques. More recent attempts have stalled in development hell.
FAQ 8: Will there ever be another Friday the 13th movie?
The future of the franchise is currently uncertain due to legal battles surrounding the rights to the series. However, given the franchise’s popularity and enduring appeal, it’s highly likely that another Friday the 13th film will eventually be made, once the legal issues are resolved.
FAQ 9: Which actor has played Jason Voorhees the most times?
Kane Hodder played Jason Voorhees in four consecutive films: Friday the 13th Part VII: The New Blood, Friday the 13th Part VIII: Jason Takes Manhattan, Jason Goes to Hell: The Final Friday, and Jason X. He is widely considered by many fans to be the definitive Jason.
FAQ 10: Are the Friday the 13th movies connected to each other?
While there is an overall narrative arc, the connections between some of the films can be loose. Continuity errors and retcons exist throughout the series. The first four films are relatively closely connected, focusing on Tommy Jarvis’s storyline after his encounter with Jason in The Final Chapter. Later films become more standalone, often disregarding details from previous installments.
FAQ 11: What’s the legal battle about that’s preventing new films?
The legal battle primarily revolves around the screenplay for the original Friday the 13th. Victor Miller, the screenwriter, successfully reclaimed the rights to the screenplay from producer Sean Cunningham. However, Cunningham still retains rights over the character of adult Jason Voorhees and many other franchise elements. This legal entanglement has made it difficult to produce new films.
FAQ 12: Is there a “final girl” in every Friday the 13th movie?
The “final girl” trope, a staple of the slasher genre, is present in many, but not all, of the Friday the 13th films. This refers to the last female character alive who confronts and usually defeats the killer. While prevalent, some films deviate from this formula, focusing more on male characters or having the “final girl” meet an ambiguous fate.
Conclusion: The Enduring Legacy of Jason Voorhees
Whether you count 12 or 13 movies, the Friday the 13th franchise remains a significant force in horror cinema. Its iconic villain, enduring tropes, and lasting influence ensure its continued relevance and appeal for generations to come. The next chapter for Jason Voorhees may be uncertain, but his legacy is forever etched in the annals of horror history.