There are twelve Friday the 13th movies, ranging from the original slasher classic to the crossover extravaganza Freddy vs. Jason. This article delves into the franchise, exploring each film in chronological order and answering your burning questions about Camp Crystal Lake’s most notorious resident.
A Chronological Journey Through Camp Crystal Lake
The Friday the 13th franchise, spanning decades, has solidified its place in horror history. Understanding the films in order is crucial for appreciating the evolving mythology of Jason Voorhees and the enduring appeal of this slasher icon.
The Original Slasher: Friday the 13th (1980)
The movie that started it all! While Jason isn’t the killer in this first installment (it’s his vengeful mother, Pamela Voorhees), Friday the 13th sets the stage for the blood-soaked legacy to come. A group of young counselors reopens Camp Crystal Lake, a site haunted by a tragic drowning years prior. They soon find themselves stalked and murdered by an unseen assailant. The film introduced the iconic setting and established the theme of teenage carelessness leading to deadly consequences.
Vengeance Continues: Friday the 13th Part 2 (1981)
Picking up five years after the original, Part 2 introduces Jason Voorhees as the fully-fledged, masked killer he is known to be. Still seeking revenge for his mother’s death, Jason stalks a new group of counselors at a nearby training camp. He doesn’t yet have his hockey mask, sporting a burlap sack over his head, but his murderous intent is clear. This sequel cemented Jason as the central antagonist and established the slasher formula the series would follow.
The Iconic Mask: Friday the 13th Part III (1982)
Part III is significant because it’s the film where Jason acquires his iconic hockey mask. After brutally killing a couple in a barn near Camp Crystal Lake, Jason steals the mask and dons it for the remainder of the series. The 3D gimmick of the time added to the film’s campy charm and cemented the image of Jason that would become synonymous with the franchise.
The Final Chapter? Friday the 13th: The Final Chapter (1984)
Originally intended to be the conclusion of the franchise, The Final Chapter brings Jason back to Camp Crystal Lake, where he terrorizes another group of teenagers. Corey Feldman stars as Tommy Jarvis, a resourceful young boy with a fascination for masks and special effects makeup, who ultimately defeats Jason. Despite its title, this film wasn’t the end, but it offered a definitive (though temporary) resolution to Jason’s rampage.
A New Beginning? Friday the 13th: A New Beginning (1985)
This film attempted to introduce a new killer, a paramedic driven insane by the death of his son. Tommy Jarvis, now a teenager struggling with the trauma of his encounter with Jason, is sent to a halfway house where a series of murders occur. This sequel is often criticized for deviating from the Jason formula and featuring a “copycat” killer.
Jason Lives: Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives (1986)
Jason Lives sees the resurrection of Jason Voorhees as a virtually indestructible undead killing machine. Tommy Jarvis, still haunted by his past, attempts to destroy Jason’s corpse but inadvertently brings him back to life. This film embraced a more self-aware and comedic tone, marking a significant shift in the franchise.
The New Blood: Friday the 13th Part VII: The New Blood (1988)
This installment pits Jason against Tina Shepard, a young woman with telekinetic powers. Tina, accidentally resurrects Jason while practicing her abilities near Crystal Lake. A battle ensues between Tina and Jason, resulting in chaos and carnage. The New Blood offered a fresh dynamic by introducing supernatural elements and a formidable opponent for Jason.
Jason Takes Manhattan: Friday the 13th Part VIII: Jason Takes Manhattan (1989)
Despite the title, most of this film takes place on a cruise ship headed to New York City. Jason boards the ship and begins killing the graduating class on board. He eventually makes his way to Manhattan, where he continues his rampage. This film is often criticized for its misleading title and low-budget portrayal of New York City.
Jason Goes to Hell: The Final Friday: Friday the 13th Part IX: Jason Goes to Hell: The Final Friday (1993)
This film delves into the supernatural aspects of Jason’s existence, revealing that he can only be killed by a member of his bloodline. Jason’s body is destroyed, but his spirit lives on, possessing various hosts in an attempt to resurrect himself. Jason Goes to Hell significantly departed from the established formula, introducing new lore and further distancing itself from the slasher roots of the franchise.
Jason X: Jason X (2001)
Set in the future, Jason X sees Jason cryogenically frozen and awakened hundreds of years later aboard a spaceship. He then terrorizes the crew and is eventually transformed into “Uber Jason,” a cyborg version of himself. This film is known for its ridiculous premise and over-the-top violence, pushing the franchise into full-blown science fiction territory.
Freddy vs. Jason: Freddy vs. Jason (2003)
This highly anticipated crossover pits Jason Voorhees against Freddy Krueger, the iconic dream demon from the Nightmare on Elm Street franchise. Freddy manipulates Jason into wreaking havoc on Springwood, hoping to regain his power. The two horror icons eventually clash in an epic battle. Freddy vs. Jason was a box office success, capitalizing on the popularity of both franchises and delivering a satisfying showdown.
Reboot: Friday the 13th (2009)
This film is a reboot of the franchise, reimagining the origin story of Jason Voorhees and his connection to Camp Crystal Lake. A group of teenagers stumbles upon Jason’s territory while searching for marijuana, leading to a deadly confrontation. The reboot attempted to modernize the franchise for a new audience, but it ultimately failed to revitalize the series and spawn further sequels.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about the Friday the 13th movie franchise, addressing common queries and offering deeper insights.
1. Why does Jason wear a hockey mask?
Jason acquired his iconic hockey mask in Friday the 13th Part III. He kills a character named Harold, who wears the mask, and takes it for himself. It became a symbol of his terrifying persona.
2. Is Jason always the killer in every Friday the 13th movie?
No. In the original Friday the 13th, the killer is Jason’s mother, Pamela Voorhees. In Friday the 13th: A New Beginning, the killer is a copycat. Jason becomes the primary killer starting in Friday the 13th Part 2.
3. What order should I watch the Friday the 13th movies?
The best order is chronological by release date, starting with Friday the 13th (1980) and ending with Friday the 13th (2009) reboot. This allows you to follow the evolution of the story and character.
4. What is considered the best Friday the 13th movie?
Opinions vary, but many fans consider Friday the 13th: The Final Chapter or Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives to be among the best. The Final Chapter features a strong narrative and memorable characters, while Jason Lives embraces a more comedic and self-aware tone.
5. What is considered the worst Friday the 13th movie?
Jason Goes to Hell: The Final Friday and Jason X are often considered the weakest entries due to their significant departures from the established formula and outlandish premises.
6. Is there a Friday the 13th movie without Camp Crystal Lake?
Yes, Friday the 13th Part VIII: Jason Takes Manhattan features very little of Camp Crystal Lake. Most of the film takes place on a cruise ship and in New York City.
7. Are there any connections between the Friday the 13th movies and other horror franchises besides Nightmare on Elm Street?
Not officially. Freddy vs. Jason is the only official crossover. However, fan theories and speculation often link the Friday the 13th universe to other horror franchises.
8. Who owns the rights to the Friday the 13th franchise?
The rights ownership has been a complicated legal battle. As of recent updates, Victor Miller owns the rights to the original screenplay, while Sean Cunningham and Horror, Inc. own the rights to the Jason Voorhees character and subsequent films.
9. Will there be another Friday the 13th movie?
The future of the franchise is uncertain due to the aforementioned legal battles. However, discussions and potential projects are often rumored, indicating a possible return of Jason Voorhees to the big screen.
10. What’s the deal with Pamela Voorhees in the first movie?
Pamela Voorhees is the main antagonist of the original film, seeking revenge for the drowning death of her son, Jason, at Camp Crystal Lake years earlier. She believes the counselors were negligent and responsible for his death.
11. How has Jason Voorhees evolved throughout the franchise?
Jason has evolved from a relatively human killer to an undead, nearly indestructible killing machine with supernatural elements. He has also gone through multiple physical transformations, most notably becoming “Uber Jason” in Jason X.
12. What is the lasting appeal of the Friday the 13th movies?
The enduring appeal lies in the simple yet effective slasher formula, the iconic villain, and the relatable fear of being stalked and killed in a vulnerable setting. The franchise also benefits from its campy charm and over-the-top violence, which have become hallmarks of the series. The series’ longevity ensures a dedicated fan base.