There are twelve official Friday the 13th movies in the main franchise, spanning from 1980 to 2009. This encompasses the core storyline involving Jason Voorhees and his reign of terror at Camp Crystal Lake and beyond.
A Journey Through Crystal Lake’s Dark History
The Friday the 13th film franchise stands as a cornerstone of the slasher genre, captivating audiences for decades with its visceral scares, iconic imagery, and the enduring menace of Jason Voorhees. Understanding the scope of the series requires delving into its chronology, characters, and the evolution of its gruesome legacy. From its humble beginnings as a low-budget shocker to its later, more elaborate installments, the Friday the 13th saga offers a fascinating study in horror filmmaking.
This guide offers a comprehensive overview of the twelve official films, while also touching upon related projects and common queries that arise regarding this blood-soaked saga.
The Canonical Twelve: A Film-by-Film Breakdown
Here’s the official list of Friday the 13th movies that contribute to the main timeline and storyline:
- 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)
Each film, while contributing to the overall lore, also possesses its unique identity and place within the franchise’s narrative. The reboot of 2009 attempted to revitalize the series, but the original twelve remain the core of the Friday the 13th legacy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Friday the 13th
Here are some of the most common questions surrounding the Friday the 13th movie franchise:
H3: Is there a Friday the 13th Part 14 Coming Out?
Currently, there is no Friday the 13th Part 14 officially in development. A complex legal battle between Victor Miller (screenwriter of the original Friday the 13th) and Sean S. Cunningham (director and producer) regarding copyright ownership has significantly hindered the production of new films. However, whispers and rumors frequently circulate, and the potential for a future installment remains a possibility once the legal issues are resolved. Hope springs eternal for fans of Camp Crystal Lake.
H3: Does Jason Wear His Mask in the First Friday the 13th Movie?
No, Jason does not wear his iconic hockey mask in the original Friday the 13th movie. The killer in that film is Pamela Voorhees, Jason’s mother, seeking revenge for his drowning at Camp Crystal Lake years earlier. Jason’s mask first appears in Friday the 13th Part III.
H3: Which Friday the 13th Movie is Considered the Best?
Opinions vary, but many fans consider Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives to be the best in the series. It’s praised for its self-aware humor, creative kills, and revitalization of Jason as an undead, practically unstoppable force.
H3: Why Does Jason Wear a Hockey Mask?
Jason dons the hockey mask in Friday the 13th Part III after stealing it from one of his victims, Shelly Finkelstein. It quickly becomes his signature look, cementing his status as a horror icon. Before the mask, he wore a burlap sack over his head.
H3: Is Friday the 13th: A New Beginning Canon?
Yes, Friday the 13th: A New Beginning is considered canon. However, Jason Voorhees is not the killer in this film. The perpetrator is a paramedic named Roy Burns, driven mad by the death of his son, who was killed by another patient at the halfway house Burns worked at. This film is often criticized for its misleading title and lack of the “real” Jason.
H3: What is the Order of the Friday the 13th Movies?
The chronological order is the same as the release order listed above, from Friday the 13th (1980) to Friday the 13th (2009). While some films have slight continuity errors, following the release order provides the most coherent viewing experience.
H3: How Many Times Does Jason Die in the Friday the 13th Series?
Jason “dies” several times throughout the series, but his ability to return is a recurring theme. The exact number is debated, as some deaths are ambiguous. However, he is seemingly killed in Friday the 13th: The Final Chapter, Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives (initially), Friday the 13th Part VII: The New Blood, Friday the 13th: Jason Goes to Hell: The Final Friday, and Jason X. Of course, most of these aren’t permanent.
H3: Is Freddy vs. Jason Considered Canon?
Yes, Freddy vs. Jason is generally considered canon within both the Friday the 13th and Nightmare on Elm Street universes. It acknowledges the events of previous films in both franchises.
H3: Who Owns the Rights to Friday the 13th?
As mentioned earlier, the rights to Friday the 13th are subject to a complex legal battle between Victor Miller, the screenwriter of the original film, and Sean S. Cunningham, the director and producer. This dispute has significantly hampered the development of new Friday the 13th projects.
H3: How Much Money Has the Friday the 13th Franchise Made?
The Friday the 13th franchise has been incredibly lucrative, grossing hundreds of millions of dollars worldwide. Its low-budget origins contributed to its impressive profitability, making it one of the most successful horror franchises in history. The combined gross exceeds $700 million.
H3: Where is Camp Crystal Lake Located in Real Life?
The filming location for Camp Crystal Lake in the original Friday the 13th was Camp No-Be-Bo-Sco, a Boy Scout camp in Hardwick Township, New Jersey. The camp still operates today and occasionally offers tours to fans.
H3: What Makes Jason Voorhees Such an Iconic Horror Villain?
Jason’s enduring appeal lies in his relentless nature, imposing physical presence, and the simplistic yet terrifying motivation behind his actions – revenge for his mother’s death and the perceived injustice of his own drowning. His hockey mask, machete, and silent demeanor have become synonymous with the slasher genre, solidifying his place in horror history. He represents a primal fear: the unstoppable force of nature reclaiming what he believes is rightfully his. Jason embodies the ultimate boogeyman.