Get ready for a thrilling journey through the iconic Friday the 13th franchise! As a new era unfolds with the upcoming Peacock series and a potential movie, we take a nostalgic trip down memory lane to rank these classic films. But here's the catch: ranking these horror masterpieces is no easy feat, especially when you're a die-hard fan like me!
Let's dive into this fun yet challenging task, exploring the best and worst of Jason Voorhees' reign of terror. From the birth of the iconic hockey mask to the controversial twists, get ready for a wild ride!
Friday the 13th Part III (1982): The Birth of an Icon
This is where it all began! Jason dons his famous hockey mask and embarks on a killing spree at Crystal Lake. Director Steve Miner delivers a creepy yet visually stunning experience, especially when viewed in 3D. The final chase sequence is a masterpiece, showcasing Jason's hulking presence and the skill of the final girl.
Friday the 13th (1980): A Classic Horror Tale
Directed by Sean S. Cunningham, this original masterpiece is a dark and fun ride. With an incredible score, special effects by Tom Savini, and a haunting performance by Betsy Palmer, it sets the tone for the entire franchise. The backstory of Camp Crystal Lake's tragic past adds an extra layer of creepiness.
Friday the 13th: The Final Chapter (1984): Dark Fun
Director Joseph Zito brings a dark atmosphere, but this film is also a blast! With likeable characters and wild dancing, it's a unique entry. Tom Savini's bloodshed and the clever defeat of Jason by young Tommy Jarvis make this a memorable chapter.
Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives (1986): Resurrecting the Legend
Writer/director Tom McLoughlin takes inspiration from the Universal Monsters era, bringing Jason back with a lightning bolt. This film pushes the comedy boundary while keeping the franchise's essence. Jason, played by CJ Graham, is never the joke, and the fun characters and rock 'n roll soundtrack make it a fan favorite.
Friday the 13th Part 2 (1981): A Surprising Twist
An odd yet brilliant decision to make Jason the killer this time around adds a unique twist. Director Steve Miner captures the tone perfectly, and the introduction of child psychologist Ginny Fields as the heroine is a highlight.
Friday the 13th Part VII: The New Blood (1988): Jason vs. Carrie
When Paramount couldn't secure the Freddy vs. Jason deal, they created a unique sequel. Tina, a troubled girl with telekinetic powers, accidentally resurrects Jason, leading to an epic showdown. Kane Hodder's debut as Jason and John Carl Beuchler's FX work make this a must-watch.
Friday the 13th: A New Beginning (1985): Hallucinations and Sleaze
A New Beginning has a bad reputation, but it's a wild ride! Jason, played by Tom Morga and Johnny Hock, is present only in Tommy Jarvis' hallucinations, but the hockey-masked killer is still a force to be reckoned with. The extreme sleaze and ridiculous characters add to its charm.
Freddy vs. Jason (2003): The Epic Showdown
After a long development journey, Freddy vs. Jason finally hit theaters. Director Ronny Yu delivers a stylish concept, bringing Robert Englund's Freddy Krueger and Ken Kirzinger's Jason Voorhees together. The clash of these iconic slashers in both the dream world and at Camp Crystal Lake is a thrilling spectacle.
Friday the 13th (2009): A Reboot with a Twist
This reboot combines elements from the first four films, featuring a faster and more intense Jason, played by Derek Mears. The controversial element of Jason's encounter with a woman resembling his mother adds a unique twist, dividing fans.
Friday the 13th Part VIII: Jason Takes Manhattan (1989): A Disappointing End to an Era
Jason Takes Manhattan failed to deliver on its promise, with most of the action taking place on a cruise ship. The arrival in Manhattan is underwhelming, but there's a great moment with Jason in Times Square. The trippy heroine and Elm Street-esque elements didn't quite land.
Jason Goes to Hell: The Final Friday (1993): A New Mythology
Director Adam Marcus delivers a unique installment, with Jason possessing people after being blasted to pieces. The film creates its own mythology, introducing new family members and a magical dagger that can send him to Hell. It's a wild ride, to say the least!
Jason X (2002): Future Absurdity
While Freddy vs. Jason was in development limbo, James Isaac created this future-set sequel to avoid continuity issues. Frozen Jason, played by Kane Hodder, is launched into space, and the absurdity begins. Nanotechnology upgrades Jason into Uber Jason, making for an entertaining and goofy ride.
Sweet Revenge (2025): A Mixed Bag
Writer/director Mike P. Nelson's short film, Sweet Revenge, marked the return of live-action Friday the 13th content. While it has its moments, the resurrected heroine and the redesigned hockey mask with only 13 holes raise concerns. The mask's texture and size need adjustments, but it's a fun teaser for Jason's comeback.
And this is the part most people miss... the franchise's evolution and the impact of its iconic characters. Jason Voorhees, with his iconic hockey mask and relentless pursuit, has left an indelible mark on horror cinema. But here's where it gets controversial... which film do you think showcases Jason at his best? And which one misses the mark? Let's discuss in the comments and rank these movies together!
