Friday The 13th Movies: The Complete Guide

Friday the 13th is a classic horror franchise that has been terrifying audiences for over 40 years. With 12 films, a TV series, and countless other media, the series has cemented its place in pop culture history. This guide provides a comprehensive look at all the Friday the 13th movies, offering insights, trivia, and more for fans old and new.

What are the Friday the 13th Movies in Order?

The Friday the 13th film series includes 12 movies, each adding to the lore of Jason Voorhees and Camp Crystal Lake. Here is the list in chronological order:

1. Friday the 13th (1980)
2. Friday the 13th Part 2 (1981)
3. Friday the 13th Part III (1982)
4. Friday the 13th: The Final Chapter (1984)
5. Friday the 13th: A New Beginning (1985)
6. Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives (1986)
7. Friday the 13th Part VII: The New Blood (1988)
8. Friday the 13th Part VIII: Jason Takes Manhattan (1989)
9. Jason Goes to Hell: The Final Friday (1993)
10. Jason X (2001)
11. Freddy vs. Jason (2003)
12. Friday the 13th (2009)

Friday the 13th (1980)

The original Friday the 13th introduces us to Camp Crystal Lake and the legend of Jason Voorhees. However, in this first film, the killer is not Jason, but his mother, Pamela Voorhees, seeking revenge for Jason's drowning in 1957 due to the negligence of camp counselors.

Key Facts:

• Release Date: May 9, 1980
• Director: Sean S. Cunningham
• Killer: Pamela Voorhees
• Synopsis: A group of counselors reopening Camp Crystal Lake are stalked and murdered by an unknown assailant.

Memorable Moments:

• The shocking reveal of Pamela Voorhees as the killer.
• The final confrontation between Pamela and Alice, the sole survivor.

Friday the 13th Part 2 (1981)

Part 2 marks the first appearance of Jason Voorhees as the main killer. Set five years after the original, the film follows a new group of counselors at a training camp near Crystal Lake who are stalked by Jason, now a vengeful adult. — Upcoming Movies 2025: Your Ultimate Guide

Key Facts:

• Release Date: May 1, 1981
• Director: Steve Miner
• Killer: Jason Voorhees
• Synopsis: Five years after the Camp Crystal Lake massacre, Jason returns to kill a new group of counselors.

Memorable Moments:

• Jason's first appearance as the killer.
• The iconic burlap sack mask.

Friday the 13th Part III (1982)

Part III is notable for being the first film in the series to feature Jason wearing his iconic hockey mask. The story follows a group of teenagers who encounter Jason at a lake house near Crystal Lake.

Key Facts:

• Release Date: August 13, 1982
• Director: Steve Miner
• Killer: Jason Voorhees
• Synopsis: A group of teenagers vacationing at a lake house become Jason's next targets.

Memorable Moments:

• Jason acquiring his hockey mask.
• The 3D effects, which were a novelty at the time.

Friday the 13th: The Final Chapter (1984)

Originally intended to be the final film in the series, The Final Chapter introduces Tommy Jarvis, a character who would become a recurring protagonist. Jason continues his killing spree until he meets his apparent end at Tommy's hands.

Key Facts:

• Release Date: April 13, 1984
• Director: Joseph Zito
• Killer: Jason Voorhees
• Synopsis: Jason returns to terrorize a family and their friends, but encounters a young man named Tommy Jarvis who is determined to stop him.

Memorable Moments:

• The introduction of Tommy Jarvis.
• Jason's intense and brutal kills.
• The climactic battle between Tommy and Jason.

Friday the 13th: A New Beginning (1985)

Part 5 attempts to continue the series without Jason as the main killer. The film follows Tommy Jarvis, now traumatized by his encounter with Jason, as a new series of murders occur at a halfway house where he resides. The killer is a copycat, leading to mixed reactions from fans.

Key Facts:

• Release Date: March 22, 1985
• Director: Danny Steinmann
• Killer: Roy Burns (Copycat)
• Synopsis: Years after Jason's death, a series of murders occur at a halfway house, leading to suspicion that Jason has returned.

Memorable Moments:

• The identity of the copycat killer revealed.
• The film's unique approach to the franchise without Jason.

Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives (1986)

Jason Lives brings Jason back from the dead, this time as a supernatural force. Tommy Jarvis accidentally resurrects Jason, who returns with enhanced strength and invulnerability. This film is a fan favorite for its self-aware humor and over-the-top kills.

Key Facts:

• Release Date: August 1, 1986
• Director: Tom McLoughlin
• Killer: Jason Voorhees (Resurrected)
• Synopsis: Tommy Jarvis accidentally resurrects Jason, who returns as a supernatural killer.

Memorable Moments:

• Jason's resurrection.
• The film's blend of horror and dark humor.
• The paintball massacre scene.

Friday the 13th Part VII: The New Blood (1988)

The New Blood pits Jason against a telekinetic teenager, Carrie-style. Tina Shepard, a young woman with psychic powers, accidentally unleashes Jason from his watery grave. The film is known for its special effects and intense confrontations between Jason and Tina.

Key Facts:

• Release Date: May 13, 1988
• Director: John Carl Buechler
• Killer: Jason Voorhees
• Synopsis: A telekinetic teenager accidentally revives Jason, leading to a psychic showdown.

Memorable Moments:

• The battle between Jason and Tina.
• The impressive special effects.

Friday the 13th Part VIII: Jason Takes Manhattan (1989)

Despite its title, Jason Takes Manhattan spends most of its runtime on a boat heading to New York City. Jason terrorizes a group of graduating high school students on their class trip. The film is known for its ambitious concept and memorable scenes, though the execution was limited by budget constraints.

Key Facts:

• Release Date: July 28, 1989
• Director: Rob Hedden
• Killer: Jason Voorhees
• Synopsis: Jason terrorizes a group of high school graduates on a class trip to New York City.

Memorable Moments:

• Jason's rampage on the boat.
• The brief scenes of Jason in Times Square.

Jason Goes to Hell: The Final Friday (1993)

This installment attempts to bring a definitive end to Jason's story. Jason's spirit is able to possess other bodies, making him even more difficult to kill. The film introduces new lore and a supernatural element, dividing fans with its unique approach.

Key Facts:

• Release Date: August 13, 1993
• Director: Adam Marcus
• Killer: Jason Voorhees (Possessing Bodies)
• Synopsis: Jason's spirit possesses other bodies, leading to a new series of murders.

Memorable Moments:

• Jason's ability to possess others.
• The connection to the Evil Dead franchise.

Jason X (2001)

Jason X takes the franchise to space. Set in the 25th century, Jason is cryogenically frozen and revived aboard a spaceship. He then stalks and kills the crew, blending slasher horror with science fiction elements. This film is known for its campy and over-the-top nature.

Key Facts:

• Release Date: April 26, 2002
• Director: James Isaac
• Killer: Jason Voorhees (Cybernetic)
• Synopsis: In the 25th century, Jason is revived on a spaceship and terrorizes the crew.

Memorable Moments:

• Jason's transformation into Uber-Jason.
• The film's futuristic setting and effects.

Freddy vs. Jason (2003)

This crossover film pits two of horror's greatest icons against each other: Freddy Krueger from the Nightmare on Elm Street series and Jason Voorhees. The film is a showdown between the two killers, offering plenty of fan service and brutal action.

Key Facts:

• Release Date: August 15, 2003
• Director: Ronny Yu
• Killers: Freddy Krueger and Jason Voorhees
• Synopsis: Freddy Krueger manipulates Jason to terrorize the residents of Springwood, leading to a confrontation between the two horror icons.

Memorable Moments:

• The epic battles between Freddy and Jason.
• The film's blend of the Nightmare on Elm Street and Friday the 13th mythologies.

Friday the 13th (2009)

The 2009 Friday the 13th is a reboot of the series, retelling the origin story of Jason Voorhees. The film follows a group of young adults who encounter Jason while searching for a missing friend. This film aims for a more serious and gritty tone compared to some of the later sequels. — Colts Vs. Broncos: Player Stats And Game Analysis

Key Facts:

• Release Date: February 13, 2009
• Director: Marcus Nispel
• Killer: Jason Voorhees
• Synopsis: A group of young adults encounter Jason while searching for a missing friend near Camp Crystal Lake.

Memorable Moments:

• Jason's updated look and tactics.
• The film's attempt to modernize the franchise.

FAQs About Friday the 13th Movies

How many Friday the 13th movies are there?

There are 12 Friday the 13th movies, including the original series, the crossover film Freddy vs. Jason, and the 2009 reboot.

Who is the killer in the first Friday the 13th movie?

The killer in the first Friday the 13th movie is Pamela Voorhees, Jason's mother. She seeks revenge for Jason's drowning at Camp Crystal Lake. — Vikings Game Tonight: Everything You Need To Know

When does Jason get his hockey mask?

Jason first wears his iconic hockey mask in Friday the 13th Part III (1982).

Is there a new Friday the 13th movie coming out?

As of now, there is no new Friday the 13th movie officially announced. Legal issues surrounding the rights to the franchise have complicated production. However, there is ongoing interest in reviving the series.

What is the order of the Friday the 13th movies by release date?

The Friday the 13th movies in order of release date are:

1. Friday the 13th (1980)
2. Friday the 13th Part 2 (1981)
3. Friday the 13th Part III (1982)
4. Friday the 13th: The Final Chapter (1984)
5. Friday the 13th: A New Beginning (1985)
6. Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives (1986)
7. Friday the 13th Part VII: The New Blood (1988)
8. Friday the 13th Part VIII: Jason Takes Manhattan (1989)
9. Jason Goes to Hell: The Final Friday (1993)
10. Jason X (2001)
11. Freddy vs. Jason (2003)
12. Friday the 13th (2009)

Conclusion

The Friday the 13th movie franchise has left an indelible mark on the horror genre. From its humble beginnings with Pamela Voorhees to the supernatural exploits of Jason Voorhees, the series has offered fans a mix of scares, thrills, and iconic moments. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to the series, there's plenty to discover in the world of Camp Crystal Lake. Which movie will you watch first?