Jason’s Best and Worst Moments Uncovered
The era of Friday the 13th games officially concluded on January 1st, when the servers for Friday the 13th: The Game were taken offline due to ongoing legal challenges faced by the franchise. This beloved multiplayer experience, which allowed fans to immerse themselves in the world of Jason Voorhees, is no longer accessible. While the game may have been silenced, the thrill of the original films remains alive and well. Join us as we explore the ultimate Friday the 13th Movies Ranked list, celebrating the legacy of these iconic horror films!
Creating this ranking list turned out to be a surprisingly challenging endeavor. The Friday the 13th franchise holds a special place in my heart, making it difficult to prioritize one film over another. Each movie contributes uniquely to the franchise’s lore, akin to ranking essential organs in my body. While some entries may resonate more than others, their collective presence is vital. My final ranking reflects my personal viewing preferences on any given day, from “Absolutely, let’s watch that now!” to “Sure, I’m up for it.” Dive in and share your own rankings in the comments below!
EXPERIENCE THE ORIGIN OF JASON’S ICONIC HOCKEY MASK IN FRIDAY THE 13TH PART III (1982)
This film marks the pivotal moment when the legendary Jason Voorhees transforms into the slasher we all know and fear, donning his infamous hockey mask. Set against the backdrop of a secluded cabin near Crystal Lake, Jason terrorizes a group of young adults. Directed by Steve Miner, Part 2’s visionary, this installment expertly blends horror and entertainment, featuring thrilling 3D effects that enhance the viewer’s experience. If you ever have the chance to watch Friday the 13th Part III in 3D, seize it! The adrenaline rush of witnessing Jason (Richard Brooker) pursue the final girl through an exhilarating 13-minute chase sequence is unforgettable and highlights the film’s suspenseful energy.
DISCOVER THE ORIGINS OF TERROR IN FRIDAY THE 13TH (1980)
Directed by Sean S. Cunningham, the original Friday the 13th has solidified its legacy as a horror classic, yet it often fails to receive the recognition it truly deserves for its chilling effectiveness. Crafted on a modest budget, the film successfully conjures a darkly thrilling atmosphere, complete with a haunting backstory, a spine-tingling score, and jaw-dropping special effects from the legendary Tom Savini. Betsy Palmer delivers a haunting performance as a bereaved mother seeking vengeance for her son, who tragically drowned at Camp Crystal Lake due to inattentive counselors. Although the new counselors are not responsible, they ultimately face the wrath of her vengeance, making this film a gripping exploration of loss and horror.
EXPERIENCE THE DARK THRILLS OF FRIDAY THE 13TH: THE FINAL CHAPTER (1984)
Set in a remote forest, this chilling installment features a family living in a secluded home and a group of young adults renting a cabin nearby, all while Jason Voorhees (played by Ted White) lurks ominously in the shadows. Directed by Joseph Zito, this film expertly balances a dark atmosphere with enjoyable moments, showcasing some of the most relatable characters in the entire series, including a memorable dance performance by Crispin Glover. Tom Savini returned to provide the iconic special effects, ensuring the kills are both brutal and visually impactful. The film culminates in a terrifying showdown between the relentless Jason and a clever young boy named Tommy Jarvis, who devises a unique plan to confront the terrifying killer.
UNLEASHED HORROR IN FRIDAY THE 13TH PART VI: JASON LIVES (1986)
In an imaginative twist, writer/director Tom McLoughlin brings Jason Voorhees back to life, drawing inspiration from classic Universal Monsters films. With a dramatic lightning strike, Jason resurrects from his grave, now more menacing and powerful than ever, just in time for Camp Crystal Lake’s reopening. As Tommy Jarvis, a returning hero, attempts to thwart Jason’s rampage, McLoughlin enriches the narrative with engaging characters, witty dialogues, thrilling stunts, and captivating cinematography. Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives infuses humor into the horror genre, pushing comedic boundaries while maintaining Jason’s frightening presence. The film breathes new life into the franchise, keeping the tension high and the setting eerily familiar.
DISCOVER THE REBIRTH OF FEAR IN FRIDAY THE 13TH PART 2 (1981)
Friday the 13th Part 2 (beware, it’s not titled Part II until later installments) presents a unique twist by shifting the focus to Jason Voorhees, the drowned child from the original film. This portrayal introduces a backwoods killer, with an iconic sack covering his head (played by Steve Dash), who brutally slaughters a new group of counselors. Director Steve Miner successfully captures the suspenseful essence of the first film while also introducing one of the franchise’s standout heroines, child psychologist Ginny Fields. Ginny’s resourcefulness and intelligence come to the forefront as she devises a clever strategy to confront the menace that Jason has become, making this sequel a thrilling continuation of the saga.
EXPERIENCE THE PSYCHIC SHOWDOWN IN FRIDAY THE 13TH PART VII: THE NEW BLOOD (1988)
When Paramount failed to secure a deal for Freddy vs. Jason, they pivoted to create a film that pits Jason against a girl with telekinetic powers, reminiscent of *Carrie*. This sequel mirrors the setup from The Final Chapter, where partying teenagers inhabit a house across from a family home. However, this time, the family home is occupied by Tina, a troubled girl who inadvertently resurrects Jason. The climactic confrontation showcases Tina using her telekinetic abilities to battle the hockey-masked slasher, resulting in an electrifying showdown. This film marks Kane Hodder’s debut as Jason, and director John Carl Beuchler’s creative vision gives Jason a uniquely grotesque appearance, making it a memorable entry in the franchise.
UNRAVEL THE MYSTERY OF FRIDAY THE 13TH: A NEW BEGINNING (1985)
Years after enduring psychiatric treatment, hero Tommy Jarvis from Friday the 13th: The Final Chapter arrives at Pinehurst Halfway House, only to find himself in the midst of a new series of murders. A masked killer begins targeting the staff and troubled youths at the facility, creating an atmosphere of suspense and chaos. Although the identity of the murderer is meant to be a mystery, the clues are laid out clearly throughout the narrative. Directed by Danny Steinmann, this entry carries a somewhat tarnished reputation; however, it still offers an engaging and entertaining experience. Jason may only exist in Tommy’s hallucinations, yet the film still delivers a hockey-masked killer who embodies the essence of Jason’s brutality, making it a quirky yet enjoyable film.
WITNESS THE EPIC CLASH IN FREDDY VS. JASON (2003)
After navigating a rocky development phase, Freddy vs. Jason finally graced theaters in 2003, helmed by director Ronny Yu. The film brings together two of horror’s most iconic villains: Robert Englund returns as Freddy Krueger, the nightmare-inducing antagonist from the *Nightmare on Elm Street* series, while Ken Kirzinger portrays Jason Voorhees. Freddy cunningly manipulates Jason to rise from Hell, using his mother’s image to lure him back to Elm Street, where chaos reigns. As Jason continues his killing spree, the two horror icons inevitably clash, leading to intense confrontations both in dreams and at Camp Crystal Lake. The film culminates in an exhilarating and bloody showdown that fans of both franchises have long awaited.
EXPERIENCE THE MODERN TWIST IN FRIDAY THE 13TH (2009)
This reboot creatively weaves elements from the first four Friday the 13th films into a fresh narrative, merging the classic horror with contemporary filmmaking. Derek Mears takes on the role of Jason Voorhees, portraying him as a more agile and menacing presence. Initially appearing with a sack on his head, Jason later acquires his signature hockey mask as the story unfolds. The plot follows the familiar trajectory: a group of young adults vacationing near Crystal Lake become Jason’s targets. The film also introduces a controversial twist reminiscent of Part 2, where Jason captures a woman resembling his mother and keeps her alive in his lair instead of killing her. This choice has sparked debate among fans, dividing opinions on its appropriateness within the franchise.
