Ranking the Friday the 13th Movies Based on Their Re-Watch Value

Look no further than the Friday the 13th series when it comes to rewatching popular horror franchises. This slasher subgenre classic dominated the 1980s and continues to hold cultural significance today. Recognizable for its hockey mask-wearing slasher villain, Jason Voorhees, the Friday the 13th series has achieved great success, both financially and in terms of building a dedicated fan base. With twelve entries in this long-running franchise, binge-watching them all is a truly enjoyable experience, especially during the Halloween season. Despite the series not having any new film entries for over a decade due to disputes over rights, it still remains a favorite among fans. Here are the rankings of all twelve entries in this iconic series, based on their rewatch value.

12. 'Jason Goes to Hell: The Final Friday' (1993)

Directed by Adam Marcus

The Final Friday of the Jason Goes to Hell series was intended to serve as the grand finale after New Line Cinema acquired the rights from Paramount. Despite commencing with a high-octane opening sequence, the film took a downward turn when the narrative introduced an outlandish plot twist involving Jason's spirit infiltrating and controlling the bodies of unsuspecting victims, enabling him to persist in his relentless killing spree.

The ninth installment of the series added too many inexplicable supernatural elements to Jason's backstory without providing proper explanations. It is disappointing that, despite being Jason's final appearance, he has limited screen time, which is a shame considering his remarkable new appearance. Catch it on Max.

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

Directed by Rob Hedden

Image provided by Paramount Pictures

With the franchise's eighth installment, the filmmakers opted to transport Jason from the serene woods to the lively city streets of New York in an attempt to create a fresh and captivating storyline. While the concept aligns with the franchise's overall tone, its execution ultimately falls short.

Jason Takes Manhattan suffered from a reduced budget, resulting in significant cuts to the New York scenes in the script. Consequently, the majority of the film feels sluggish as it primarily focuses on Jason's journey by boat to reach the city. Although there are a few noteworthy shots upon his arrival in the Big Apple, they fail to salvage the film's already slow pace and ultimately disastrous ending.

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10. 'Jason X' (2002)

Directed by James Isaac

Image courtesy of New Line Cinema

After nine gruesome movies, Jason Voorhees had already carved his brutal path from Camp Crystal Lake all the way to the bustling streets of New York City. However, in 2002, the creators of the franchise decided to push the boundaries even further by sending Jason on an outlandish journey into the depths of space.

Jason X is aware of its own absurdity and embraces it for comedic effect. Although it can be quite enjoyable, the film does have several tedious scenes involving lackluster human characters whose main purpose is to increase the death toll. Despite these flaws, Jason X remains an entertaining and lighthearted parody within the series.

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9. 'Friday the 13th' (2009)

Directed by Marcus Nispel

In the 2000s, there was a resurgence of classic slasher films such as The Texas Chainsaw Massacre and A Nightmare on Elm Street. These movies were remade to cater to modern audiences. Finally, in 2009, a remake of the original Friday the 13th was released, paying tribute to the series while also offering a fresh take.

This film, although occasionally deemed unnecessary, outshines other horror remakes by successfully incorporating several commendable aspects from the original franchise. The portrayal of Jason in this film showcases increased speed, heightened aggression, and a deeper emotional depth, ensuring his distinctiveness. While not flawless, it effectively returns Jason to his terrifying origins.

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8. 'Friday the 13th Part V: A New Beginning' (1985)

Directed by Danny Steinmann

In an attempt to carry on the franchise following Jason's conclusive demise in the previous chapter, A New Beginning made its way to theaters. Despite its success in terms of box office revenue, the movie received severe criticism from both critics and viewers alike due to its unimpressive whodunit storyline and disappointing substitute for the killer.

The film has become increasingly polarizing among fans over time. While some still despise it, others have grown to appreciate its numerous flaws, resulting in its gradual recognition as a comedic horror film that is so bad, it's actually good. Additionally, the film boasts incredibly amusing characters that contribute to its overall entertainment value, making it a thoroughly enjoyable experience from beginning to end.

7. 'Friday the 13th' (1980)

Directed by Sean S. Cunningham

After the box office hit of John Carpenter's Halloween, numerous imitative films emerged, attempting to capitalize on the growing trend of slasher movies. In 1980, one of these mimic movies marked the beginning of the Friday the 13th series, and it achieved tremendous success with its chilling and memorable moments.

The standout feature of the film is its cleverly crafted twist villain, Pamela Voorhees (played by Betsey Palmer), who propelled the franchise's popularity a year before her legendary son Jason joined the scene. While subsequent sequels may have overshadowed this initial installment, it is undeniable that the original film played a significant role in establishing this adored franchise.

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

Directed by John Carl Buechler

Image via Paramount Pictures

The New Blood falls short of being groundbreaking like other entries, instead simply extending Jason's undead story arc. Nonetheless, the film proves to be highly entertaining, featuring an abundance of thrilling action scenes and extraordinary stunt work brought to life by the new Jason actor, Kane Hodder.

Despite the film being hindered by heavily censored kills and lackluster characters, Hodder's remarkable physical abilities and daring stunts in the Jason costume manage to sustain the excitement. His portrayal of this beloved slasher is so impressive that he reprised the role for the subsequent three installments.

5. 'Friday the 13th Part II' (1981)

Directed by Steve Miner

Friday the 13th Part II sustained the momentum of the series by increasing the number of deaths and featuring more realistic characters. Additionally, it marked the debut of adult Jason Voorhees before adopting the iconic hockey goalie mask that would solidify his status as a horror icon.

Part II promptly delves into Jason's character, showcasing his unique methods of killing and emphasizing certain personality traits that would reappear in subsequent films. The film is further enhanced by a talented ensemble cast, delivering performances that effectively elicit empathy from the audience as they root for their survival.

4. 'Friday the 13th Part III' (1982)

Directed by Steve Miner

Image via Paramount Pictures

In the mid 1980s, there was a rise in the production of horror films using 3D technology as a way to attract a larger audience and create a more enjoyable movie experience. Recognizing the potential this format had for their next movie, the filmmakers chose to give Jason the 3D treatment in Friday the 13th Part III, which turned out to be one of the most profitable sequels in the franchise.

Admittedly, many of the 3D effects in the film appear quite comical, but they actually contribute to the entertainment value and it's amusing to see how ridiculous some of the scenes look. Additionally, the movie features memorable kill scenes and marks the introduction of Jason's iconic hockey mask for the first time.

3. 'Freddy vs. Jason' (2003)

Directed by Ronny Yu

Image via New Line

Following the dramatic finale of The Final Friday, where Freddy Krueger's (Robert Englund) glove mysteriously dragged Jason's mask underground, fans eagerly anticipated the ultimate clash between these iconic slashers. Finally, the long-awaited Freddy vs. Jason film arrived, exceeding expectations with a truly spectacular showdown.

The film skillfully develops the intense and believable rivalry between Freddy and Jason (Ken Kirzinger). By establishing the tension and uncovering the reasons behind their mutual animosity, the audience becomes even more invested in their inevitable confrontation. And when the long-awaited fight ensues, it is a thrilling and no-holds-barred battle to the death, with only one victor emerging victorious.

2. 'Friday the 13th Part IV: The Final Chapter' (1984)

Directed by Joseph Zito

Frank Mancuso Jr., the co-creator, believed that the series had reached its peak after Part III and decided to give Jason a definitive conclusion with The Final Chapter in 1984. Although it was not truly the final chapter, the film successfully provided an exhilarating and gruesome "last" adventure for Jason as a living murderer.

Even after all these years, many fans consider The Final Chapter to be one of the most memorable entries in the franchise. The film boasts unique kill scenes and a stellar cast, including Cory Feldman as the recurring protagonist, Tommy Jarvis, which explains its status as a beloved choice among fans.

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

Directed by Tom McGlouchlin

Image via Paramount Pictures

Although The Final Chapter seemed to permanently end Jason's reign, it left room for possibilities of a future return. Fortunately, Jason made a triumphant comeback in the 1986 film Jason Lives, marking the beginning of his unstoppable rampage as a zombie. Audiences and critics embraced Jason Lives, appreciating its outstanding blend of horror and self-aware comedy. With an expanded budget and the inclusion of fantastic songs performed by Alice Cooper, the sixth installment is a highly enjoyable and increasingly captivating experience upon repeated viewings.

Editor's P/S

The Friday the 13th franchise is a classic slasher series that has stood the test of time. With twelve films in the series, there is plenty of content for fans to enjoy. However, not all of the films are created equal. Some are more rewatchable than others.

In my opinion, the best film in the series is the original 1980 film. This film is a classic for a reason. It has a great story, memorable characters, and some truly iconic scares. The film is also well-paced and never drags. I can watch this film over and over again and still enjoy it every time.

Another one of my favorite films in the series is Friday the 13th Part 2. This film is a direct sequel to the original and it continues the story of Jason Voorhees. This film is just as good as the original, in my opinion. It has a great story, memorable characters, and some truly iconic scares. The film is also well-paced and never drags. I can watch this film over and over again and still enjoy it every time.