For a lot of scary movie fans, Friday the 13th is simply an excuse to watch horror films. While it's not really a holiday, it evokes feelings of dread and superstition and what better way to embrace those feelings by watching a horror film? It can't just be any old horror film though, since it's Friday the 13th it should follow that one of the Friday the 13th films should get a spin in the DVD player. But where to start? There are eleven Friday the 13th films, not including Freddy vs. Jason. So it's time to go back and see which films get the axe and which ones will live to see Saturday the 14th - starting with the worst.
12) Jason Goes To Hell: The Final Friday (1993)
The only good moment in this film is when it ended. Not only did Jason Goes to Hell ruin the canon of Friday the 13th, it tried to bring in elements from Halloween, resulting in complete and utter failure. Turning Jason into a slug who takes over people's bodies was such a left turn from the previous films that it came off as a film from a completley different genre. Also the design for Jason is just awful - looking more like a corpse than a true threat. Overall one of the worst horror films in existence.
11) Jason X (2002)
Jason goes to the future and into space - the only concept that could possibly more gimmicky than this is Freddy vs, Jason, but at least that film had charm. In Jason X, none of the characters are remotely interesting, they are horribly acted and, despite gratuitous amounts of gore and violence, it's really rather boring.
10) Friday the 13th Part V: A New Beginning (1985)
While it looks and feels like a Friday the 13th film, many fans don't count it on the list due to its ending. This film did for Friday the 13th what Halloween 3 did to its franchise and its fans. Make them angry.
09) Friday the 13th Part Vlll: Jason Takes Manhattan (1989)
While completely ridiculous and entertaining, there's no doubt that this film is horrible. With characters the audience doesn't care about, a movie title that blatantly lies, nonsensical plot points and one of the weirdest endings to any other film in the franchise ever - it really is a film that will leave people scratching their heads.
08) Freddy vs Jason (2003)
While fun and fresh, Freddy vs. Jason still has all the makings of a cliched gimmick. This film is mainly for fans of both the Friday the 13th and A Nightmare on Elm Street franchises. It's one of those films that requires a shut off of the brain and a suspension of disbelief in order to fully enjoy it. Not horrible, but not too great either.
07) Friday the 13th Part Vll: The New Blood (1988)
Here's where the list starts getting better. With some excellent make up, creative death scenes and outstanding stunt work, The New Blood makes for a fun Friday the 13th film. While the plot is ludicrous and the ending is laughable, it still does its job in entertaining an audience.
06) Friday the 13th (2009)
While not technically a remake, this film pushed the franchise back on track and would've made for an excellent sequel. Despite an underwhelming ending and some slow pacing, this film is a worthy throwback to the golden years of Friday the 13th. Modernization isn't always bad.
05) Friday the 13th Pat Vl: Jason Lives (1986)
The first of the zombie Jason films, Jason Lives is a fun ride. It's gory, dark, suspenseful and even has some of those quirky Friday the 13th moments that fans of the franchise have grown to love.
04) Friday the 13th Part lll (1982)
The first appearance of the infamous hockey mask, Part lll is a good mix of the first two films and has some incredibly likable characters. Despite having yet another rip off ending, this film still makes the top four.
03) Friday the 13th (1980)
The original is a classic. There's not much to say that hasn't already been said. For one, the pacing and suspense is spot on, the characters are well crafted and the make up and effects are realistic. However, it does prove to be a really dated film that feels a bit awkward at times. Although, Friday the 13th is still one of the greats, and always will be.
02) Friday the 13th Part ll (1981)
The first appearance of Jason, Part ll follows the format of the original and touches up on some of the blemishes of the first film. A much more engaging and creepy film than its predecessor, Part ll manages to go beyond the standard that the original set without straying too far from the established formula.
01) Friday the 13th Part lV: The Final Chapter (1984)
Truly one of the more threatening looks for Jason. He isn't lumbering or wearing a potato sack and he is too tough to even bother using doors. The Final Chapter took everything great about the first three films and put it into one movie. The death scenes are elaborate, the atmosphere is heavy, it has nostalgic value and Corey Feldman is in it - what else is needed?
Andrew Scholz - I am currently a journalism student at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh with an emphasis in writing and editing. Also I am working on a ...
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