How to Watch Friday the 13th Movies in Order

When it comes to slasher films, the Friday the 13th series stands out with its legendary killer, Jason Voorhees. Spanning from the 1980s to the 2000s, this franchise features a mix of original films, reboots, and even a crossover. For fans or newcomers wanting to watch these in the right order, understanding the timeline can be a bit tricky.

In my opinion, the best way to dive into the series is by following the order in which the events occur in the plot. The first film, released in 1980, kicks off the saga with Jason’s mother as the central villain. As the series progresses, Jason himself becomes the iconic figure we all recognize, with his famous hockey mask making its first appearance in the third installment.

For a seamless viewing experience, I recommend following a detailed guide that lists all the films chronologically, including the spin-offs and reboots.

Friday the 13th Movies in Order Chronologically

The “Friday the 13th” series spans several decades, introducing audiences to Jason Voorhees’ story from his first appearance to futuristic encounters. Here’s a look at the films in the order of their timelines.

1. Friday the 13th (1980)

This film kicks off the series with the story of Camp Crystal Lake. A group of counselors is stalked by an unknown killer. The twist at the end reveals the killer to be Pamela Voorhees, seeking revenge for the drowning death of her son, Jason. This introduction lays the groundwork for the franchise’s lore.

2. Friday the 13th Part 2 (1981)

Set five years after the first film, this movie introduces Jason Voorhees as the primary antagonist. Believed to have drowned as a child, Jason is now an adult, avenging his mother’s death. He first appears with a burlap sack over his head before eventually adopting his iconic hockey mask in later films.

3. Friday the 13th Part III (1982)

This installment is notable for being in 3D and for Jason finally donning his iconic hockey mask. Set immediately after Part 2, Jason continues his killing spree in a nearby lake area, targeting another group of unsuspecting teenagers. This film solidifies his image as a relentless, unstoppable force.

4. Friday the 13th: The Final Chapter (1984)

Despite its title, this is not the last film in the series. Picking up right after Part III, Jason is presumed dead but soon escapes from the morgue to continue his rampage. The film introduces the character Tommy Jarvis, a young boy who will play a significant role in the subsequent movies.

5. Friday the 13th: A New Beginning (1985)

Years after Jason’s supposed death, Tommy Jarvis is now a troubled teenager. He is sent to a halfway house where a new series of murders begins. While the film attempts to shift away from Jason as the killer, it ultimately reveals the new murderer to be someone inspired by Jason, keeping the legend alive.

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

Tommy Jarvis, now an adult, inadvertently resurrects Jason while trying to cremate his body. Jason, now a supernatural being, returns to Crystal Lake, renamed Forest Green, to continue his killing spree. This film marks the series’ shift from horror to more supernatural elements, making Jason an undead menace.

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

In this installment, Jason is once again resurrected, this time accidentally by Tina, a young girl with telekinetic powers. Set against the backdrop of Crystal Lake, the film focuses on Tina’s struggle with her powers while Jason targets her and her friends. The supernatural themes continue to evolve.

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

Jason shifts his killing spree from Crystal Lake to the bustling streets of New York City. After boarding a cruise ship filled with high school graduates, he ends up in Manhattan. The film explores new environments for Jason’s terror, though much of the action still takes place on the ship.

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

Jason is finally killed by an FBI ambush in the opening scenes. But his evil spirit possesses other bodies, allowing him to continue his killing spree. The Voorhees family lore deepens with the introduction of Jason’s need to inhabit the body of a relative to be reborn permanently.

10. Jason X (2001)

In a bold move for the series, Jason is cryogenically frozen and awakens in the 25th century on a spaceship. The film mixes sci-fi with horror, featuring Jason’s upgrades into a more powerful version, Uber Jason. This unique setting makes it a standout entry in the franchise.

11. Freddy vs. Jason (2003)

This crossover film pits Jason against Freddy Krueger from the “Nightmare on Elm Street” series. Freddy resurrects Jason to instill fear in the residents of Elm Street. The battle between the two horror icons is a fan favorite and merges two iconic franchises.

12. Friday the 13th (2009 Remake)

A reboot of the series, this film combines elements from the first four movies. It reintroduces Jason with his hockey mask, his relationship with his mother, and his violent methods. This remake aims to bring Jason’s story to a new generation while respecting the original films.

These sections should guide you through each movie’s storyline and important details. They help understand Jason Voorhees’ journey and the evolution of the “Friday the 13th” series.

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