Ranking the Friday the 13th Movies
From Worst to Best:
12. Friday the 13th Part VIII: Jason Takes Manhattan (1989)
The title is almost a sick joke, with very little taking place in Manhattan, and even less actually filmed there. There are some fun moments, but the violence is really watered down, and the boat location gets old really fast.
11. Jason Goes to Hell: The Final Friday (1993)
It really doesn’t feel like it belongs in the series due to its own mythology, but it’s not terrible on its own terms. With a more experienced director, this could have been a better horror movie.
10. Friday the 13th Part III (1982)
This movie has a good share of unintentionally funny moments, and the ending encapsulates the lack of imagination or creativity this movie exhibits. Yes, it’s the one where Jason gets his hockey mask, but it’s really not all that special.
9. Jason X (2001)
Dumb fun if you don’t take these movies seriously (which you shouldn’t). Self aware schlock that’s surprisingly enjoyable, but still not too great.
8. Friday the 13th: A New Beginning (1985)
The gore is severely lacking due to the MPAA, and this is a movie that doesn’t feature any likable characters. It doesn’t even really have a protagonist, but there are still some well done scenes. The climax at the barn is a highlight.
7. Friday the 13th (2009)
Definitely an inoffensive remake, considering it got the tone of the original movies down well, and the original movies weren’t exactly sacred cows themselves. It’s as violent and sex-filled as you’d want it to be, and throws in some realistic(ish) touches with the Jason character. Sort of a remake of the first three or four movies.
6. Friday the 13th Part VII: The New Blood (1988)
This movie is probably the most censored by the MPAA, but it still stands out for its main character, Tina, and the stuntwork of Kane Hodder. It’s a fun movie.
5. Friday the 13th Part 2 (1981)
Not too different from the first movie, for better and for worse. I like the final girl a lot, and it’s Jason’s introduction.
4. Friday the 13th (1980)
A movie that’s more important than good, the original is a respectable low budget slasher film that succeeds in some things, and fails at others. Tom Savini’s makeup effects are the standout.
3. Freddy vs. Jason (2003)
Everything you’d want from this premise. It’s ridiculous and over-the-top, but also a great deal of fun.
2. Friday the 13th: The Final Chapter (1984)
It’s got some likable characters and incredible kills, including a few moments of genuine suspense. It’s very similar to the first three movies, but I think a lot more enjoyable than any of them.
- Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives (1986)
This movie is so much fun. It strikes a different tone from the other movies in the series, providing some laughs and definitely some likable characters, as well as giving us all the Jason stuff we could ask for.
