Counting the Shadows- The Comprehensive List of ‘Friday the 13th’ Installments in the Franchise
How many “Friday the 13th” movies did they make?
The “Friday the 13th” franchise has been a staple of horror cinema for over four decades, captivating audiences with its suspenseful plotlines and iconic character. Since its inception in 1980, the series has seen a total of 12 films released, each bringing a new twist to the chilling tale of a masked killer terrorizing a small town. Let’s take a closer look at the evolution of this enduring horror series.
The original “Friday the 13th” film, directed by Sean S. Cunningham, introduced the world to Jason Voorhees, the infamous killer in a hockey mask. The film’s success led to a series of sequels, with the second installment, “Friday the 13th Part 2,” being released in 1981. This film marked the first time Jason Voorhees was portrayed by actor Ari Lehman, who would reprise his role in the third film, “Friday the 13th Part 3,” released in 1982.
The 1980s saw the release of five more sequels, including “Friday the 13th: The Final Chapter” (1984), “Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives” (1986), “Friday the 13th Part VII: The New Blood” (1988), “Friday the 13th Part VIII: Jason Takes Manhattan” (1989), and “Friday the 13th Part IX: Jason Jrs.” (1990). During this period, the series also saw a crossover with the “A Nightmare on Elm Street” franchise in ” Freddy vs. Jason” (2003), which was a crossover film that brought together the iconic characters from both franchises.
In the 2000s, the franchise was revitalized with a reboot directed by Marcus Nispel, titled “Friday the 13th” (2009). This film served as a reimagining of the original story and featured a new cast, including Jensen Ackles as Jason Voorhees. The reboot was followed by “Friday the 13th Part 2” (2010), “Friday the 13th Part 3D” (2010), and “Friday the 13th” (2013), which was a sequel to the reboot.
The most recent addition to the franchise is “Friday the 13th: The Final Chapter,” released in 2017. This film marked the end of the Jason Voorhees era, as the character was seemingly killed off. However, the series has seen a resurgence in popularity, with rumors of a potential reboot or continuation of the story.
In conclusion, the “Friday the 13th” franchise has produced a total of 12 films, each contributing to the enduring legacy of Jason Voorhees and the chilling atmosphere that has made the series a horror classic. With its long-standing history and the potential for future installments, it’s clear that “Friday the 13th” will continue to haunt the dreams of horror fans for years to come.
