Friday the 13th: A Slasher Icon That Defined Horror Cinema

                                                  It can therefore be said that this is one of the most effective and long-lasting pieces in the horror film archive. Originally shot for $12,000 in 1980 as part of the union exercise, this was one of the most successful slasher films of all time and certainly the longest-running. Created by Sean S. Cunningham with the script by Victor Miller, this film marked the start of “slasher” films in the global pop culture and unveiled the audience to Camp Crystal Lake and its deranged resident, Jason Voorhees, the hick mash-wearing psycho killer. 

Image Credit: freepik.com

The Birth of a Legend 

Friday the 13th is not original for it came later than Halloween of 1978 and Black Christmas of 1974 though it set the standard of the slasher flicks. The plot of the movie centers on a group of young counselors, who are working to revive the Crystal Lake Camp recreation, which locals believe to be uninhabitable after a young man drowned to death in it sometime in the past. Once the counselors arrived settling in the camp they are greeted by an unknown character lurking to kill them one by one. 

The ending was quite a surprise to most of the viewers during that time particularly because of the suspense and the events leading to it was the build-up for the other films that followed it. 

Pamela Voorhees as portrayed by Betsy Palmer has her dark role in this first flick though her son, Jason later took the mantle, of being the anti-hero of the series. Although the identity of the character wearing a hockey mask did not begin until the third installment of Friday the 13th which was released in 1982, he had become the epitome of the slasher flicks. 

Expanding the Franchise 

In the first part Friday the 13th-thereafter, people opted for sequels and follow-ups, spin-offs and remakes, converting the series into one of the highest-grossing franchises within the horror filmdom. Some of them involve the original movie while others are remakes of the series such as the movie made in the year 2009 and the movie made in the year 2003 which is a crossover, where Jason Leah of the franchise meets Freddy Kruger of the Nightmare on Elm Street series. 

The appeal of the Friday the 13th series lies in its simple but effective formula: a booby-trapped team of youth, a secluded area, and an immovable murderer. The violence and number of casualties is …

• Effects of Watching Violence in Movies
• Effects of Watching Violence in Movies
• Sequels: Sequel to sequel to condemn
• Effects of Watching Violence in Movies
• Effects of Watching Violence in Movies
• The Aspects of Violence Featured in Movies
• The Aspects of Violence Featured The films often received much condemnation for excessive violence and scene sensationalism but the audience loved the excessiveness of the series and made Jason a horror equivalent to Michael Myers or Freddy Krueger. 

Of course, the majority of sequels can be quite predictable but some parts of this particular series are exceptional. Friday the 13th Part VI: That being said; I have always considered Friday the 13th: The New Beginning (1986) as one of the most entertaining parts of the series, although this piece did go back to presenting the peculiar character that had been Jason. At this stage, Jason had turned into some sort of an undead killing machine which really placed him firmly in the ranks of horror’s toughest boogy men. 

Image Credit: freepik.com

Where to Watch the Friday the 13th Films

For those wanting to start from scratch on the franchise, there are plenty of streaming ways out there. As of September 2024, the Friday the 13th films can be found on multiple platforms:As of September 2024, the Friday the 13th films can be found on multiple platforms: 

HBO Max: Here you can also find most of the movies from the franchise with the 1980 original film about the killer named Jason Voorhees. 

Amazon Prime Video: Arent all the movies of the franchise available for streaming or purchase on Amazon Prime, so viewers can watch all the films from the comfort of their home. 

Paramount+: Most of the films in the earlier series particularly those that were produced by Paramount are available on this platform. 

Peacock: At times, a number of Friday the 13th movies can be viewed on Peacock since it has the option of streaming different horror movies and during Halloween in particular. 

In a similar manner, if one wants to buy the movie, or watch it, he or she can do it through YouTube, Google Play, or Apple iTunes. There are many people who love to have a copy and not just digital, physical copies are highly sought after, and box sets including all the movies in the franchise along with special features and commentary are all out there.

Image Credit: freepik.com

Why Friday the 13th Endures

Indeed, being made in the eighties, Friday the 13th still has fans who are interested in horror movies. Its legacy can be attributed to several factors: Its legacy can be attributed to several factors: 

Jason Voorhees: The character of Jason has grown beyond the horror movies’ stereotype and has become something else. The hockey mask and machete he uses are as much his symbols as the cloak is to Dracula or the bolts to Frankenstein’s monster. He has in fact evolved into the image of the invincible, ruthless, unstoppable assassin that fans love to hate. 

The Slasher Formula: With Friday the 13th the rules of the slasher film, as mentioned before are taken to perfection. The fact that teens are stuck in the thin metal cabin in the middle of the woods can be considered a genuine cliché of the slasher film, as well as the fact that they are all — or almost all — sinful and deserving of death at least in part. 

Nostalgia: To many people, these films represent the 1980s and the golden age of slasher flicks. In a similar fashion to watching an early slasher film of the 80s, you also feel the nostalgia of a Friday the 13th film despite the killer in question being none other than Jason Voorhees. 

Cultural Impact: In addition to the movies, Friday the 13th has many other parts such as comics, books, videos, games, merchandise, and so on. This series’ impact is evident in innumerable other horror films, ranging from direct remakes or Elsewood knockoffs such as to meta-black comedies like Scream of 1996. 

    Image Credit: freepik.com                     

                                        All things considered, there is more to Friday the 13th than just a film of the horror genre; there is something more profound: an event that has become a symbol, a part of the tradition, and which has shaped a generation’s experience of fear in movies. It remains so, and with every dark forest and a remote camp and with the full moon on the agriculturist’s calendar, the legend of Jason Voorhees goes on. For the fans of the series or the fans of horror in general this flick is yet a must-watch movie.

Tags: Friday the 13th movie review, Friday the 13th franchise, Where to watch Friday the 13th, Jason Voorhees horror icon, Friday the 13th streaming options, Friday the 13th slasher film, Camp Crystal Lake killer, Best Friday the 13th sequels, Friday the 13th movies explained, Friday the 13th legacy in horror

FAQ: Friday the 13th Franchise

Q1: How many Friday the 13th movies are there?

There are 12 films in the Friday the 13th franchise, including the original, sequels, a reboot, and the crossover Freddy vs. Jason.

Q2: Where can I watch the Friday the 13th movies?

The films are available on platforms like HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video, Paramount+, and occasionally on Peacock. You can also rent or purchase them on YouTube, Google Play, and Apple iTunes.

Q3: What makes Jason Voorhees a horror icon?

Jason's hockey mask, machete, and silent, relentless killing style have made him one of the most recognizable characters in horror history. His near-invulnerability and mysterious backstory add to his terrifying appeal.

Q4: Do I need to watch the Friday the 13th movies in order?

While each movie can be enjoyed on its own, watching them in order helps you understand the evolution of Jason Voorhees' character and the continuity of the storyline.

Q5: What is Camp Crystal Lake?

Camp Crystal Lake is the fictional summer camp where most of the Friday the 13th movies take place. It’s the location of the original tragedy that sets the events of the series in motion.

Q6: Which Friday the 13th movie is considered the best?

Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives is often cited as one of the best entries in the franchise due to its mix of horror, humor, and self-awareness.

Q7: Is Friday the 13th based on a true story?

No, Friday the 13th is entirely fictional. The story was created by screenwriter Victor Miller and is not based on real events.

Q8: When did Jason Voorhees start wearing the hockey mask?

Jason first donned the iconic hockey mask in Friday the 13th Part III (1982), and it has since become a signature part of his appearance.

Q9: Why is Friday the 13th important in horror cinema?

Friday the 13th helped popularize the slasher genre, influencing countless other horror films and establishing tropes that are now standard in the genre.