What order do you watch Friday the 13th? For horror movie fans, this iconic slasher series holds a special place in their hearts. With a total of 12 films released since 1980, fans have been debating for years about the best way to watch them. In this article, we will explore the different methods of watching the Friday the 13th series and provide some insights on how to experience this chilling saga to its fullest.
The Friday the 13th series is a cornerstone of the horror genre, following the exploits of Jason Voorhees, a masked killer who has terrorized a small town known as Crystal Lake for decades. With so many films in the series, it can be challenging to determine the best order to watch them. Here are some popular methods that fans have adopted:
1. Chronological Order:
Watching the films in the order they were released is a straightforward approach. This method allows you to follow the story from the very beginning and witness the evolution of Jason Voorhees as a character. The chronological order would be as follows:
– Friday the 13th (1980)
– Friday the 13th Part 2 (1981)
– Friday the 13th Part 3: 3D (1982)
– Friday the 13th: The Final Chapter (1984)
– Friday the 13th Part 6: Jason Lives (1986)
– Friday the 13th Part 7: The New Blood (1988)
– Friday the 13th Part 8: Jason Takes Manhattan (1989)
– Friday the 13th Part 9 (1990)
– Jason X (2001)
– Friday the 13th (2009)
– Friday the 13th Part 12: Jason Takes Manhattan (2010)
– Friday the 13th: Part 13 (2017)
2. The Best Sequels Only:
Some fans prefer to skip the sequels that aren’t considered the best in the series. This method involves watching only the original film, its immediate sequel, and the highest-rated sequels. In this case, the order would be:
– Friday the 13th (1980)
– Friday the 13th Part 2 (1981)
– Friday the 13th Part 3: 3D (1982)
– Friday the 13th Part 7: The New Blood (1988)
– Jason X (2001)
– Friday the 13th (2009)
– Friday the 13th: Part 12 (2010)
– Friday the 13th: Part 13 (2017)
3. The Reboot and Remake Order:
If you’re interested in watching the reboot and remakes first, this order will help you catch up on the latest versions of the series:
– Friday the 13th (2009)
– Friday the 13th: Part 12 (2010)
– Friday the 13th: Part 13 (2017)
4. Alternate Viewing Experiences:
For a more unique experience, you can mix and match the films by watching them based on their themes or character arcs. For example, you can start with the films that focus on Jason’s backstory, then move on to those that delve into the lives of his victims.
Ultimately, the order in which you watch Friday the 13th is a matter of personal preference. Whether you choose to watch them chronologically, focus on the best sequels, or explore the series through a different lens, the chilling tales of Jason Voorhees will undoubtedly keep you on the edge of your seat.