Top 10 Friday The 13th Series: The Horror Of Hockey Masks

When talking about the Friday the 13th series, we can’t ignore the slasher franchise known as Friday the 13th. Featuring the iconic killer Jason Voorhees and his legendary Iron Mask, this series has spanned over four decades with 12 films of varying length. Which is the best film and which is the most boring one that fans don’t want to talk about?

Ranking Criteria

The Top 10 list is based on the popularity of each series, its cultural impact, the creativity in its murder scenes, the storyline, and the suspense it delivers. Some series are loved for their originality, while others are recognized for their historical influence on the entire series.

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

The undisputed champion is none other than the fourth installment. This film embodies all the best elements: the creative finishing moves of special effects master Tom Savini, the appearance of Jason’s greatest adversary – the young Tommy Jarvis, and a Jason Voorhees at the peak of his brutality. This is considered the gold standard for the entire Friday the 13th series.

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

After his death in Part 4, Jason is resurrected by a lightning bolt, officially becoming a powerful immortal entity. This installment was praised for its dark humor, fast pace, and clever character development, especially the rematch with Tommy Jarvis.

3. Friday the 13th Part 2 (1981)

Jason appears for the first time as the main killer. Instead of an iron mask, he wears a sack with holes cut in it. The rawness, ferocity, and the suffocating chase atmosphere in the deep forest make Part 2 one of the scariest installments.

4. Friday the 13th (1980)

The first film in the series is set at Camp Crystal Lake and introduces a bloody curse that haunts the camp. Jason isn’t the central character, but the Voorhees family tragedy lays the groundwork for horror. With a surprise for first-time viewers—the killer isn’t Jason, but his mother, Mrs. Voorhees—the gloomy atmosphere and unexpected ending beneath the lake make this a landmark in the horror genre.

5. Freddy vs. Jason (2003)

A dream showdown between two horror icons. The film was a huge box office success thanks to the bloody battles between the dream killer Freddy and the immortal butcher Jason. An ultimate entertainment experience for fans of both franchises.

6. Friday the 13th Part III (1982)

A historical milestone! This is the film where Jason finds the Iron Mask from a victim, shaping his iconic appearance forever. The film was originally made in 3D, so there are many interesting shots that “poke” directly into the screen.

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

Dubbed “Jason vs. Carrie,” this film introduces a psychic girl who confronts the Crystal Lake killer. It also marks the first time legendary actor Kane Hodder plays Jason, creating his signature imposing presence.

8. Friday the 13th (2009)

Michael Bay’s remake brings a more “athletic” Jason Voorhees: able to run, set traps, and extremely agile. While lacking the 80s’ eeriness and less captivating than other Friday the 13th series, it still boasts good special effects and spectacular endings.

9. Jason X (2001)

Putting Jason into space and turning him into a cyborg (Uber Jason) is a bold but rather bizarre idea. The film is more for entertainment than horror, suitable for those who want a change of pace with fantasy.

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

Despite its title as “The Last Friday,” this installment turned out to be the most disappointing in the entire Friday the 13th Series. Transforming Jason into a spirit possessing a body instead of the brutal physical killer led the film to stray too far from the original source material. The only redeeming feature was the appearance of Freddy Krueger’s hand at the end, paving the way for the classic crossover that followed.

Three elements that make the series so captivating

• The Iron Mask: From an anonymous piece of sporting equipment to a symbol of global fear.

• The haunting soundtrack: The whispering “Ki ki ki, ma ma ma” sends shivers down anyone’s spine while walking near the lake.

• The perseverance: Despite being destroyed in every way possible (slashed, shot, blown up, drowned in the lake), Jason always finds a way back, like a never-ending nightmare.

Legacy & Future

Despite a reboot in 2009 and numerous copyright disputes that stalled new projects, the name Friday the 13th still holds true. Fans hope the series will return because the hockey mask is still far from its hibernation.