Ranking the Friday the 13th Films: From Worst to Best

When it comes to slasher franchises, Friday the 13th is my absolute favorite. Here I rank all ten films of the original series (Parts I–X) from worst to best. I decided to leave out Freddy vs. Jason and the 2009 remake. Here’s how it all stacked up.

Jason Goes to Hell: The Final Friday (Part 9)

That is a terrible movie. It was so bad. I saw it in the theater. I was a high school senior, and I went twice because I thought, "No way it’s that bad." But it was that bad.
I’m just not into the supernatural stuff. Jason’s not in it. Why am I sitting in this theater?

Jason Takes Manhattan (Part 8)

What can I say, the commercials for this flick were crazy dope… but it was just Jason on a boat the whole time.

This was the 2nd Friday the 13th I was able to see at the movies. It was hyped as Jason wreaking havoc in New York, but most of the action actually takes place at sea. A few fun kills can’t save the disappointment with this entry.

 

Jason X (Part 10)

Jason in space—that one was much funner than I thought it was going to be.
You’re not taking it seriously. It’s in space, 

Jason in space. Much like Leprechaun went to space before him… it’s just a crazy fun film.

Friday the 13th (Part 1)

Always takes me back to the first time I saw it in the basement of my grandmother's house. That's how you set a mood.

It’s creepy as all get out… but it’s the mother, not Jason.

The original is iconic. It feels slow, but is a perfect launching pad for later entries.

Friday the 13th (Part 2)

Even better than the original… fun slasher with that 80s campiness.

The sack-headed Jason makes his first appearance, setting the stage for the legend to come.

The first two entries do the best job of making you feel the heebie jeebies while you watch.

A New Beginning (Part 5)

People hate this one, and I can understand why. It’s not Jason; it’s Roy. 

But the kills are fun, the characters are ridiculous. 

The man behind the mask moves like Jason, busts through doors like Jason.

To me it feels like Jason, so I enjoy it.

Favorite characters: Ethel & Junior Hubbard

Runner-up: Roy

Friday the 13th Part 3 (3D)

Entertaining as all shit. A fun-ass movie. 

It looks ridiculous now with the poles coming at you, but it was the 3D era.

Jason gets the hockey mask here—it’s just a fun flick.

Jason Lives (Part 6)

Clean film. Great kills. Tommy Jarvis is back. The box art was dope.

This one strikes a balance between supernatural revival and slasher fun, making it a standout.

With a dash of comedy, this would have been an apt finish to the series.  

The Final Chapter (Part 4)

Most people’s favorite. Probably the best of them all.

A brutal, bloody entry featuring a young Corey Feldman, often cited as the peak of the series.

Again, this would have been an ideal closing to the series.

 

The New Blood (Part 7)

My favorite. The first one I saw in the theater. The sleeping bag kill was legendary.

Personal nostalgia makes this the top pick. With Tina’s telekinetic powers and creative kills, The New Blood is remembered as my favorite theater experience.

Honoring the Classics

The original Friday the 13th film remains the cornerstone of the franchise. Part 1 set the stage with the terrifying reveal of Mrs. Voorhees, while Part 2 introduced Jason in the backstory. Part 3 delivered the iconic hockey mask in 3D, and Part 4, The Final Chapter, gave an exciting finish.

Not all films were created equal. Jason Goes to Hell disappointed me with its supernatural Less-Jasony approach, and Jason Takes Manhattan underwhelmed despite a memorable New York City sequence.