Where were the Friday the 13th movies filmed? This question often arises among fans of the iconic horror film series, which has captivated audiences since its debut in 1980. The answer to this question is not straightforward, as the filming locations have changed over the years, reflecting the evolution of the franchise.
The original Friday the 13th film, directed by Sean S. Cunningham, was primarily filmed in and around the small town of Lakeview, New York. The town served as the setting for the fictional Crystal Lake, where the film’s infamous killer, Jason Voorhees, terrorizes a group of teenagers. Some of the key locations in Lakeview included the Crystal Lake Campground, which was the site of many of the film’s pivotal scenes, and the local diner, where the teens first encounter Jason.
For the sequel, Friday the 13th Part 2, the production team decided to film in the same area, but with a few changes. The camp setting was moved to a more remote location, and the actors were advised to stay away from the actual Crystal Lake to avoid any accidents. This sequel continued to use the picturesque landscapes of Lakeview, New York, as its backdrop.
As the series progressed, the filming locations expanded to other states and countries. Friday the 13th Part 3, released in 1982, was filmed primarily in Florida, with the camp setting moved to a more tropical location. This change in setting allowed the filmmakers to introduce new elements to the story, such as a more exotic killer and a different group of victims.
In the 2000s, a reboot of the series was released, which brought the story back to its roots in Lakeview, New York. However, this time, the filmmakers chose to use a combination of practical locations and computer-generated imagery (CGI) to create a more realistic and immersive experience. The rebooted Friday the 13th was filmed in various locations, including the original Crystal Lake Campground and the surrounding area.
Throughout the years, the Friday the 13th movies have been filmed in numerous locations, each contributing to the unique atmosphere and setting that has made the series a horror classic. From the eerie campgrounds of Lakeview, New York, to the tropical settings of Florida, the diverse filming locations have played a significant role in shaping the iconic franchise that continues to thrill audiences to this day.
