What Friday the 13th Movies Are Canon?
The Friday the 13th franchise, a staple of horror cinema, has been captivating audiences since its inception in 1980. With numerous sequels, remakes, and spin-offs, fans often find themselves asking, “What Friday the 13th movies are canon?” This article aims to delve into the official and canonical films within the franchise, separating fact from fiction.
The original Friday the 13th film, directed by Sean S. Cunningham, is widely regarded as the first and most iconic entry in the series. It introduces the character Jason Voorhees, a disfigured killer who targets young campers at Crystal Lake. This film is undoubtedly canon and is the foundation upon which the entire franchise is built.
The second film, also directed by Cunningham, serves as a direct sequel to the original. Friday the 13th Part 2 (1981) further explores Jason’s origins and continues the story of his relentless attacks on campers. This film is also considered canon and is a crucial part of the franchise’s history.
The third film, Friday the 13th Part 3 (1982), is a notable entry as it marks the introduction of the final girl, Alice Johnson. While this film is not as well-received as the first two, it is still considered canon and plays a significant role in the franchise’s development.
The fourth film, Friday the 13th: The Final Chapter (1984), is another canonical entry that serves as a direct sequel to Part 3. It concludes the story of Jason Voorhees and Crystal Lake, although it leaves the door open for potential future installments.
Following the fourth film, the franchise experienced a series of sequels and remakes. Some of these films, such as Friday the 13th Part 6: Jason Lives (1986) and Friday the 13th Part 7: The New Blood (1988), are considered canon. They continue the story of Jason Voorhees and his victims, contributing to the franchise’s legacy.
However, there are some films that are not considered canon. For example, the 2009 reboot, directed by Marcus Nispel, is a standalone film that serves as a fresh start for the franchise. While it shares the same title and character, it is not considered part of the original Friday the 13th continuity.
In conclusion, the canonical Friday the 13th movies include the original film, its sequel, and the fourth film. The subsequent sequels and remakes, such as Jason Lives and The New Blood, are also considered canon. As the franchise continues to evolve, fans will always have these films to revisit and appreciate the horror that has captivated audiences for decades.
