Friday the 13th

Friday the 13th is one of the most iconic and enduring slasher film franchises, beginning with the release of the original film in 1980, directed by Sean S. Cunningham. The first film tells the story of a group of camp counselors who are stalked and murdered by an unknown assailant while trying to reopen an abandoned summer camp, Camp Crystal Lake. The movie's shocking twist ending introduced the character of Jason Voorhees, whose presence would dominate the subsequent films.

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Jason, a hulking figure in a hockey mask wielding a machete, became one of the most recognizable villains in horror cinema. While the original Friday the 13th relied on suspense and mystery, the series quickly evolved into a formulaic but popular showcase of increasingly elaborate and gory deaths. Over the course of numerous sequels, Jason's character transformed into an unstoppable, almost supernatural force, with each film escalating in violence and creativity.

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The franchise includes 12 films, including a crossover with the Nightmare on Elm Street series, Freddy vs. Jason (2003), and a 2009 reboot. Friday the 13th has had a profound impact on the slasher genre, solidifying many of the tropes and conventions that define it, such as the "final girl" and the use of holiday-themed horror. Despite varying critical reception, the series has maintained a dedicated fanbase and remains a significant part of horror film history, with Jason Voorhees becoming a cultural icon synonymous with slasher horror.