How to Watch Friday the 13th Movies: A Complete Guide to a Terrifying Experience

I. Introduction

Friday the 13th movies have been a staple of horror cinema since the 1980s. The franchise centers around the character of Jason Voorhees, a masked killer who haunts the fictional Camp Crystal Lake and its surrounding areas. With so many movies in the franchise, it can be overwhelming for newcomers to know where to start. In this guide, we will explore how to watch Friday the 13th movies for the ultimate scary experience.

II. 5 Tips for Watching Friday the 13th Movies for the Ultimate Scary Experience

Watching a horror movie can be a scary and thrilling experience, especially when it comes to Friday the 13th movies. Here are five tips to help you get the most out of your viewing experience:

Tip 1: Create a spooky atmosphere

One way to increase the scare factor is to set the mood. Turn off the lights, light some candles, and play some eerie music or sound effects to create a spooky atmosphere. This can make the movie feel more immersive and intensify the horror moments.

Tip 2: Turn off the lights for a more immersive experience

In addition to creating a spooky atmosphere, turning off the lights can make the movie feel more immersive by eliminating any distractions. This way, you can focus solely on the movie and the scares it provides.

Tip 3: Watch with friends for a shared scare

Watching horror movies with friends can be a great bonding experience. Not only does it give you someone to share the experience with, but it can also make the film less scary. If you find yourself getting too scared, you can always turn to your friends for comfort.

Tip 4: Don’t watch alone if you’re easily frightened

If you’re someone who scares easily, it’s best to watch Friday the 13th movies with others. Watching alone can intensify the fear factor and make it harder to enjoy the film. Having others around can provide a sense of safety and comfort.

Tip 5: Don’t take it too seriously, it’s just a movie

While horror movies can feel intense and scary, it’s important to remember that it’s just a movie. Don’t take it too seriously and allow yourself to enjoy the experience. Laugh at the cheesy lines and enjoy the suspenseful moments.

III. A Beginner’s Guide to Watching the Friday the 13th Franchise

For those new to the Friday the 13th franchise, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. Here is a beginner’s guide to help you navigate the series:

Overview of the franchise and its history

The Friday the 13th franchise consists of twelve films centering around the character of Jason Voorhees, a masked killer who haunts Camp Crystal Lake and its surrounding areas. The first film was released in 1980, and the series continued until 2009. The films have become known for their iconic kills and suspenseful moments.

Explanation of the Jason Voorhees character and his backstory

Jason Voorhees is the main antagonist of the Friday the 13th franchise. He was originally portrayed as a young boy who drowned in Camp Crystal Lake due to negligence from the camp counselors. His mother, Pamela Voorhees, seeks revenge for his death and kills the counselors. In later films, Jason becomes the killer and continues his mother’s work.

Recommended first-time watches for beginners

If you’re new to the Friday the 13th franchise, it’s recommended to start with the first film and work your way through the series chronologically. This will give you a sense of the progression of the character of Jason and allow you to see how the franchise has evolved over time.

Brief descriptions of the films

Here is a brief overview of each of the twelve Friday the 13th films:

• Friday the 13th (1980) – The first film in the series that sets up the backstory of Jason Voorhees
• Friday the 13th Part 2 (1981) – Introduces Jason as the main killer
• Friday the 13th Part III (1982) – Features Jason obtaining his iconic hockey mask
• Friday the 13th: The Final Chapter (1984) – Intended to be the final film in the series
• Friday the 13th: A New Beginning (1985) – Features a copycat killer posing as Jason
• Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives (1986) – Brings Jason back to life as an undead killer
• Friday the 13th Part VII: The New Blood (1988) – Features a psychic girl battling Jason
• Friday the 13th Part VIII: Jason Takes Manhattan (1989) – Features Jason traveling to New York City
• Jason Goes to Hell: The Final Friday (1993) – Features a story about a curse on the Voorhees family and introduces a demonic worm
• Jason X (2001) – Sends Jason into space
• Freddy vs. Jason (2003) – A crossover with the Nightmare on Elm Street franchise
• Friday the 13th (2009) – A reboot of the original film

IV. How to Prepare Yourself for a Friday the 13th Movie Marathon

If you’re planning on watching several Friday the 13th movies in one sitting, it’s important to prepare yourself for the experience. Here are a few tips to help you get through the marathon:

Tips for preparing your viewing environment

Make sure to create a comfortable viewing area with plenty of blankets and pillows. You’ll also want to make sure the room is well-ventilated and at a comfortable temperature. Additionally, make sure to turn off your phone or other electronic devices to eliminate distractions.

Recommended snacks and beverages

Snacks like popcorn, candy, and chips are classic movie-watching options. For a more immersive experience, consider creating themed snacks like red velvet cupcakes with fake blood or “Jason’s machete” pizza. As for beverages, water and soft drinks are great options. If you want to create a themed drink, you could make “blood”-red sangria or a “Camp Crystal Lake” cocktail.

Suggested breaks to prevent burnout

Watching several movies in a row can be exhausting, so it’s important to take breaks to prevent burnout. Try taking 10-15 minute breaks between movies or pausing the movie for a quick stretch. Additionally, make sure to stay hydrated and well-fed during the marathon.

V. The Best Order to Watch the Friday the 13th Movies In

There are different ways to watch the Friday the 13th movies, depending on what you’re looking to get out of the experience. Here are two options for watching:

Suggested viewing order for the best continuity and story flow

If you’re looking for continuity and the best flow for the story, here is one suggested viewing order:

1. Friday the 13th (1980)
2. Friday the 13th Part 2 (1981)
3. Friday the 13th Part III (1982)
4. Friday the 13th: The Final Chapter (1984)
5. Friday the 13th Part V: A New Beginning (1985)
6. Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives (1986)
7. Friday the 13th Part VII: The New Blood (1988)
8. Friday the 13th Part VIII: Jason Takes Manhattan (1989)
9. Jason Goes to Hell: The Final Friday (1993)
10. Jason X (2001)
11. Freddy vs. Jason (2003)
12. Friday the 13th (2009)

Alternative viewing orders for thematic purposes

If you’re looking to watch the movies thematically, here are a few alternative viewing orders:

• Alternate kills: Friday the 13th (1980), Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives (1986), Friday the 13th Part VIII: Jason Takes Manhattan (1989), Jason X (2001)
• Psychological horror: Friday the 13th (1980), Friday the 13th Part V: A New Beginning (1985), Jason Goes to Hell: The Final Friday (1993)
• Humanity vs. the undead: Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives (1986), Friday the 13th Part VII: The New Blood (1988), Jason Goes to Hell: The Final Friday (1993)

VI. Fun Drinking Game Ideas for Watching Friday the 13th Movies with Friends

If you’re watching Friday the 13th movies with friends, you might want to spice it up with a drinking game. Here are a few suggestions:

Rule suggestions for a drinking game

• Take a drink every time someone screams
• Take a drink every time someone dies
• Take a drink every time Jason appears on screen
• Take a drink every time someone says “Crystal Lake”
• Finish your drink if the final girl survives

Drink suggestions for a themed experience

• Bloody Marys
• Red wine
• “Jason’s Machete” cocktails (spiced rum, triple sec, pineapple juice, grenadine)
• “Camp Crystal Lake” punch (fruit punch, ginger ale, lime sherbet)

Safety precautions and alternatives for those who choose not to drink

Remember to always drink responsibly and never drink and drive. If you don’t want to drink alcohol, consider substituting with non-alcoholic drinks or snacks.

VII. The Top 10 Scariest Moments in the Friday the 13th Film Series to Look Out For

If you’re a fan of jump scares and creepy moments, here are some of the scariest moments in the Friday the 13th franchise:

A countdown of the scariest scenes in the franchise

1. The ending of Friday the 13th (1980)
2. The opening kill of Friday the 13th Part 2 (1981)
3. The spear gun scene in Friday the 13th Part III (1982)
4. The wheel chair kill in Friday the 13th Part II (1981)
5. The sleeping bag kill in Friday the 13th Part VII: The New Blood (1988)
6. The liquid nitrogen kill in Jason X (2001)
7. The mirror scare in Friday the 13th Part VIII: Jason Takes Manhattan (1989)
8. The underwater scene in Friday the 13th (1980)
9. The sleeping bag kill in Jason Goes to Hell: The Final Friday (1993)
10. The cornfield chase scene in Freddy vs. Jason (2003)

Brief explanations of each scene and why it’s so frightening

Each of these scenes features a memorable and frightening moment that makes the movie worth the watch. From jump scares to brutal kills, these moments will stay with you long after the movie is over.

VIII. Conclusion

Watching Friday the 13th movies can be a frightening and thrilling experience. By using the tips in this guide, you can have the ultimate scary experience, whether you’re watching alone or with friends. Remember, it’s just a movie, so don’t take it too seriously and enjoy the ride.