How Many Friday the 13th Films Are There? The Complete Count & All You Need to Know

The Friday the 13th franchise has become a cornerstone of horror cinema, captivating audiences with its suspenseful slasher narratives, iconic imagery, and enduring legacy. But a common question among fans and horror enthusiasts is: How many Friday the 13th films have been made? The answer might surprise you—there are actually eight main theatrical films, plus several direct-to-video and TV projects, making the saga one of the longest-running slasher franchises in history.

Main Theatrical Films (The Core Series)

Understanding the Context

Here’s the definitive count of full-length, theatrical Friday the 13th movies:

  1. Friday the 13th (1980) – The groundbreaking origin film that started it all, directed by Sean S. Cunningham. It introduced the lethal slasher Jasmine Cooper and established the creeping dread of Crystal Lake.

  2. Friday the 13th Part 2 (1981) – A chilling sequel that deepened the mythos, introducing Character 13 and the spiritual universe behind the curse.

  3. Friday the 13th Part 3 (1982) – The first film in the series with extreme violence and psychological horror elements.

how many friday 13th films are there

Key Insights

  1. Friday the 13th: The Final Chapter (1984) – Often overlooked but a neatly connected sequel continuing the curse’s progression.

  2. Friday the 13th: A Nightmare Next Door (2009) – A modern-era but direct-to-video entry that ambitiously reimagined the story in a new setting.

  3. Friday the 13th (2017) – A reboot that revitalized the series with new characters and updated visuals, often reuniting original elements like Character 13.

  4. Friday the 13th (2023) – The most recent theatrical installment and the first full installment in decades not released directly to streaming or video. It brought renewed attention and box office interest.

Additional Matters: Direct-to-Video, TV, and Spin-offs

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Final Thoughts

While the main theatrical count stops at eight, the Friday the 13th universe has expanded across:

  • Direct-to-video sequels and reinventions, including Friday the 13th: The Inferno and Friday the 13th: A Healing From Below
  • TV specials and series, such as Friday the 13th: The Series and Friday the 13th: Wave Goodbye
  • Cross-media tie-ins, video games, and comic adaptations

Each these deepen the lore but are not traditionally considered part of the core feature film series.

Why So Many?

What fuels the franchise’s longevity is its blend of simple yet effective horror tropes, memorable characters, and the eerie immortality of the “Friday the 13th” curse. Each film or entry revisits or reimagines the central premise—teenagers surviving a haunted motel, the enigmatic character of Character 13, and the chilling ritual tied to fate and retribution. This formula has inspired both critical revisits and fan-driven demand, explaining the steady stream over nearly four decades.

In Summary

  • Main theatrical films: 8
  • Total franchise (including DTV, TV, and reimaginings): Over 20 official releases
  • Most recent theatrical release (2023): Celebrated with a surprise return to cinemas, proving the cult endures.

Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the franchise, the staggered but relentless expansion of Friday the 13th proves why it remains a terrifying and iconic part of horror film history.

Want to dive into the legacy? Check out recent trailers and behind-the-scenes content — the Friday the 13th saga continues to unfold.