In the realm of legendary slasher franchises, there are few that can challenge “Friday the 13th” for the crown. Not only did Paramount Pictures make these murderfests an annual tradition throughout most of the ’80s because they were so damn successful, but the franchise has also evolved significantly from its more humble beginnings. While the series is now closely associated with the machete-wielding Jason Voorhees, let’s not forget that he wasn’t even the murderer in the 1980 original. That honor goes to Betsy Palmer’s Pamela Voorhees, who killed in her son’s name.

It’s a unique beast among long-running horror franchises. It’s also been quite a while since Jason has been on screen. The 2009 remake of Friday the 13th was a huge success, but it was also the last film in the series – at least for now. A lot of this has to do with complicated legal stuff that we don’t have to deal with right now, but as of this writing, today is actually a Friday the 13th. So why not take a look back at the films of the past while we wait for that to happen? that Jason’s future unfolds on screen?

Specifically, let’s look at the best and worst films in the Friday the 13th series, according to Rotten Tomatoes. After looking at the ranked films, we’ll discuss whether they seem appropriate to the fan base and whether there are other entries that would be better suited for best or worst entry.

Based on critical and audience response, the 1980s original Friday the 13th is the highest-rated entry in the franchise on Rotten Tomatoes. Director Sean S. Cunningham’s groundbreaking ’80s slasher receives a 67% critical approval rating and a 60% audience rating. Additionally – and arguably most interestingly – this is the only film in the entire franchise to receive a “fresh” rating. The other 11? Everything is “lazy”. More on that in a moment.

As for the worst of all? Things could get a little more contentious here. Last up is Friday the 13th Part 3 from 1982, also known as the one in 3D. The film has a disastrous critical approval rating of 11% and a better, but still poor, audience rating of 42%. Directed by Steve Miner, the franchise became what we know today in “Part 3”. This is where Jason gets his hockey mask. It’s the absolutely perfect archetype of a group of kids being killed by Jason at Camp Crystal Lake. In many ways, it is the prototypical Friday the 13th film.

In this case, it might come as a surprise that it is ranked as the worst company. Friday the 13th: Part 3 has some of the best kills in the entire series. It also laid the foundation for everything that came after. On the other hand, according to the popular review aggregator, the best film in the series is the one that is the least different from any other in the entire series. The implication is that Jason’s role as a murderer didn’t improve the films. Meanwhile, the moment when Jason became Jason as we know him is considered a low point. That’s an interesting perspective.

If you go by the “best,” it’s really hard to argue against 1980’s “Friday the 13th.” It still holds up quite well to this day, it has a huge impact, the twist is tough and there are several impressive kills. What more could you want from an 80s slasher? It’s still a bit strange to reconcile the fact that the franchise has become known for so much outside of what this film has to offer, so in many ways it hardly feels like a Friday the 13th. film feels. Whatever the case, it’s a damn good horror film.

For my taste, “Friday the 13th, Part VI: Jason Lives” is the best of all. Rotten Tomatoes places it at number two, for what it’s worth. This film’s audience has grown a lot in recent years as it really changes the tone to something more humorous and ridiculous with a lot of artistry in the killings, rather than something that still tries to be thoroughly serious. However, that is one man’s opinion.

When it comes to rankings, is “Part 3” in last place? That’s harder to reconcile. Anyway, “Friday the 13th: Part 3” was number 8 on the /Film list a few years ago. These included titles such as “Jason Takes Manhattan”, “The New Blood” and “The Final Friday”. For my money, The New Blood is the worst and Jason Takes Manhattan is the most disappointing, barely living up to its premise. Jason spends most of his time on a boat before briefly arriving in Manhattan. But that’s a whole different conversation.

I’m fully aware that “Part 3” is much higher on my personal list than most. Still, it feels dirty to end it last. One can’t help but wonder whether more modern critics would view it more kindly. If nothing else, these two films, being on opposite ends of the spectrum, only highlight how strange and unique this franchise is.

You can get the “Friday the 13th” films on Blu-ray/DVD via Amazon.