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September 12, 2026Short & citedBlog
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Screen & Stage • Film

Friday the 13th (film series)

Friday the 13th is an American horror film series that began with the 1980 slasher film *Friday the 13th*.

Updated September 12, 20261 min readCited sources

Friday the 13th is an American slasher film franchise that began in 1980. The series centres on Camp Crystal Lake and killer Jason Voorhees.

What it is

The franchise started with the 1980 film *Friday the 13th*, written by Victor Miller and directed by Sean S. Cunningham. It follows the success of earlier slasher films and established Jason Voorhees as a central horror icon. The setting is Camp Crystal Lake, a fictional summer camp with a tragic past.

The story and characters

Jason Voorhees is the main figure associated with the series, either as the killer or as the force behind the killings. Across the twelve films, the plot revolves around the camp and its dark history. The 2009 remake and the crossover *Freddy vs. Jason* are part of the official film lineup.

Expansion and legacy

Beyond films, the property expanded into a television series, novels, comic books, video games, and merchandise. The franchise has grossed over US$464 million worldwide. Its commercial success helped cement it as a long-running horror brand and a notable part of the slasher genre.

In short

  • The franchise began with the 1980 film *Friday the 13th*, created by Victor Miller and Sean S. Cunningham.
  • The series centres on Jason Voorhees and Camp Crystal Lake.
  • There are twelve films in the series, including *Freddy vs. Jason* and the 2009 remake.
  • The franchise has expanded into TV, novels, comics, games, and merchandise, grossing over US$464 million.

Quick questions

What is Friday the 13th?
It is an American slasher film franchise that began with the 1980 film *Friday the 13th*.
Who is Jason Voorhees?
Jason Voorhees is the central character associated with the franchise and its main horror icon.
Who created the first film?
The first film was written by Victor Miller and produced and directed by Sean S. Cunningham.

Sources

  1. Simple Wikipedia — https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Friday_the_13th_(franchise)
    Supports: Franchise overview, number of films, media expansions, creators, Jason Voorhees, box office total.
  2. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Friday_the_13th_(franchise)
    Supports: Franchise overview, Jason Voorhees, creators, box office total, crossover film.
  3. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0080761/
    Supports: Original film plot summary and franchise impact.
  4. Hindustan Times — https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/hollywood/how-many-friday-the-13th-movies-are-there-heres-which-ones-the-best-101749818275243.html
    Supports: Franchise overview, Jason Voorhees, first film release year, total number of films.
  5. Friday The 13th: The Franchise — http://www.fridaythe13thfranchise.com/
    Supports: Television series information.