Friday the 13th: Ranking Every Movie by Kill Count - The Ultimate Guide

Friday the 13th: A Deadly Deep Dive into Kill Counts

The Friday the 13th franchise is a cornerstone of the slasher film genre, famous for its creative kills, iconic villain Jason Voorhees, and, of course, its high body count. For fans, the number of victims is more than just a statistic; it's a morbid metric of each film's entertainment value. This definitive guide meticulously ranks every Friday the 13th movie based on its on-screen (and sometimes slightly off-screen) kill count, offering insights, anecdotes, and observations along the way.

Understanding the Kill Count Controversy: It's important to note that determining an exact kill count can be subjective. Disagreements often arise from unclear on-screen deaths, off-screen implied deaths, and even debates about whether animal deaths should be included (generally, they aren't in these counts). We've done our best to research and verify each kill, cross-referencing multiple sources for accuracy.

Methodology: How We Counted

Our count adheres to the following principles:

• On-Screen Deaths: Only deaths that are clearly shown or directly implied on screen are counted.
• Human Victims: We primarily focus on human deaths, although the death of animals like dogs are sometimes noted for context or notable scenes.
• Jason's Deaths: Jason's own deaths are NOT included in the kill count for each movie he appears in.
• Contextual Deaths: Deaths caused by other means than Jason or his immediate influence (accidents, pre-existing conditions) are generally excluded.

The Rankings: From Lowest to Highest Kill Count

Now, let's delve into the rankings, starting with the films with the fewest kills and working our way up to the most blood-soaked entries in the franchise.

#12: Friday the 13th: A New Beginning (Part V) - 21 Kills

A New Beginning is infamous for featuring a Jason imposter, Roy Burns, rather than the genuine article (or his zombie form). While the kill count is still significant, it's relatively low compared to other entries. The film focuses heavily on psychological trauma and features some particularly gruesome deaths, contributing to its notoriety despite the lower body count.

• Notable Kill: The garden shears kill.
• Why it's low: Roy's slower pace and the focus on character drama contribute to fewer kills overall.

#11: Friday the 13th (2009) - 14 Kills

The 2009 reboot aimed for a grittier, more realistic take on the Jason mythos. The kills are brutal, and Jason is portrayed as a cunning hunter, but the film's shorter runtime and streamlined plot result in a lower body count than some of the classic entries. While the 2009 film has relatively fewer victims, it focuses on a smaller group, making the impact per death more significant. This adds to the suspense and horror.

• Notable Kill: The sleeping bag slam against the tree.
• Why it's low: The film focuses on a smaller cast and a more deliberate pace.

#10: Friday the 13th Part VIII: Jason Takes Manhattan - 20 Kills

Despite its misleading title (most of the film takes place on a boat), Jason Takes Manhattan still delivers a fair amount of carnage. However, budget constraints and plot limitations prevent it from reaching the high kill counts of other entries. The kills are often creative but hampered by the PG-13 rating the studio demanded initially which led to extensive cuts later re-inserted into the unrated version.

• Notable Kill: The punching of a boxer's head off.
• Why it's low: The boat setting limits the number of potential victims, and the setting change to Manhattan felt rushed.

#9: Friday the 13th: The Final Chapter (Part IV) - 13 Kills

Ironically titled, The Final Chapter is a fan favorite due to its strong characters and memorable kills. While the kill count isn't the highest, the deaths are particularly impactful, and the film features a young Corey Feldman as Tommy Jarvis, a character who would become central to the later sequels.

• Notable Kill: The corkscrew kill.
• Why it's moderate: The focus on character development and Tommy's role in Jason's demise keeps the kill count relatively contained.

#8: Jason Goes to Hell: The Final Friday (Part IX) - 21 Kills

Jason Goes to Hell is a controversial entry in the franchise, deviating significantly from the established formula. Jason's spirit possesses other bodies throughout the film, leading to a somewhat disjointed kill spree. The kills are often over-the-top and gory, reflecting the film's attempt to push the boundaries of the franchise. Despite the criticism, the film’s body count is respectable.

• Notable Kill: The tent sleeping bag death in the beginning.
• Why it's moderate: The possession storyline leads to a variety of killers, diluting the impact of each individual kill.

#7: Friday the 13th: Part VII: The New Blood - 17 Kills

The New Blood is famous for its showdown between Jason and a telekinetic teenager, Tina Shepard. The film features some inventive and brutal kills, as Jason is forced to contend with Tina's powers. Though some kills were edited down to appease the MPAA, a few creative kills still make the cut.

• Notable Kill: The sleeping bag against a tree kill.
• Why it's moderate: The focus on Tina's powers somewhat balances the focus on Jason's killing spree. MPAA cuts reduced the kill count on screen.

#6: Friday the 13th Part III - 12 Kills

Known for being the first Friday the 13th film released in 3D, Part III introduces Jason's iconic hockey mask. The kills are memorable, and the 3D effects (though dated now) add a unique visual element to the violence. Despite the lower number, the deaths are spaced out in a very graphic and memorable way.

• Notable Kill: The eyeball pop.
• Why it's moderate: The smaller cast size and the emphasis on 3D effects contribute to the moderate kill count.

#5: Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives - 18 Kills

Jason Lives marked a turning point for the franchise, embracing a more self-aware and comedic tone. Jason is resurrected as a virtually unstoppable zombie, leading to some over-the-top and cartoonish kills. The film balances horror and humor effectively, making it a fan favorite despite the shift in tone.

• Notable Kill: The RV double kill.
• Why it's moderate to high: Jason's invulnerability allows for a more relentless killing spree, but the comedic tone lightens the impact of the violence.

#4: Friday the 13th Part 2 - 9 Kills

The original sequel introduces Mrs. Voorhees as the killer, seeking revenge for Jason's apparent drowning. While she is the killer, the kills are done in the style of Jason’s kills in future films, and the film establishes the formula for the rest of the franchise. While it has a relatively low kill count, it laid the groundwork for the entire series. A dog is also killed in this movie.

• Notable Kill: The wheelchair down the stairs.
• Why it's relatively low: The movie sets the foundation for the series, and is the only one where Jason is not the main killer.

#3: Friday the 13th - 10 Kills

The film that started it all. Friday the 13th introduces us to Camp Crystal Lake and Pamela Voorhees's vengeful rampage. While the kill count is less than many of the sequels, the film's impact on the horror genre is undeniable. The kills, while not as elaborate as later entries, are still effective and memorable. This movie also kills a dog. It is the only film in the series in which Jason does not kill anyone.

• Notable Kill: Kevin Bacon's throat stabbing.
• Why it's moderate: It's the first film, so the franchise hadn't yet fully embraced the high-kill-count formula.

#2: Freddy vs. Jason - 21 Kills

This highly anticipated crossover event brought together two of horror's biggest icons. The film is packed with action and creative kills as Freddy and Jason battle each other and anyone who gets in their way. The kill count is high, reflecting the combined carnage of two unstoppable killing machines.

• Notable Kill: The double machete kill.
• Why it's very high: Combining the kill power of two horror icons was bound to lead to a high body count.

#1: Friday the 13th: The Dream Child (Part VIII) - 26 Kills

Despite being critically panned, The Dream Child surprisingly boasts the highest kill count in the entire franchise. Jason stalks his victims through their dreams, leading to surreal and often gruesome deaths. The film's reliance on dream logic allows for some particularly creative and over-the-top kills, contributing to its high body count. Although a majority of the kills happen in a dream setting, they still count towards the film's overall death toll.

• Notable Kill: The motorcycle kill.
• Why it's the highest: The dream setting allows for a wider range of potential victims and more fantastical deaths.

Kill Count Analysis: Trends and Observations

Several interesting trends emerge when analyzing the kill counts across the Friday the 13th franchise:

• Mid-Series Peak: The films in the middle of the series (Parts VI, VII, and VIII) generally have higher kill counts than the earlier or later entries.
• Reboot Variation: The 2009 reboot aimed for a different style, resulting in a significantly lower kill count than many of the classic films.
• Imposter Impact: A New Beginning, with an imposter killer, has one of the lowest kill counts.
• The Dream Factor: The Dream Child demonstrates how the setting of the movie can make a big difference in the body count, with the film's reliance on dream logic allowing for some particularly creative and over-the-top kills.

The Appeal of the Kill Count: Why It Matters to Fans

For many Friday the 13th fans, the kill count is more than just a number. It represents the creativity and ingenuity of the filmmakers in crafting memorable and gruesome deaths. It's a way to compare and contrast the different entries in the franchise, and to appreciate the unique style of each film.

The kill count also taps into a primal fascination with violence and death. While this fascination may seem morbid, it's a common element in many forms of entertainment, from ancient Greek tragedies to modern-day video games. The Friday the 13th films offer a safe and vicarious way to explore these themes, allowing viewers to experience the thrill of horror without any real-world consequences.

Beyond the Numbers: The Art of the Slasher Film

While the kill count is a fun and engaging metric, it's important to remember that the Friday the 13th films are more than just body counts. They're also examples of effective storytelling, suspenseful atmosphere, and memorable characters (even if those characters are destined to become victims). The best Friday the 13th films combine a high kill count with strong performances, compelling plots, and a genuine sense of dread.

The franchise also offers a fascinating reflection of societal anxieties and cultural trends. The early films tapped into fears about teenage promiscuity and the dangers of unsupervised summer camps. Later entries explored themes of environmentalism, technology, and the breakdown of social order.

Conclusion: The Legacy of Jason and the Kill Count

The Friday the 13th franchise has left an undeniable mark on the horror genre, and the kill count remains a key element of its enduring appeal. Whether you're a casual viewer or a die-hard fan, understanding the kill counts of each film can enhance your appreciation for the series and its unique blend of horror, suspense, and over-the-top violence. While The Dream Child may currently reign supreme as the bloodiest entry, the legacy of Jason Voorhees and his killing spree continues to captivate and terrify audiences around the world, and hopefully will for years to come.

Ultimately, the Friday the 13th franchise is a testament to the enduring power of the slasher film. It's a reminder that sometimes, all you need is a masked killer, a group of unsuspecting victims, and a whole lot of creative ways to die.

Further Exploration:

• Re-watch the films and keep your own count.
• Research the special effects and makeup techniques used in the films.
• Read interviews with the cast and crew.
• Explore the fan theories and lore surrounding the franchise.

By delving deeper into the world of Friday the 13th, you can gain a greater appreciation for its artistic merits and its lasting impact on popular culture. The kills are simply one, albeit significant, piece of the puzzle.

Happy Viewing!