Friday The 13th: 10 Scariest Versions Of Jason Voorhees

Key Takeaways

Jason Goes To Hell introduces a demonic slug Jason who can possess others, setting up a shared universe.
Part 3 establishes the iconic look of Jason with a bald head and hockey mask, making him a calculated killer.
Jason Lives turns Jason into an immortal zombie, leading to more outlandish kills and a menacing presence.

As a long-time horror enthusiast who has witnessed countless slasher flicks, I must say that the evolution of Jason Voorhees is nothing short of remarkable. Each actor who donned the iconic hockey mask brought something unique to the table, enhancing the terrifying legacy of this unstoppable force.

Over time, the Friday the 13th series has gone through both highs and lows, as different filmmakers have contributed to the storyline featuring the infamous antagonist: Jason Voorhees. This inconsistency means that Jason Voorhees has undergone multiple transformations across various movies, with each one presenting unique aspects for him – ranging from his murder methods to his physical appearances to even the acting styles portraying him.

Aficionados of the “Friday The 13th” series have appreciated Jason Voorhees for numerous reasons, yet it’s important to note that his character was originally designed to instill fear in the audience. Over the years, since the franchise began in 1980, there have been numerous interpretations of Jason, some of which have become legendary for their sheer terror factor, thereby elevating the movies they were a part of.

10 Hell Jason

The Strangest Version Of Jason To Date

Movie: Jason Goes To Hell: The Final Friday
Release Date: August 13, 1993
Actors: Kane Hodder, Richard Grant, Steven Culp

In a different and eerily Hellraiser-esque twist, Jason Goes To Hell: The Final Friday explores a darker side of Jason, depicting him as a demonic slug capable of possessing various hosts. This chilling concept is further enhanced by the suggestion that he was resurrected by the Deadites from Sam Raimi’s renowned Evil Dead series, hinting at a linked universe.

As a devoted fan, I must admit that Jason’s appearance now is far from his original form, with the mask becoming one with his skin. The intriguing twist is when he tries to possess ordinary people as avatars once his body is annihilated. What truly sets “Jason Goes To Hell” apart is its over-the-top gory kills that are some of the most intense in the entire series, often compensating for the film’s minor flaws.

9 Part 2 Jason

The Original Jason Was A Clumsy Killer

Movie: Friday The 13th Part 2
Release Date: May 1, 1981
Actor: Warrington Gillette

As a die-hard Friday The 13th fan, it’s surprising to admit that Jason Voorhees, the face of our beloved slasher series, didn’t exactly make an intimidating debut as the killer in Part 2. Warrington Gillette portrayed him as a bit of a bumbling butcher, tripping and stumbling his way through the campground, struggling to take down all the counselors, with Ginny being the one who gave him the most trouble.

In addition to not initially donning his preferred hockey mask, Jason opted for a sack mask featuring a single eyehole, which isn’t particularly intimidating in certain instances. Yet, the slaughters attributed to him and the moments where he lurks ominously in the backdrop remain vivid. However, it was decided that Jason would undergo a complete makeover, as even the filmmakers acknowledged that the sack-headed appearance fell short of their expectations.

8 Part 7 Jason

Kane Hodder Breathed New Undead Life Into The Series

Movie: Friday The 13th Part 7: The New Blood
Release Date: May 13, 1988
Actor: Kane Hodder

For the first time, Kane Hodder portrayed the character of Jason Voorhees in Friday The 13th Part 7: The New Blood. Interestingly, Hodder is the only actor to have played Jason across multiple films. In this installment, the design of Jason was more akin to a zombie, with his bones and decaying flesh on display, which complemented Hodder’s physical prowess as he performed all the stunts. This enhanced the menace and intensity of Jason as a villain.

In “The New Blood,” Jason stands out as a relentless character who endures damage and continues without pause, smashing through doors effortlessly and tossing people around carelessly. Regrettably, the portrayal of this Jason was impacted by the MPAA’s strict oversight, resulting in significant reductions to his gruesome kill scenes during post-production.

7 Part 5 Jason

The Mystery Copycat Left Fans Divided On The Fifth Film

Movie: Friday The 13th Part 5: The New Beginning
Release Date: March 22, 1985
Actor: Dick Wieand

In Friday The 13th Part 5: The New Beginning, it’s not actually Jason causing the terror, but rather a copycat wearing a blue-chevron mask and mimicking his methods. This twist introduces an element of suspense as viewers are left to wonder which character among them is carrying on Jason’s gruesome legacy.

In “The New Beginning,” the imposter Jason was a calculated assassin who preferred to lurk in the shadows and pounce at the opportune time. However, the climax of the film hinges on the unveiling of Roy, the paramedic, as the man beneath the mask, which some viewers found underwhelming due to his limited screen time and the lack of clarity regarding why he chose to dress as Jason.

6 Part 1 Jason

The Nightmare Jumpscare That Traumatized Moviegoers

Movie: Friday The 13th
Release Date: May 9, 1980
Actor: Ari Lehman

In 1980, when “Friday The 13th” was released, it wasn’t Jason Voorhees who was the murderer, but rather the trigger that set off Pamela Voorhees on a violent rampage at Camp Crystal Lake. It was believed that Jason had drowned in the lake, which led to Pamela’s mental breakdown and her quest for vengeance for her son.

Nevertheless, Jason debuted in a surprising manner towards the end, though it was just a dream sequence. Following Alice’s murder of Pamela and escape by boat on the lake, viewers got an unexpected shock when the grotesque corpse of Jason surfaced from the water, dragging her back into it. This singular scene effectively scared audiences and laid the groundwork for the possibility that Jason could be a killer.

5 Crossover Jason

Fans Loved When Jason Finally Met Freddy

Movie: Freddy Vs. Jason
Release Date: August 13, 2003
Actor: Ken Kirzinger

In the ’80s and ’90s, “Friday The 13th” and “A Nightmare On Elm Street” dominated the slasher genre. For years, there were plans to pit their characters against each other in a movie titled “Freddy Vs. Jason“. This long-awaited encounter finally took place in 2003. The film was largely about the thrill of watching two legendary figures fight, but it still managed to deliver some chilling moments.

Instead of Kane Hodder reprising the role, it was Ken Kirzinger who stepped in and portrayed a significantly larger and imposing figure. Unlike his predecessor, Kirzinger’s performance was slower-paced, but he delivered numerous memorable kills, such as using a bed to crush a victim and even killing Freddy Krueger with his own clawed hand. This interpretation of the character managed to maintain its essence while also introducing a fresh perspective.

4 Part 3 Jason

Jason Finally Found His Hockey Mask And For The Better

Movie: Friday The 13th Part 3
Release Date: August 13, 1982
Actor: Richard Brooker

In the third installment of the Friday The 13th series, the appearance of Jason Voorhees was significantly changed, setting the visual standard that many fans associate with him today. Gone was the lumbering, long-haired version; instead, Richard Brooker portrayed Jason as a menacing, bald hunter. This new look gave him an imposing presence that influenced various horror films and video games, and it was also the first time he donned his iconic hockey mask.

In the third installment of Friday The 13th, Brooker’s portrayal of Jason Voorhees became more proficient. The bumbling character from earlier films was replaced with a ruthless efficiency as he mercilessly dispatched counselors and other victims with skill. The new Jason is ferocious, intense, and swift in his attacks, making him one of the few versions to depict Jason actually running. The chilling image of the unmasked Jason charging at Chris left a lasting impression on viewers.

3 Part 6 Jason

Turning Jason Into A Zombie Changed The Franchise Forever

Movie: Friday The 13th Part 6: Jason Lives
Release Date: August 1, 1986
Actor: C.J. Graham

In “Friday The 13th Part 6: Jason Lives,” C.J. Graham assumed the role when it was decided to bring back Jason Voorhees from the grave. Since the fifth film deviated from the norm, they aimed to attract fans once more by delivering an authentic Jason return, resulting in a zombie-like slasher antagonist who cannot be defeated.

By infusing elements of campy horror with a touch of traditional gothic horror reminiscent of classic Universal monsters, Jason Lives transformed the title character into an indomitable entity. This transformation resulted in increasingly outrageous kill scenes, yet still managed to keep him as a formidable and terrifying figure, given his newfound immortality.

2 Part 4 Jason

Perfected The Formula For The Intended Finale

Movie: Friday The 13th Part 4: The Final Chapter
Release Date: April 13, 1984
Actor: Ted White

In “Friday the 13th Part 4: The Final Chapter,” one of the beloved horror sequels, Ted White assumed the role of Jason Voorhees from Richard Brooker, portraying him as a relentless human murderer one last time. Since this was intended to be the concluding chapter for the series, the filmmakers spared no effort in transforming Jason into an unstoppable killing machine, making him even more merciless than before.

The chilling chapter concluded with Jason appearing more terrifying than ever before. If this had indeed been his last appearance, it would have made for an unforgettable farewell movie, given minor adjustments to his appearance and the iconic machete in hand, which is what most fans associate with the fearsome figure of Jason Voorhees.

1 Reboot Jason

Going Back To Basics Made Jason Scarier Than Ever

Movie: Friday The 13th
Release Date: February 13, 2009
Actor: Derek Mears

In the late 2000s, I found myself thrilled as a fan when Friday The 13th underwent a reboot, much like other slasher movies were at that time. The revival of Jason Voorhees was one of the standout aspects that made this reboot successful in my eyes. Derek Mears, who portrayed him, beautifully captured the essence of Part 4’s Jason but infused a modern twist, making him more menacing and capable of swiftly pursuing his prey.

The movie combines key aspects of the first three Jason Voorhees manifestations, such as discovering his hockey mask and portraying him as an adaptable hunter capable of transforming ordinary items into weapons. Yet, it also introduces novel elements like Jason possessing hidden underground passageways to justify his omnipresence, and providing additional depth to suggest he’s not merely a mindless assassin.

2024-10-20 20:24