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Friday the 13th

Play trailer 2:25 Poster for Friday the 13th R Released Feb 13, 2009 1h 37m Horror Mystery & Thriller Play Trailer Watchlist
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25% Tomatometer 177 Reviews 47% Popcornmeter 100,000+ Ratings
Against the advice of locals and police, Clay (Jared Padalecki) scours the eerie woods surrounding Crystal Lake for his missing sister. But the rotting cabins of an abandoned summer camp are not the only things he finds. Hockey-masked killer Jason Voorhees lies in wait for a chance to use his razor-sharp machete on Clay and the group of college students who have come to the forest to party.
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Friday the 13th

Friday the 13th

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Critics Consensus

Though technically well-constructed, Friday the 13th is a series rehash that features little to distinguish it from its predecessors.

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Critics Reviews

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Candice Frederick Reel Talk Online If you're a die hard Jason fan like myself, check out the movie with popcorn and a group of friends. If not, sit this one out. Rated: D+ Sep 12, 2017 Full Review Joshua Rothkopf Time Out Rated: 2/5 Nov 17, 2011 Full Review Anton Bitel Little White Lies Unfortunately, no matter how clever-clever the all-new screenplay might (occasionally) be at acknowledging the faults of the original, this does not make them magically go away. Aug 7, 2009 Full Review Brian Bisesi Horror Movie Club Podcast This is a modernized rehash of the same shortcomings that have plagued the Friday the 13th franchise since its inception: weak characters and a lack of suspense. The rapid cuts to cameras in motion makes the film even worse than its 80s counterparts. Rated: 2/5 Jun 11, 2025 Full Review Trace Thurman Horror Queers Podcast It's no better or worse than most entries in the franchise, sitting firmly in the middle of the pack. Rated: 3/5 Feb 19, 2024 Full Review Joe Lipsett Horror Queers Podcast The film peaks with its extended 'four movies in one' opening, but there's a silliness that carries the rest of the film. One wishes the kills were more memorable and the characters less stock, but...it's a Friday the 13th film. What do you expect? Rated: 3/5 Feb 14, 2024 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Gregory H I really enjoyed the 2009 remake! The concept was good, just good ol Jason Rated 4 out of 5 stars 05/06/23 Full Review Diet Dr. Paul . As a massive fan of the entire franchise, I can usually find a redeeming quality in just about any movie… but not this. This is just as pointless as every other reboot of a classic franchise that does ZERO thinking for itself. Why would I spent money/time on this garbage when I can just watch 1-4 and actually enjoy myself. Rated 1.5 out of 5 stars 06/13/25 Full Review Audience Member A pretty low rating for a movie I enjoy a lot. I think the 2000s is starting to become a nostalgic era, the same way that the 80s was a nostalgic era in the 2000s, and still is a nostalgic era. So I've found that upon rewatch, a 2000s version of Friday the 13th, is a product of its time. Produced by mr. 2000s himself Michael Bay. I also think that there is more of a story in this compared to some of my other favorites in the franchise. Obviously the characters are very stereotypical and over the top, which for some does not work in a more modern film setting, but I still think it works well. Especially because It think the performers are likeable. So I find this flick to be a blast to watch, short run time, cool kills, great cozy yet eerie horror atmosphere, good times. Thank you! Rated 3 out of 5 stars 06/13/25 Full Review Sam A When it comes to iconic horror franchises, Friday the 13th is a name that instantly conjures images of hockey masks, machetes, and blood-soaked summer camps. With over a dozen entries, the franchise has had its highs and lows, but the 2009 reboot directed by Marcus Nispel stands out as not just a return to form—but the most effective, entertaining, and brutal entry in the entire series. A Modern Jason Voorhees With Classic Roots What sets the 2009 Friday the 13th apart is its perfect balance of homage and reinvention. Derek Mears’ portrayal of Jason is a revelation: no longer just a slow-moving, zombie-like stalker, this Jason is strategic, athletic, and genuinely terrifying. He’s more akin to a survivalist predator than a mindless killer, which adds a fresh, real-world edge to the mythos. Yet, the film doesn't stray from the roots that fans love—it brings back the eerie Crystal Lake, the brutal kills, and the dark slasher atmosphere in spades. The Perfect Blend of the First Four Films Rather than simply retell the story of Pamela Voorhees or follow the later supernatural turns of the original sequels, the 2009 reboot smartly condenses the essence of Friday the 13th Parts 1–4 into one tight, relentless experience. In just the opening 20 minutes, it pays tribute to the original 1980 film and then launches into its own story with a fast-paced, high-stakes survival thriller that feels fresh but familiar. It respects the past while pushing the story forward—something most reboots fail to do. Brutal, Creative Kills That Hit Hard Let’s be honest—when you watch a Friday the 13th film, you're there for the kills. The 2009 installment delivers some of the most creative and brutal kills in the series. From bear traps to arrows to machete guttings, each death is shot with brutal clarity and realism, making Jason’s presence genuinely terrifying. The violence isn’t cartoonish—it’s raw and personal. The film doesn’t glorify gore; it uses it to remind you just how dangerous Jason is. Cinematic Quality That Elevates the Genre Unlike many of the earlier sequels, which often felt cheap or rushed, this film looks amazing. Nispel’s direction is slick and atmospheric, with beautiful cinematography that captures the isolation and darkness of the woods. The sound design is sharp, and the score subtly modernizes the classic “ki-ki-ki, ma-ma-ma” without overdoing it. Everything feels elevated—from production values to pacing. Characters You (Sort of) Care About Most slasher films give us disposable characters, and while the 2009 Friday the 13th doesn’t reinvent the wheel in terms of character depth, it does give us a few standouts—particularly Clay (Jared Padalecki), who brings heart and urgency as he searches for his missing sister. The rest of the cast, while still hitting the usual archetypes (stoner, jock, final girl), feel more grounded and believable than their ‘80s counterparts. Why It’s the Best in the Series While the original 1980 film is a classic, it lacks Jason as we know him. The later sequels lean into camp and supernatural nonsense. The 2009 reboot gives us everything we want in a modern slasher: a fearsome, iconic killer, a tight and tense narrative, brutal kills, and serious production quality. It respects the legend of Jason while giving him new life—and most importantly, it’s actually scary. In a genre filled with lazy sequels and cash-grab reboots, Friday the 13th (2009) proves that reimagining a legend can work when done with passion, precision, and blood-drenched intensity. It’s not just the best Friday the 13th movie—it’s one of the best slasher reboots ever made. Rating: 9/10 — A killer comeback for a horror icon. Bonus points for Jason’s design: Jason Voorhees has worn many looks throughout his long, bloody legacy—from the sack-headed woodsman in Part 2 to the zombified tank of Jason Goes to Hell. But in the 2009 reboot, Jason’s design is not only the most grounded—it’s the most terrifying, functional, and real. This version of Jason is no longer a supernatural boogeyman; he’s a human predator, and his look reflects that perfectly. 1. The Mask: Classic but Enhanced The hockey mask in the 2009 film is instantly recognizable but slightly refined. It’s weathered, dirty, and has a real sense of history to it. It’s not overly stylized or gimmicky like in some sequels (Jason X, anyone?). This mask feels lived-in, as if Jason has been using it for years while stalking his prey. It’s gritty, realistic, and just the right amount of iconic. 2. The Gear: Practical and Menacing Unlike the tattered, moldy rags of the undead Jason era, this Jason dresses like someone who lives in the woods. He wears layered, utilitarian clothing—heavy boots, a rugged jacket, and survivalist gear that makes sense for someone hiding out in the abandoned ruins of Camp Crystal Lake. His look isn’t theatrical—it’s functional, which makes it even more unsettling. He’s not trying to scare you—he’s trying to kill you. That’s far scarier. 3. The Build: The Ultimate Predator Derek Mears brings a physicality to Jason that’s unmatched. He’s tall, muscular, fast, and moves with purpose. This Jason runs, hunts, traps, and fights. He’s less of a lumbering zombie and more of a terrifying backwoods survivalist—almost like Rambo crossed with Michael Myers. The design emphasizes that this is a man, not a monster—making him far more threatening because he’s believable. 4. The Mask Reveal: Human Horror When the mask comes off briefly, you see a disfigured but very human face. That one moment grounds Jason in reality—he’s not invincible, but he’s relentless. He’s angry, primal, and traumatized. The design team avoided going over the top with makeup or gore. It’s restrained, realistic, and all the more disturbing for it. 5. Weapon Integration Jason’s machete in this film isn’t just a slasher prop—it’s part of his whole aesthetic. It’s dirty, used, and lethal. He also uses other tools and weapons, showing he’s smart and resourceful. His gear and build suggest a man who has adapted to his environment. He’s not just some killer in a mask—he’s a full-blown apex predator. In short: 2009 Jason looks like he could exist—and that’s what makes him so chilling. His design is grounded in realism, survival, and rage. He isn’t supernatural, but he doesn’t need to be. He’s human horror at its most primal, and that’s why his design in the reboot is the best in the series. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 06/11/25 Full Review Marsh X Everything except the story was just fine I guess, kills were okay but they felt pretty underwhelming compared to most of the additions in this franchise, it is actually impressive how inconsistent in quality this movie series is, some are bangers and others are absolute poo. This one was just mid or slightly below that, characters were stupid and sometimes funny but most of it was boring, can't really recommend this but I can finally say that I've watched every friday 13th movie. YIPPEE. 4/10 Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars 06/02/25 Full Review Bruce M Cinematography, direction, editing and acting are just fine, but script is bad, movie is actually quite boring. Rated 2 out of 5 stars 05/08/25 Full Review Read all reviews
Friday the 13th

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Movie Info

Synopsis Against the advice of locals and police, Clay (Jared Padalecki) scours the eerie woods surrounding Crystal Lake for his missing sister. But the rotting cabins of an abandoned summer camp are not the only things he finds. Hockey-masked killer Jason Voorhees lies in wait for a chance to use his razor-sharp machete on Clay and the group of college students who have come to the forest to party.
Director
Marcus Nispel
Producer
Michael Bay, Andrew Form, Brad Fuller, Sean S. Cunningham
Screenwriter
Damian Shannon, Mark Swift
Distributor
Warner Bros.
Production Co
Platinum Dunes
Rating
R (Graphic Sexual Content|Drug Material|Language|Strong Bloody Violence)
Genre
Horror, Mystery & Thriller
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Feb 13, 2009, Wide
Release Date (Streaming)
Mar 1, 2011
Box Office (Gross USA)
$65.0M
Runtime
1h 37m
Sound Mix
Dolby Digital, SDDS, DTS
Aspect Ratio
Scope (2.35:1)
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