Friday the 13th (1980)

Kernel Score: 65% · 3,481 ratings · Rated R

Genres: Horror

Released: 1980-05-09

Runtime: 95 minutes

Is Friday the 13th worth watching?

Depends on your taste. The original slasher about camp counsellors stalked at Camp Crystal Lake. It's historically important and can still be tense, but the acting is rough and it looks dated. A fun watch for genre fans only.

Watch it if you

  • want to see the slasher classic
  • like 70s and 80s horror
  • enjoy a simple, suspenseful body-count film

Skip it if you

  • dislike dated effects and acting
  • are sensitive to graphic violence

Best for: Horror night with friends

Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.

Where to watch Friday the 13th

  • Stream: Netflix, Paramount+, Peacock, Philo, AMC+, AMC
  • Free with ads: Kanopy, YouTube Free, Tubi
  • Rent: JustWatch TV Free, Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play
  • Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube

US availability, updated 2026-10-22.

Overview

Camp counselors are stalked and murdered by an unknown assailant while trying to reopen a summer camp that was the site of a child's drowning.

Movies like Friday the 13th

If you liked Friday the 13th, these are the movies we'd watch next.

  • Halloween (1978) — 84%: The slasher blueprint, with tension and a famous score.
  • Scream (1996) — 82%: Smart, funny slasher that plays with the genre.
  • The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974) — 80%: Rawer, more disturbing horror from the same era.
  • Fear Street: 1978 (2021) — 82%: Modern summer-camp slasher set in the same era.
  • Psycho (1960) — 91%: Hitchcock's classic suspense with a shocking turn.
  • Trick 'r Treat (2007) — 77%: Fun Halloween horror anthology with a wicked streak.

Director

Sean S. Cunningham

Cast

  • Adrienne King as Alice
  • Betsy Palmer as Mrs. Voorhees
  • Kevin Bacon as Jack
  • Jeannine Taylor as Marcie
  • Harry Crosby as Bill
  • Laurie Bartram as Brenda
  • Mark Nelson as Ned
  • Peter Brouwer as Steve Christy
  • Robbi Morgan as Annie
  • Rex Everhart as Truck Driver

Friday the 13th FAQ

Is Friday the 13th worth watching?

Depends on your taste. The original slasher about camp counsellors stalked at Camp Crystal Lake. It's historically important and can still be tense, but the acting is rough and it looks dated. A fun watch for genre fans only.

Where can I watch Friday the 13th?

In the US you can stream Friday the 13th on Netflix, Paramount+, Peacock, Philo, AMC+ and AMC, watch it free with ads on Kanopy, YouTube Free and Tubi and rent it from JustWatch TV Free, Prime Video, Apple TV and Google Play.

What is Friday the 13th rated?

Friday the 13th is rated R.

What movies are like Friday the 13th?

If you liked Friday the 13th, try Halloween, Scream, The Texas Chain Saw Massacre and Fear Street: 1978.