Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives (1986)
Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives (1986) 
After the divisive Friday the 13th Part V, Jason Lives (1986) revived the franchise in a way that cemented Jason Voorhees as an unstoppable supernatural killer. Directed by Tom McLoughlin, this sixth entry follows Tommy Jarvis (Thom Mathews), who, still haunted by his past, accidentally resurrects Jason while trying to ensure his corpse stays buried. The result? A more powerful, undead Jason who embarks on a brutal killing spree at Camp Crystal Lake—now renamed Camp Forest Green.
This film is widely regarded as one of the best in the franchise, thanks to its perfect balance of horror, action, and dark humor. Unlike its predecessors, Jason Lives embraces a self-aware tone, poking fun at slasher tropes while delivering intense kills and thrilling chase sequences. The cinematography, atmospheric lighting, and eerie soundtrack (including Alice Cooper’s He’s Back (The Man Behind the Mask)) add to the film’s fun-yet-creepy vibe.
Thom Mathews brings a fresh energy to Tommy Jarvis, making him a likable protagonist. C.J. Graham, as Jason, gives the character a menacing and unstoppable presence, marking the true beginning of Jason’s supernatural persona. The film also features some of the franchise’s most memorable kills, including the infamous “triple decapitation” and a spear-through-the-heart moment.
With its clever writing, iconic moments, and thrilling action, Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives is a fan-favorite and a standout entry in the series. It’s a must-watch for slasher enthusiasts and the perfect example of what makes Jason Voorhees an enduring horror legend.
