Friday the 13th : The Ultimate Guide to the Classic Horror Franchise
Friday the 13th: The Ultimate Guide to the Classic Horror Franchise
For horror aficionados and casual fans alike, the name "Friday the 13th" conjures images of a hockey-masked killer and the chilling cries of Camp Crystal Lake. This iconic franchise has carved a bloody path through popular culture, spawning numerous films, novels, comics and games. This comprehensive guide will delve deep into the history of Jason Voorhees and his reign of terror, offering a one-stop resource for everything you need to know about this enduring slasher phenomenon. Here is Friday the 13th: The Ultimate Guide to the Classic Horror Franchise.
The Genesis of Terror: From Tragedy to Legend
The origins of the Friday the 13th saga lie in the success of John Carpenter's 1978 horror masterpiece, Halloween. Inspired by its financial triumph, producer and director Sean S. Cunningham sought to create a similarly impactful and profitable slasher film. The resulting creation, Friday the 13th (1980), wasn't initially about the hockey-masked behemoth we know today.
Friday the 13th (1980)
The first film centers on a group of teenage counselors reopening Camp Crystal Lake, a summer camp with a very dark past. Years prior, in 1957, a young boy named Jason Voorhees tragically drowned in the lake due to the negligence of the teenage counselors who were supposed to be watching him. The following year, Jason's grief-stricken mother, Pamela Voorhees, took revenge by murdering the counselors she held responsible. Friday the 13th follows a new group of counselors who are stalked and brutally murdered by an unseen assailant, who is eventually revealed to be Pamela seeking vengeance for her son's death. Get Friday the 13th (4K Ultra HD Blu-Ray) on Amazon here!
Friday the 13th (1980)
May 9, 1980
95 minutes
Budget: $550,000
Box Office: $59.8 million (Domestic)
Directed by: Sean S. Cunningham
Written by: Victor Miller
- Synopsis: Teenage counselors arrive at Camp Crystal Lake to reopen it for the summer, unaware of the tragic history and the vengeful killer lurking in the woods.
- Cast: Betsy Palmer, Adrienne King, Jeannine Taylor, Kevin Bacon, Harry Crosby, Laurie Bartram, Mark Nelson, Jeannine Taylor, Robbi Morgan
Friday the 13th Part 2 (1981)
While Pamela was the killer in the original, the sequel, Friday the 13th Part 2 (1981), introduced the adult Jason Voorhees as the primary antagonist. Having witnessed his mother's death at the hands of Alice Hardy, the sole survivor of the first film, Jason has grown into a hulking, disfigured recluse living in the woods near Crystal Lake. When a new group of counselors arrives at a nearby training facility, Jason embarks on his own bloody rampage. This film marks the true beginning of Jason's reign of terror and establishes his signature machete as his weapon of choice. While he doesn't don the iconic hockey mask in this installment, instead wearing a burlap sack with a single eyehole, Part 2 is crucial in solidifying the franchise's slasher formula.
- Box Office: $21.7 million (Domestic)
- Synopsis: Five years after the Camp Crystal Lake murders, a new group of counselors at a nearby training camp fall prey to the vengeful Jason Voorhees.
- Cast: Amy Steel, John Furey, Adrienne King (cameo)
- Crew: Directed by Steve Miner, Written by Ron Kurz
Friday the 13th Part III (1982)
Friday the 13th Part III (1982) is a significant entry as it's the film where Jason finally acquires his iconic hockey mask. Picking up directly after the events of Part 2, Jason continues his killing spree, encountering a group of teenagers vacationing at a lakefront property. This film was also famously released in 3D, a popular gimmick at the time, which explains some of the more overtly visual and "in your face" kills.
- Box Office: $36.7 million (Domestic)
- Synopsis: Jason, still on the loose, terrorizes a group of teenagers celebrating a weekend at a lake house near Crystal Lake.
- Cast: Dana Kimmell, Paul Kratka, Richard Brooker (as Jason Voorhees)
- Crew: Directed by Steve Miner, Written by Martin Jay Sadoff
Friday the 13th: The Final Chapter (1984) - Expanding the Mythos
Friday the 13th: The Final Chapter (1984) was initially intended to be the conclusion of the series. It introduces Tommy Jarvis, a resourceful young boy with a knack for horror and special effects, who ultimately confronts and seemingly kills Jason. This film is often considered one of the best in the franchise by fans due to its intense atmosphere and memorable characters.
- Box Office: $32.9 million (Domestic)
- Synopsis: Jason returns to Crystal Lake for another killing spree, but this time he encounters a determined young boy named Tommy Jarvis.
- Cast: Kimberly Beck, Corey Feldman, Crispin Glover, Ted White (as Jason Voorhees)
- Crew: Directed by Joseph Zito, Written by Barney Cohen
Friday the 13th: A New Beginning (1985) - A Temporary Move from Jason
However, Jason's box office appeal proved too strong to ignore, leading to Friday the 13th: A New Beginning (1985). This film attempts to shift the focus away from Jason, with a new killer seemingly taking his place. Tommy Jarvis, now a teenager grappling with the trauma of his past encounter with Jason, is residing in a mental health facility near Crystal Lake. When a series of brutal murders occur, suspicion falls on Tommy, but the true killer is eventually revealed to be Roy Burns, a paramedic whose son was murdered at the facility. This installment is often considered a divisive entry among fans due to Jason's absence as the primary antagonist.
- Box Office: $21.9 million (Domestic)
- Synopsis: Years after seemingly killing Jason, Tommy Jarvis resides in a mental institution where a new series of murders begins, leading to questions about who the real killer is.
- Cast: John Shepherd, Melanie Kinnaman, Shavar Ross
- Crew: Directed by Danny Steinmann, Written by Martin Kitrosser and David Paulsen
Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives (1986) - Supernatural Jason Vorhees
Jason finally returns in Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives (1986), and this time, he's back with a supernatural twist. Tommy Jarvis, still haunted by Jason, exhumes his corpse to ensure he's truly dead. However, a freak lightning strike reanimates Jason, turning him into an seemingly immortal killing machine. This film injects a more self-aware and action-oriented tone into the series.
- Box Office: $19.5 million (Domestic)
- Synopsis: Tommy Jarvis accidentally resurrects Jason Voorhees, who returns as a seemingly unstoppable, undead killing force.
- Cast: Thom Mathews, Jennifer Cooke, David Kagen
- Crew: Directed and Written by Tom McLoughlin
Friday the 13th VII: The New Blood (1988)
Friday the 13th Part VII: The New Blood (1988) introduces a telekinetic teenager named Tina Shepard who accidentally unleashes Jason from his watery grave at Crystal Lake. This film features a memorable showdown between Tina's psychic abilities and Jason's brute strength.
- Box Office: $19.1 million (Domestic)
- Synopsis: A young woman with telekinetic powers accidentally revives Jason Voorhees from the bottom of Crystal Lake.
- Cast: Lar Park-Lincoln, Kevin Blair, John Otrin
- Crew: Directed by John Carl Buechler, Written by Daryl Haney
Friday the 13th Part VIII: Jason Takes Manhattan (1989)
Friday the 13th Part VIII: Jason Takes Manhattan (1989) sees Jason inexplicably transported to New York City via a cruise ship filled with graduating high school students. While the title suggests a full-fledged rampage through the Big Apple, a significant portion of the film takes place on the ship.
- Box Office: $14.3 million (Domestic)
- Synopsis: Jason stows away on a cruise ship bound for New York City and begins terrorizing the graduating class on board.
- Cast: Jensen Daggett, Scott Reeves, Kane Hodder (as Jason Voorhees)
- Crew: Directed and Written by Rob Hedden
Into the New Millennium: Sci-Fi and Beyond
Jason Goes to Hell: The Final Friday (1993)
Jason Goes to Hell: The Final Friday (1993) attempts to provide a definitive end to Jason's story, albeit in a bizarre and controversial way. Jason is seemingly blown to bits by the FBI, but his evil spirit survives and can possess other living beings, continuing his killing spree. This film introduces the concept of the Voorhees bloodline and a mystical dagger that can permanently kill Jason.
- Box Office: $15.9 million (Domestic)
- Synopsis: Jason is seemingly killed, but his evil spirit lives on, possessing different bodies as he continues his murderous rampage.
- Cast: John D. LeMay, Kari Keegan, Steven Williams
- Crew: Directed by Adam Marcus, Written by Jay Huguely and Dean Lorey
Jason X (2001)
Jason X (2001) takes the franchise to a whole new level – literally. Set in the distant future, Jason is cryogenically frozen and accidentally revived aboard a spaceship. He then proceeds to terrorize the ship's crew and a group of students. This film is known for its over-the-top violence and its departure from the traditional Crystal Lake setting. It's definitely a movie that features Jason Vorhees.
- Box Office: $13.1 million (Domestic)
- Synopsis: In the future, Jason is revived on a spaceship and begins hunting the crew and students on board.
- Cast: Kane Hodder (as Jason Voorhees), Lexa Doig, Lisa Ryder
- Crew: Directed by James Isaac, Written by Todd Farmer
The Ultimate Showdown and Reboot
Freddy vs. Jason (2003) was a long-awaited crossover event that pitted two of horror's biggest icons against each other. Freddy Krueger, the dream-stalking killer from the Nightmare on Elm Street series, manipulates Jason into returning to Elm Street to sow fear and allow Freddy to regain his power. The film culminates in an epic battle between the two monstrous figures.
- Box Office: $82.6 million (Domestic)
- Synopsis: Freddy Krueger manipulates Jason Voorhees into returning to Elm Street, leading to a brutal showdown between the two horror icons.
- Cast: Robert Englund (as Freddy Krueger), Ken Kirzinger (as Jason Voorhees), Monica Keena
- Crew: Directed by Ronny Yu, Written by Damian Shannon and Mark Swift
Friday the 13th (2009) - A Masked Icon is Reborn...Again
The franchise was rebooted with Friday the 13th (2009). This film serves as both an origin story and a re-imagining of the first few films, featuring a much more agile and brutal Jason Vorhees. It follows a group of young adults who stumble upon Jason's territory in the woods surrounding Crystal Lake.
- Box Office: $65.0 million (Domestic)
- Synopsis: A group of young adults vacationing near Crystal Lake encounter the legendary killer Jason Voorhees.
- Cast: Jared Padalecki, Danielle Panabaker, Derek Mears (as Jason Voorhees)
- Crew: Directed by Marcus Nispel, Written by Damian Shannon and Mark Swift and Mark Wheaton
Get Friday the 13th (2009) (4K Ultra HD Blu-Ray) on Amazon here!
Beyond the Silver Screen: Friday the 13th Novels, Comics and Games
The Friday the 13th universe extends beyond the thirteen films, offering fans more ways to immerse themselves in the lore and terror and expanding the franchise in completely new ways.
Friday the 13th Books & Novels
Several novelizations of the films were released, often providing more in-depth character development and backstories. Original novels expanding the Friday the 13th mythos were also published, exploring new characters and scenarios within the established universe. These books offered a different perspective on Jason and the world around Crystal Lake.
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Friday the 13th (October 1, 1987) - Simon Hawke
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Friday the 13th Part 2 (1988) - Simon Hawke
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Friday the 13th Part 3 (1988) - Simon Hawke
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Friday the 13th: The Jason Voyage (1988) - Simon Hawke
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Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives (1988) - Simon Hawke
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Friday the 13th Part VII: The New Blood (January 1, 1988) - Simon Hawke
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Friday the 13th Part VIII: Jason Takes Manhattan (January 1, 1989) - Simon Hawke
- Friday the 13th: Mother's Day (The Camp Crystal Lake Series) (July 1, 1994) - Eric Morse
Once there was a boy named Jason Vorhees, who drowned at a summer camp when the counselors weren't watching. First, his mother got revenge. Then, Jason rose from the grave. And now, everyone knows you can't kill a legend... but a legend can kill you.
Billy Boone and his friends were fearless. Why else would they go camping at Crystal Lake? They had heard all the gruesome stories about Jason. And they knew why Jason wore a hockey mask-Jason had a face only a mother could love. But there are a few things Boone and his friends don't know about Jason. Like whatever happened to his mother's decapitated head? How did his hockey mask get into the hands of a local hunter? And why is the hunter trying to kill every teenager at the camp?
Because it's Mother's Day. And Jason's mom doesn't want flowers or candy...
She wants corpses.
- Friday the 13th: Jason's Curse (The Camp Crystal Lake Series) (July 1, 1994) - Eric Morse
Everyone thought Kelly Boone was crazy. She wanted to go to Camp Crystal Lake to destroy the evil legacy of Jason Voorhees once and for all. Her friends tried to talk her out of it. But Kelly was obsessed-because Jason had killed her brother. Now, as they explore the cursed campsite, they realize they are not alone. A backwoods hillbilly has gone fishing in the lake where Jason drowned.
And he managed to hook the catch of the day...
The blood-stained mask of Jason Voorhees.
- Friday the 13th: The Carnival (The Camp Crystal Lake Series) (July 1, 1994) - Eric Morse
Summer school's a drag. And to four young students, nothing sounds better than a traveling carnival to break up the boredom. Unfortunately, the carnival has pitched its tents at the old Crystal Lake campgrounds-where the murderous spirit of Jason seeks out new fun and games. It's the perfect place for four teenagers looking for thrills and chills. Especially chills.
Because Jason's evil is running the show. The fun house is a real scream...
And the roller coaster's a killer.
- Friday the 13th: Road Trip (The Camp Crystal Lake Series) (September 1, 1994) - Eric Morse
Heading home after the big game, a van full of cheerleaders and football players swerved off the road-and crashed. It was raining, they were lost, and everyone blamed Teddy. Why? Because Teddy was an easy target. He was the team water boy, the class nerd, and the school mascot (in a bumblebee suit!). But while Teddy's tormentors sought shelter from the storm at Camp Crystal Lake, Teddy traded his bumblebee suit for a gruesome new disguise...
Now the school nerd has a hockey mask, a machete, and a taste for revenge.
And his classmates have to take a little detour-through death.
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Jason X (January 1, 2005) - Pat Cadigan
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Jason X: The Experiment (January 25, 2005) - Pat Cadigan -
In the far future, Jason Vorhees has been resurrected as an invulnerable monster. Military scientists, keen to create unstoppable super soldiers, are anxious to utilize Jason's regenerative powers and killer instinct. But Jason is no lab rat, and escapes into an underground complex to continue his murderous mission. The scientists will soon find out, to their horror, that evil cannot be harnessed and cannot be stopped.
Full of futuristic thrills, action and good old-fashioned slasher mayhem, Jason X: The Experiment proves there's only one thing worse than an unstoppable killer.
Two of them. Get it on E-Bay here!
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Friday the 13th: Church of the Divine Psychopath (August 9, 2005) - Scott Phillips
Jason Vorhees. Unkillable. Unstoppable. Camp Crystal Lake's most infamous son is back, and he's doing what he does best!
Following the drowning of a young boy named Jason Voorhees in 1957, Camp Crystal Lake has long been terrorized by a silent killer - a seemingly unstoppable murderer who hunts his victims in the dead of night. But when an insane religious group begin to worship Jason as a means of inflicting a holy retribution, they are oblivious to the carnage that will be unleashed when he escapes!
One of the most feared icons from movie history returns in a brand new range of further adventures. Wearing his trademark hockey mask and armed with his deadly machete, Jason is back and ready for revenge!
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Jason X: Planet of the Beast (June 7, 2005) - Nancy Kilpatrick -
In the far future, the grim legend of Jason Vorhees has passed into history-his unspeakable killing sprees all but forgotten. But, on Planet 666, the sinister Doctor Bardox has discovered the comatose body of Jason and plans to clone his undead flesh to create a controllable living weapon. However, Bardox unwittingly revives the synthetic monster and soon his crew are fighting for their lives against the unstoppable Jason Vorhees.
Full of futuristic thrills, action and good old-fashioned slasher mayhem, the question of cloning has now become one of life and death on the Planet of the Beast!
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Friday the 13th: Hell Lake (January 1, 2006) - Paul A. Woods
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Jason X: Death Moon (January 1, 2006) - Alex Johnson -
The world thought it could breathe a sigh of relief when the juggernaut of death known as Jason Vorhees was cryogenically frozen. The world should have known better. Resurrected and rebuilt by state-of-the-art technology in the 25th century, Jason is now an indestructible living weapon. And he's bringing his own brand of machete mayhem to a whole new generation!
Moon Camp Americana, a finishing school for wayward young girls has enough problems with its unruly charges. But a much bigger problem is coming: Jason has arrived, and the lessons he teaches will leave you in a body bag!
Full of futuristic thrills, action and good old-fashioned slasher mayhem, school is out for good on Death Moon.
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Friday the 13th: Carnival of Maniacs (June 6, 2006) - Stephen Hand -
After twenty-five years Pamela Vorhees is back and she's ready to join her son in a rampage of murder. Only Jason is not at home any more; he's the main attraction in a travelling sideshow. Pamela will stop at nothing to bring Jason back to Crystal Lake, but she had better hurry, because someone at the sideshow is planning to sell Jason's body on an internet auction site! Who would be crazy enough to want Jason in their own home? Will the FBI step in and put Jason away before the final bid?
Full of action and good, old-fashioned slasher mayhem, Carnival of Maniacs proves that you really should try before you buy.
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Jason X: To the Third Power (April 25, 2006) - Nancy Kilpatrick -
The world thought it could breathe a sigh of relief when the juggernaut of death known as Jason Vorhees was cryogenically frozen. The world should have known better. Resurrected and rebuilt by state-of-the-art technology in the 25th century, Jason is now an indestructible living weapon, and he's bringing his own brand of machete mayhem to a whole new generation!
The moon of Americana is home to a vast prison complex holding some of the most dangerous convicts in the universe. When a team of cyber-engineers uncovers the body of an altered cybernetic Jason beneath the prison, they must fight through rioting inmates to stop the deadly monster that they have unleashed!
- Friday the 13th: The Jason Strain (January 31, 2006) - Christa Faust -
The ultimate reality show just got lethal!
Camp Crystal Lake has long been haunted by the legend of Jason Vorhees, the monster who cannot be destroyed. Soon, those who visit Camp Crystal Lake will discover the awful truth - Jason is real and he has only one thing on his mind: your death!
Twisted TV executives have created a new reality show where convicts are stranded on an island with only one rule: the last one left alive goes free. Now they're putting Jason on the island in an attempt to boost ratings.
Packed with action and good, old-fashioned slasher mayhem, The Jason Strain is a kinetic rollercoaster-ride of a novel. Get it on E-Bay here!
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Friday the 13th: Jason vs. Leatherface (January 1, 2007) - Stephen Hand
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Freddy vs. Jason (September 1, 2003) - Stephen Hand
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Friday the 13th: The Mask of Jason Voorhees (2011) - Eric Morse -
It has been four years since Jason Voorhees was dragged down to Hell. Since then the evil of Jason has arisen four times in the form of his possessed hockey mask. Four souls have worn that mask and have viciously killed dozens of innocent people who have mistakenly ventured into the woods around Camp Crystal Lake. Now the mask has chosen its latest and final wearer and the seeds of Jason’s resurrection have been planted. But, there is opposition. Reunited, Micki Foster and Ryan Dallion must not only face a superhuman killing machine, but also the horrifying truth at the heart of the curse of Camp Crystal Lake. Download the e-book for free on the authors website here!
Friday the 13th Comic Books
Various comic book series and one-shots have been published by different companies over the years, including Marvel Comics, Topps Comics, and WildStorm. These comics often feature new storylines, pitting Jason against new victims and sometimes even other horror icons. They allowed writers and artists to explore more extreme and imaginative scenarios that might not have been feasible on film.
Friday the 13th: Jason vs Jason X (2006) (Avatar Press) - A two issue miniseries written and drawn by Mike Wolfer as Jason Vorhees must face the future version of himself, Uber Jason. Get it on E-Bay here!
Friday the 13th (2007) (Wildstorm Comics) - A six issue mini series follows a group of teenagers that go to Crystal Lake to get it ready to open once again. Written by Justin Gray & Jimmy Palmiotti with art by Adam Archer. Get yours on E-Bay here!
Freddy Vs. Jason Vs. Ash: The Nightmare Warriors (Aug 2009 - January 2010) (Wildstorm Comics) - Something strange is happening in the halls of Project Black Book. The covert government group is unleashing creatures of mass destruction in their bid to gain control over the Necronomicon. And as the survivors of Freddy and Jason's murder sprees congregate, the short-lived reunion is shattered by the violent arrival of Jason Voorhees. But when a mysterious stranger arrives to aid in the battle, Jason must confront the one man who has not only survived his murderous rampages but has also "killed him" in the past. Fan favorite Tommy Jarvis returns to finish what he started and see Jason Voorhees buried a final time!
Video Games: The Friday the 13th franchise has had a presence in the video game world since the late 1980s. Early games were often loosely based on the films, offering side-scrolling or top-down perspectives. In 2017, a dedicated multiplayer survival horror game, Friday the 13th: The Game, was released, allowing players to either step into the hockey mask of Jason or play as a camp counselor trying to survive his onslaught. This game offered a unique and immersive experience for fans, capturing the tension and terror of the films.
TV Series:
Friday the 13th: The Series is a television show that ran for 72 episodes across 3 seasons in first run syndication. Airing from October 3, 1987 through May 26, 1990, the series followed two cousins who find out after selling all the items from an inherited antiques store that the items are all cursed. The format of the series follows them as they look to get back each of the objects.
Despite the name, Friday the 13th: The Series has no narrative connection to the films or any of the characters in the films. It was originally titled The 13th Hour but was changed to cash in on the success of the movies. Get Friday the 13th: The Series (The Complete Series DVD Collection) on Amazon here!
To dive further into Friday the 13th: The Series, there's a really cool book called, Curious Goods: Behind the Scenes of Friday the 13th: The Series by Alyse Wax that goes behind the scenes on every episode of the show, speaking with the stars, crew and creators.
Crystal Lake is an upcoming prequel series set before the Friday the 13th movies and will air exclusively on Peacock. From prestigious studio A24 (Everything Everywhere All At Once, Hereditary, Moonlight), the show runner Brad Caleb Kane (It: Welcome to Derry) will write, direct and produce the show, while Linda Cardellini will star as Pamela Vorhees.
The Enduring Legacy of Friday the 13th
The Friday the 13th franchise has undoubtedly left an indelible mark on the horror genre. Jason Voorhees has become a globally recognized icon of slasher films, his hockey mask and machete instantly recognizable. The franchise's success lies in its simple yet effective formula: a relentless, silent killer stalking and dispatching unsuspecting victims in gruesome ways. While the quality of the films has varied over the years, the enduring appeal of Jason and the eerie atmosphere of Crystal Lake continue to captivate audiences. The franchise's exploration of themes like revenge, the consequences of negligence, and the seemingly unstoppable nature of evil have resonated with viewers for decades. As new generations discover the terror of Camp Crystal Lake, the legend of Friday the 13th is sure to endure for years to come.
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ATTENTION HORROR FANS: If you love horror, which obviously you do because you're here, you'll love my first book, 31 Days of Horror: Pop Culture Weekly's Killer Guide to Surviving the October Horror Movie Challenge. You can pick it up in hardcover or paperback right here on Amazon!
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Kyle McMahon
On Air Talent / Creator / Author / Producer
Kyle McMahon is an American television personality, radio host, journalist, actor, singer and songwriter. He is known for appearing in Oprah's Lifeclass, the Oscar winning film Selma, hosting Pop Culture Weekly with Kyle McMahon on iHeart Radio and touring with LFO and O-Town.
The Best Books about Jason Vorhees & the Friday the 13th Franchise
