On this day May 9, 1980, Friday the 13th premiered in theaters and changed the horror genre forever. Made on a modest budget of just 500,000 dollars, the film shocked audiences with its grisly kills, eerie setting at Camp Crystal Lake, and a twist ending that left people talking long after the credits rolled.
Despite mixed reviews from critics, the movie became a box office sensation, earning nearly 60 million dollars worldwide and launching one of the most successful horror franchises of all time. While Jason Voorhees wouldn’t become the iconic killer until later entries, his legend was born here.
Fun fact: The original film’s chilling score, with its now famous ki ki ki ma ma ma sound effect, was created by composer Harry Manfredini and became one of the most recognizable horror cues in film history.
Despite mixed reviews from critics, the movie became a box office sensation, earning nearly 60 million dollars worldwide and launching one of the most successful horror franchises of all time. While Jason Voorhees wouldn’t become the iconic killer until later entries, his legend was born here.
Fun fact: The original film’s chilling score, with its now famous ki ki ki ma ma ma sound effect, was created by composer Harry Manfredini and became one of the most recognizable horror cues in film history.
