Friday the 13th Part VI Celebrates 40th Anniversary

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The 1986 horror film Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives is celebrating its 40th anniversary with special screenings and retrospectives. The movie, directed by Tom McLoughlin, is widely regarded as a fan favorite for its self-aware, comedic tone that differentiates it from earlier, more grim installments in the franchise. Jason Voorhees is resurrected as a more actively pursuing and formidable killer, embracing his undead status with dark humor. The anniversary events underscore the film's lasting impact on the horror community and its place as a creative peak for the Friday the 13th series.

Why it matters

Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives represents a turning point for the franchise, where it embraced its own identity and delivered a genuinely entertaining and memorable slasher experience. The film's blend of horror and a surprisingly sweet sensibility makes it an unexpected, yet fitting, choice for a Valentine's Day viewing, showcasing how even the darkest genres can leave room for fun.

The details

Directed by Tom McLoughlin, Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives is being highlighted by several events and retrospectives to mark its 40th anniversary. A special screening was held on February 13th at the Classic Gateway Theater in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, hosted by Popcorn Frights Film Festival. Niagara Falls Comic Con, as part of Falls Horror Fest, is also hosting an event to commemorate the film's milestone. The movie is often cited as a fan favorite, with IndieWire going so far as to call it 'the best in the series.' The film's willingness to embrace its own absurdity, with Jason Voorhees becoming a more actively pursuing and formidable killer who embraces his undead status with dark humor, is key to its enduring appeal.

• The film was released in 1986.
• Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives is celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2026.
• A special screening was held on February 13th, 2026 at the Classic Gateway Theater in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
• Niagara Falls Comic Con, as part of Falls Horror Fest, is hosting an event to commemorate the film's 40th year in 2026.

What’s next

The continued interest in the film, evidenced by these anniversary events, confirms its enduring appeal to horror fans and its place in the canon of 1980s slasher cinema.