7. Friday The 13th
The Friday the 13th franchise is one of the most iconic series of slasher movies there is, making its place on this list something of an inevitability. By and large, it follows a very simple formula: a group of teens finds themselves hunted and murdered by a hulking, pseudo-supernaturally-powered killer. It’s a formula that has secured Jason Voorhees’ place as one of the most iconic movie villains of all time, and it has brought the franchise huge success.
Generally speaking, the franchise is a consistent one. It lacks too many frills or significant departures from its central premise, and that’s why it’s so beloved. Having Jason repeatedly brutalize promiscuous teens as revenge for the neglectful death he suffered as a child is, quite simply, a classic.
The franchise’s heavy use of symbolism to effectively preach safety from the dangers of sex and drugs is well-known, and offers a certain depth to its films. Of course, there are those who see Friday the 13th as a simple slasher, but they’d be wrong. It’s one of the best horror movie franchises there is, and Voorhees is considered a classic villain for a very good reason.