Comparing the Halloween and Friday the 13th Movies
The Halloween and Friday the 13th killers and franchises are far too similar to be a coincidence. Thus, it is only logical that one copied the other. However, in the grand scheme of things…it is also reasonable to assume a range of characteristics found in both movies and killers would be considered a generalized public domain-type of fear. In other words: it is kind of hard to get an intellectual property patent for something like “a killer that stalks you” or “a killer that wears a mask”
How Are Michael Myers and Jason Voorhees Different?
Reason for Killing
Michael Myers is haunted by visions, nightmares and voices which tell him to kill in the time of Samhain (Halloween). He specifically typically hunts down his family members. Jason Voorhees was a critical victim of childhood bullying and succumbed to a cruel drowning by unsupervised kids while camping. Although he too has heard his mothers voice, he is primarily killing for revenge.
Movie Setting
Halloween is set in the town of Haddonfield, where Michael can kill in a suburban setting…including roads, houses and stores. Friday the 13th is set in Camp Crystal Lake, where Jason gains killing access to the woods, cabins and lake itself.
When the Killer Officially First Died
Michael Myers claims his first kill from a very early age, then returning as an adult to hunt the rest of his family. Jason Voorhees supposedly dies before he makes his first kill, being drown at a very young age. He does not claim his first kill, in fact, until some 20 years later.
Mobility of the Killer
Michael Myers is able to travel great distances to get to his desired destination. He can even hijack and drive automobiles. Jason Voorhees generally remains trapped in the Crystal Lake area, and is not seen traveling great distances (especially not by car).
How Are Michael Myers and Jason Voorhees Similar?
Both Feature a Masked Killer
Jason Voorhees and Michael Myers are notorious for their creepy appearances…most of which revolves around the center focus of their mask.
Both Feature a Weapon of Choice
Out of dozens of ways each slasher has creatively slain their victims, each has exhibited a supreme preference. Jason Voorhees typically prefers his giant machete, while Michael Myers seems to enjoy knifing people to death.
Family Drama
Friday the 13th’s Jason has some seriously ‘effed up’ drama going on with his mother. She is very frequently seen egging him on, and even kills on his behalf in the first movie. Similarly, Halloween’s Michael Myers is always chasing down and trying to hunt his family…most notably Laurie Strode.
Both Killers Are Mute
Interestingly, both franchises take advantage of a “silent but deadly” strategy. Neither Jason Voorhees nor Michael Myers will ever be caught speaking…yet they are both terrifying and everyone runs!
Supernatural Powers
No matter how victims fight back, they are never able to overcome the slasher. Michael and Jason both manhandle their victims although they were nothing more than a sack of potatoes!
Brought Back from the Dead
Despite being largely indestructible, both slashers have been beaten in a number of their movies, only to be brought back from the dead. Michael has been shot in both eyes and lit on fire, Jason blown up and dismembered, but both have survived to kill again!
Fun Fact: In Halloween Part 4: The Return of Michael Myers, Michael Myers can be seen 21:10 seconds into the film seemingly wearing Jason’s hockey mask.
Final Words: Halloween vs Friday the 13th
Both, Friday the 13th and Halloween, are fantastic horror franchises. Each movie features a number of gory, glorious kills which will grace the history book of slashers forever. And while both slashers may be exploiting a similar genre niche and real-life fear of a masked, deranged psychopath killer, both contribute a steady stream of creativity in kill style. Michael Myers and Jason Voorhees always offer an entertaining show that is undeniably exhilarating and always keeps viewers on the edge of their seats!
Check out our other article…Did Friday the 13th copy Halloween, to learn a little more about this horror franchise rivalry!
Tritone’s love of horror and mystery began at a young age. Growing up in the 80’s he got to see some of the greatest horror movies play out in the best of venues, the drive-in theater. That’s when his obsession with the genre really began—but it wasn’t just the movies, it was the games, the books, the comics, and the lore behind it all that really ignited his obsession. Tritone is a published author and continues to write and write about horror whenever possible.
