This week on Friday Night Frightfest, we’re diving into the late-stage slasher sequels, comparing two sixth entries that took their respective franchises in wildly different directions. We’re pitting Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives (1986) against A Nightmare on Elm Street 6: Freddy’s Dead: The Final Nightmare (1991).

Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives (1986)
Directed by Tom McLoughlin, Jason Lives marks a significant shift for the Friday the 13th series. After a brief hiatus, Jason returns, but this time, he’s a resurrected, supernatural force of nature. This entry leans heavily into self-aware humor and action-oriented set pieces, giving us a more playful, albeit still violent, take on the iconic killer.

A Nightmare on Elm Street 6: Freddy’s Dead: The Final Nightmare (1991)
Directed by Rachel Talalay, Freddy’s Dead attempts to wrap up the Nightmare on Elm Street saga with a surreal and cartoonish finale. This film delves into Freddy’s origins, revealing his childhood and the source of his evil. It’s known for its over-the-top special effects, bizarre dream sequences, and a generally more comedic tone than previous entries.

Join us as we dissect these two films, exploring how they attempted to revitalize their franchises, the impact of their tonal shifts, and whether they succeeded in delivering satisfying sequels.

Spoilers start around 5:50