Friday the 13th Part III

Vacationers descend on a sunny lakeside camp, hoping for a carefree escape, but a lurking danger shadows their plans. As the weekend unfolds, a determined killer begins to pick off the group, one by one, turning a simple stay into a living nightmare. The campers dismiss the town's gruesome legends about Camp Crystal Lake, assuming the tales are exaggerations from a bygone era. Instead they face a relentless stalker who strikes with precision, exploiting the fear and disarray inside the crowded cabins. With each new assault, the surviving friends must improvise, dodge traps, and race to outwit a foe who seems to anticipate their every move. The setting shifts between sunlit docks and shadowed trails as the idyll fades tonight.

Directed by Steve Miner, Part III arrived in 1982 as the first 3D installment and the third entry of the series, with a screenplay credited to Ron Kurz, Victor Miller, and Petru Popescu, built to deliver immediate shocks for audiences.

The film grossed about 36.7 million worldwide on a tight 2.2 million dollar budget, reflecting solid audience interest in the franchise and the era's 3D horror craze. Its output contributed to a profitable slate for the franchise through early 80s.

Part III is notable for introducing Jason's now iconic hockey mask to the series, a look that helped cement the killer as a pop culture figure. The 3D gimmick defined the theatrical experience for audiences in theaters, and the design lingered in memory. Fans still quote lines in fan circles.

Critics treated it as a lean, efficient entry in a long running franchise, prioritizing suspense and carnage over twists. The film frames youth culture under pressure, showing fear sharpening choices and driving survival instincts. Its impact endures in horror. Its influence still echoes in modern slashers and among fans today.