Mickel Clark
The Texas Chainsaw Massacre franchise, known for its relentless gore and the terrifying character Leatherface, has been a staple of the horror genre for almost fifty years. This iconic series has captivated audiences worldwide with its grim narrative and shocking visuals. Let’s take a journey through the years, chronicling each of the Texas Chainsaw Massacre movies in their release order.
1. The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974)
“The Texas Chain Saw Massacre” (1974) is a pioneering piece of horror cinema, directed by Tobe Hooper. Set in rural Texas, the film follows a group of five friends—Sally Hardesty, her paraplegic brother Franklin, and their friends Jerry, Kirk, and Pam—on a road trip to ensure their grandfather’s grave hasn’t been vandalized amidst a spate of reported grave robbings.
Upon investigating a dilapidated farmhouse near their grandfather’s property, the group inadvertently strays into the murderous clutches of a twisted family, notably the hulking, chainsaw-wielding maniac known as Leatherface. Leatherface is a monstrous figure who wears a mask made of human skin and wields a roaring chainsaw with a terrifying proficiency. His family, comprising of equally deranged individuals, engages in grotesque acts, including cannibalism.
The film is an unrelenting journey into terror as the friends are hunted and gruesomely dispatched one by one. The group’s panic and desperation crescendo when Sally, the last survivor, is captured and subjected to a nightmarish dinner with the unhinged family. However, despite the insurmountable odds, Sally battles for survival against her deranged captors.
“The Texas Chain Saw Massacre” is a chilling exploration of raw, visceral horror. It portrays the desolate Texas landscape as a breeding ground for unmitigated evil, juxtaposing everyday life with the monstrous underbelly that lurks beneath. The movie leverages its minimalistic approach, low-budget production, and stark realism to induce a sense of dread that is both horrifying and mesmerizing. It serves as a commentary on the dark side of rural isolation and the human capacity for evil, pushing the boundaries of the horror genre. Its influence on subsequent horror cinema is profound and lasting.
Where to watch The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974)
The Texas Chain Saw Massacre is streaming on Pluto TV, Peacock, Roku, Tubi TV, Shudder, Plex, and Amazon Freevee in the United States.
In Canada, you can watch it on Plex, Shudder, and Tubi TV.
In the United Kingdom, you can watch The Texas Chain-Saw Massacre on BFI Player and Mubi.
2. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2 (1986)
“The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2” (1986), directed by Tobe Hooper, takes a more darkly comedic approach than its predecessor while still delivering gruesome horror. The film unfolds with a radio host, Stretch, receiving a call from two joyriders who are brutally attacked by a chainsaw-wielding maniac – an attack that happens live on-air. Ex-Texas Ranger, ‘Lefty’ Enright, Sally and Franklin Hardesty’s uncle, recognizes the M.O of his family’s murderer and enlists Stretch to help lure the killer into the open.
A journey into the macabre begins when they come across an abandoned amusement park that houses the twisted, cannibalistic Sawyer family, including the infamous Leatherface. In stark contrast to the original, this sequel introduces a love-stricken Leatherface who becomes infatuated with Stretch, leading to many uncomfortable and bizarrely comedic moments.
The film takes an absurd and grotesque turn at the climax with a nightmarish dinner scene, mirroring the original. As a satire of ’80s excess, “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2” balances the grim elements with dark comedy and social commentary, resulting in a unique horror experience that, although different, retains the series’ distinctive, horrifying charm.
Where to watch The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2
The second installment of this terrifying movie is streaming on the following platforms.
The movie is streaming on HBO Max and Direct TV in the United States.
In Canada, you can watch The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2 on Hollywood Suite and MGM Amazon Channel.
In the UK, the movie is only available on MGM Amazon Channel.
3. Leatherface: The Texas Chainsaw Massacre III (1990)
“Leatherface: The Texas Chainsaw Massacre III” (1990), directed by Jeff Burr, continues the chilling legacy of the Sawyer family. In this installment, a young couple, Michelle and Ryan, on a cross-country drive unwittingly stumble into the gruesome world of Leatherface and his cannibalistic family.
When their car breaks down on a desolate Texas road, they’re aided by a survivalist named Benny. However, the seeming rescue turns into a fight for survival when they’re hunted down by Leatherface, now equipped with a chromed chainsaw and more brutal than ever. Alongside him is a deranged family that includes a gas station owner, Alfredo; a hook-handed man, Tinker; a sadistic woman, Anne; and a little girl, Leatherface’s daughter.
The film ramps up the gore factor, showcasing more explicit violence and graphic imagery as Michelle, Ryan, and Benny struggle against the nightmarish family. Amidst the horror, the film injects an unexpected ally and explores the twisted family dynamics of the Sawyers.
While it diverges from the tone of the previous films, “Leatherface: The Texas Chainsaw Massacre III” upholds the series’ tradition of combining terror with disturbingly dark rural landscapes and a deranged family’s horrifying antics.
Where to watch Leatherface: The Texas Chainsaw Massacre III (1990)
Leatherface: The Texas Chainsaw Massacre III is not streaming in the United States. However, you can get the movie on rent on Apple TV, Amazon Video, Google Play Movies, etc.
The same is the condition for Canadian streamers. They can rent Leatherface: The Texas Chainsaw Massacre III on Apple Store and Microsoft Store for CA$ 4.99.
In the UK, you can get Leatherface: The Texas Chainsaw Massacre III on rent for £3.49 on Microsoft Store, CHILI, etc
4. Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Next Generation (1994)
“Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Next Generation” (1994), directed by Kim Henkel, introduces a new chapter in the horrifying tale of the cannibalistic Sawyer family. The film sets off with a group of high school students—Jenny, Heather, Barry, and Sean—losing their way while returning from prom night.
Their unfortunate detour leads them into the grasp of the maniacal Sawyer clan. Unlike earlier films, this installment amplifies the eccentricities of the family, notably the sartorially inclined Leatherface, who displays a more erratic, cross-dressing persona. Alongside him, we find Vilmer, a psychotic tow truck driver equipped with a mechanical leg, his bizarrely charming girlfriend Darla, and the gas station manager W.E., who quotes literature while committing atrocities.
Jenny becomes the principal protagonist, exhibiting resilience and survival instinct against the surreal terror unleashed by the Sawyers. The movie incorporates dark humor and grotesque parody to deliver its horror, punctuated by the family’s strange dynamics.
“Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Next Generation” offers a mix of horror, dark comedy, and unexpected twists, creating a distinctive, albeit controversial, entry in the Texas Chainsaw Massacre series. It’s particularly known for featuring early performances by future Hollywood stars Renée Zellweger as Jenny and Matthew McConaughey as Vilmer.
Where to watch Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Next Generation (1994)
Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Next Generation is not streaming anywhere in the US. You can get the movie on rent on Apple Store, Amazon Prime Video, and Google Play Movies.
In Canada, you can rent Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Next Generation on Apple and Microsoft Stores.
In the UK, rent the movie on YouTube, Amazon Video, etc. The movie is not streaming in the UK.
5. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2003)
“The Texas Chainsaw Massacre” (2003), directed by Marcus Nispel, is a gritty and suspense-filled remake of the 1974 classic horror film. It begins with a group of five young travelers – Erin, Kemper, Morgan, Andy, and Pepper – passing through a desolate Texas town while returning from Mexico.
Their journey turns into a nightmare when they pick up a disturbed hitchhiker, leading them to the murderous Hewitt family’s doorsteps. The most fearsome member of this family is Thomas Hewitt, known as Leatherface for his horrific mask made from his victims’ skin. A towering figure wielding a chainsaw, Leatherface relentlessly pursues the terrified group.
Erin emerges as the resilient lead, as one by one, her friends fall prey to the deranged family. She navigates through the macabre surroundings, looking for a way to escape. Alongside the chase, the movie showcases the grotesque reality of the Hewitt household, bringing an extra layer of terror.
“The Texas Chainsaw Massacre” (2003) delivers on its promise of intense, visceral horror, backed by a haunting performance from Andrew Bryniarski as Leatherface. With its relentless pace and an atmosphere steeped in dread, this film offers a spine-chilling tribute to the original while establishing its distinct voice.
Where to watch The Texas Chainsaw Massacre?
Unfortunately, the movie is not streaming on Hulu, Netflix, or any popular streaming service. You can get The Texas Chainsaw Massacre on rent at Apple Store, Redbox, Vudu, etc, in the United States.
In Canada, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre is streaming on Crave. You can also watch it on Prime Video with the Starz channel addon.
The Texas Chainsaw Massacre is not streaming or available for rent in the United Kingdom.
6. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning (2006)
“The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning” (2006) is a gruesome prequel to the 2003 remake, directed by Jonathan Liebesman. The story revolves around the horrific origins of Thomas Hewitt, better known as the notorious chainsaw-wielding Leatherface, and the dreadful deeds of the twisted Hewitt family.
Set in the 1960s, the movie introduces two brothers, Eric and Dean, accompanied by their girlfriends Chrissie and Bailey, embarking on a cross-country trip before Eric is due to be deployed to Vietnam. Their journey spirals into terror when they encounter the lawless Sheriff Hoyt – a member of the Hewitt clan, whose disturbing sense of justice is merely a prelude to the horrors awaiting the group.
In the desolate Texas town, they are drawn into the Hewitts’ lair. Here, the brothers and their girlfriends witness the rise of Leatherface and the blood-curdling familial rituals that cement his horrifying destiny.
In the midst of the gruesome bloodshed, Chrissie stands out as a beacon of resilience, desperately striving to save her friends. “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning” delivers an intense, relentless journey into the macabre backstory of one of horror cinema’s most iconic figures, laying bare the twisted dynamics of the Hewitt family.
Where to watch The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning?
The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning is only available for rent in the US. The movie is available for $2.99 on Apple Store, Amazon Video, and Vudu.
In Canada, you can rent The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning on Google Play Movies and Microsoft Store for $CA 4.99.
In the UK, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning is only available for digital purchase. Get it for £7.99 on Sky Store, Apple Store, etc.
7. Texas Chainsaw 3D (2013)
“Texas Chainsaw 3D” (2013), directed by John Luessenhop, brings a fresh perspective to the infamous chainsaw-wielding character, Leatherface, unfolding the saga from the point of view of a previously unknown family member.
The movie begins decades after the horrifying events of the original 1974 film. The only survivor of the sadistic Sawyer family’s massacre, a baby girl, is adopted and grows up unaware of her horrific lineage. Years later, the grown-up Heather Miller inherits a property from her biological grandmother she never knew existed, sparking curiosity about her true family heritage.
Accompanied by her friends, Heather travels to Texas to explore her new estate. Unbeknownst to them, this property is home to her cousin, the monstrous Leatherface. Once they inadvertently unleash the chainsaw-wielding giant, their trip spirals into a gruesome battle for survival.
Heather’s discovery of her ties to the Sawyer family, and the realization of Leatherface’s identity, forms the crux of the story. The film explores themes of family loyalty while delivering intense, 3D-enhanced thrills.
“Texas Chainsaw 3D” provides a unique twist to the classic franchise, combining elements of suspense, gore, and underlying family drama, rekindling the terror of the original while charting its own path.
Where to watch Texas Chainsaw 3D?
The good news is Texas Chainsaw 3D is streaming on Netflix in Mexico. You can watch it from the United States, Canada, or anywhere else with an ExpressVPN subscription.
The movie is also available on Max and Direct TV in the United States.
In Canada, you can watch Texas Chainsaw 3D on Amazon Prime Video, Tubi TV, and Plex.
In the UK, stream Texas Chainsaw 3D on Sky Go and Now TV Cenima.
8. Leatherface (2017)
“Leatherface” (2017), directed by Julien Maury and Alexandre Bustillo, serves as a prequel to the original 1974 classic, offering a deep dive into the traumatic upbringing and origins of the feared chainsaw-wielding giant, Leatherface.
The film begins in the rural Texas of the 1950s, focusing on the disturbed Sawyer family. The matriarch, Verna Sawyer, raises her children to partake in grotesque acts of violence, fostering an environment of unspeakable terror. Central to the story is her son, Jedidiah Sawyer, a child grappling with the atrocities imposed by his family.
When young Jedidiah is forcibly taken away and committed to a mental institution, he forms a bond with a group of similarly troubled teenagers. A violent breakout propels them on a blood-soaked journey across the state, chased by a vengeful lawman, Texas Ranger Hal Hartman.
As the narrative progresses, viewers witness Jedidiah’s harrowing transformation into the monstrous Leatherface. The film explores the damaging effect of a malevolent upbringing on a vulnerable mind and the irreversible path to becoming a symbol of terror.
“Leatherface” provides a visceral, disturbing look at the early years of the infamous character, adding depth and complexity to the horrifying figure known across the world of horror cinema.
Where to watch Leatherface?
Leatherface is streaming on Max and Direct TV in the United States. You can also get the movie on rent on Apple Store and Amazon Prime Video.
In Canada, you can stream Leatherface on Prime Video, Tubi TV, Shudder, and Plex.
In the UK, Leatherface is not streaming anywhere. However, you can rent the movie on CHILI, Rakuten TV, and Sky Store.
9. Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2022)
“Texas Chainsaw Massacre” (2022), directed by David Blue Garcia, breathes new life into the notorious franchise, introducing a fresh chapter of terror infused with contemporary themes. This movie serves as a direct sequel to the original 1974 classic, largely bypassing the subsequent installments.
The plot unfolds around Melody, her younger sister Lila, and their friends, who arrive in the desolate town of Harlow, Texas, with ambitious plans to rejuvenate it into an artsy haven. Unbeknownst to them, their actions inadvertently disturb an aged Leatherface, who’s been living in solitude.
Their venture quickly morphs into a nightmarish fight for survival, as Leatherface, seething with rage, emerges from his hideaway, chainsaw in hand. The once quiet town becomes a deadly battleground, where the friends must band together and put up a desperate fight against the unstoppable menace.
A key element of this sequel lies in exploring Lila’s character, who suffers from a heart condition but evolves into a resilient figure in the face of unrelenting terror.
“Texas Chainsaw Massacre” (2022) revives the raw terror of its iconic antagonist, delivering intense, blood-curdling thrills, while also exploring themes of gentrification and resilience in the face of adversity.
Where to watch Texas Chainsaw Massacre?
Texas Chainsaw Massacre is streaming on Netflix in the United States, Canada, and the UK.
Here you go; here are all the Texas Chainsaw Massacre movies in order. Grab some popcorn and chips and watch all Texas Chainsaw Massacre movies with your friends and family members. You can also create a watch party and stream all Texas Chainsaw Massacre movies on Netflix via Discord.
