Saw Movies: Essential Films
The original Saw trilogy represents the complete arc of Jigsaw's story, from his first test subjects to his final games. These three films form the emotional and narrative core of the entire franchise, focusing on Jigsaw's twisted philosophy and the increasingly personal stakes for both victims and investigators.
This essential watch list is for viewers who want to experience the heart of the Saw series without diving into the more complex web of apprentices, copycats, and legacy killers that define the later films. The trilogy provides a satisfying complete narrative while showcasing the franchise's evolution from psychological thriller to elaborate torture contraption showcase.
There are 2 other watch orders available – see the links up above.
Saw
Two men wake up chained in an abandoned bathroom and discover they're trapped in a deadly game orchestrated by the sadistic Jigsaw killer. They must follow his twisted rules to survive and escape their horrifying predicament.
Saw II
Detective Eric Matthews finds himself in a deadly game when the Jigsaw killer returns with another elaborate trap. What seems like a simple arrest becomes part of Jigsaw's twisted plan, forcing the detective into a race against time.
Saw III
In this third installment of the horror franchise, the elusive Jigsaw killer and his apprentice Amanda continue their twisted games while a doctor and another victim become unwilling participants in their deadly traps.
Other Film Series
Bryan Edgar Wallace
A series of German crime thrillers produced by CCC Filmkunst in the 1960s-70s, marketed under the name of Edgar Wallace's son Bryan, featuring standalone mysteries with gothic atmosphere and masked killers.
Edgar Wallace
German crime thriller series from 1959-1972 that created a distinctive subgenre of atmospheric gothic mysteries, featuring recurring cast and iconic villains.
Grindhouse
An exploitation cinema tribute that began as a 2007 double feature and spawned multiple spin-off films from its fake trailers.
Hannibal Lecter
A psychological thriller franchise following the brilliant and cannibalistic psychiatrist Dr. Hannibal Lecter, adapted from Thomas Harris's novels across multiple timelines and interpretations.
Scream
A meta-horror franchise following Sidney Prescott and others as they face various Ghostface killers, known for its self-aware commentary on slasher film tropes.
Sherlock Holmes
Feature films based on Arthur Conan Doyle's legendary detective, spanning multiple eras, actors, and interpretations across nearly a century of cinema.