Saw - Watch Order: Release Order
The Saw franchise is one of horror's most successful series, following the twisted moral philosophy of Jigsaw and his elaborate death traps designed to test his victims' will to live. What began as a low-budget thriller later evolved into quite a complex and expanded narrative.
This release order watch list presents all ten films as they were released, from the original 2004 breakthrough to the latest entry Saw X. While parts of the story consist of prequels and flashbacks, experiencing the films in release order allows you to follow the franchise's evolution and discover plot revelations as intended by the filmmakers.

Saw
Two men wake up to find themselves shackled in a grimy, abandoned bathroom. As they struggle to comprehend their predicament, they discover a disturbing tape left behind by the sadistic mastermind known as Jigsaw. With a chilling voice and cryptic instructions, Jigsaw informs them that they must partake in a gruesome game in order to secure their freedom.

Saw II
The chilling and relentless Jigsaw killer returns to terrorize the city once again. When a gruesome murder victim emerges with unmistakable traces of Jigsaw's sinister methods, Detective Eric Matthews is thrust into a high-stakes investigation. To his surprise, apprehending Jigsaw seems almost too easy, but what he doesn't realize is that being caught is merely another piece of Jigsaw's intricate puzzle.

Saw III
Jigsaw has disappeared. Along with his new apprentice Amanda, the puppet-master behind the cruel, intricate games that have terrified a community and baffled police has once again eluded capture and vanished. While city detective scrambles to locate him, Doctor Lynn Denlon and Jeff Reinhart are unaware that they are about to become the latest pawns on his vicious chessboard.

Saw IV
Despite Jigsaw's death, and in order to save the lives of two of his colleagues, Lieutenant Rigg is forced to take part in a new game, which promises to test him to the limit.

Saw V
Following Jigsaw's grisly demise, Detective Mark Hoffman is commended as a hero, but Agent Strahm is suspicious, and delves into Hoffman's past. Meanwhile, another group of people are put through a series of gruesome tests.

Saw VI
Special Agent Strahm is dead, and Detective Hoffman has emerged as the unchallenged successor to Jigsaw's legacy. However, when the FBI draws closer to Hoffman, he is forced to set a game into motion, and Jigsaw's grand scheme is finally understood.

Saw 3D
As a deadly battle rages over Jigsaw's brutal legacy, a group of Jigsaw survivors gathers to seek the support of self-help guru and fellow survivor Bobby Dagen, a man whose own dark secrets unleash a new wave of terror.


Spiral: From the Book of Saw
Working in the shadow of an esteemed police veteran, brash Detective Ezekiel “Zeke” Banks and his rookie partner take charge of a grisly investigation into murders that are eerily reminiscent of the city’s gruesome past. Unwittingly entrapped in a deepening mystery, Zeke finds himself at the center of the killer’s morbid game.

Saw X
Between the events of 'Saw' and 'Saw II', a sick and desperate John Kramer travels to Mexico for a risky and experimental medical procedure in hopes of a miracle cure for his cancer, only to discover the entire operation is a scam to defraud the most vulnerable. Armed with a newfound purpose, the infamous serial killer returns to his work, turning the tables on the con artists in his signature visceral way through devious, deranged, and ingenious traps.
Other Film Series
Hellraiser
Supernatural body horror centered on a mysterious puzzle box and the sadomasochistic Cenobites led by Pinhead.
Insidious
A supernatural horror series exploring The Further, a terrifying spirit realm where malevolent entities prey on the living.
Nightmare on Elm Street
The iconic horror franchise following the burned child killer Freddy Krueger who stalks teenagers through their dreams.
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.
The Conjuring Universe
Supernatural horror franchise following paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren and their haunted cases.
The Prophecy
A supernatural horror series exploring angelic warfare and humanity's role in the celestial conflict between good and evil.