Texas Chainsaw Massacre Movies: Classic Timeline
This watch order consists of only the first two films in the Texas Chainsaw Massacre franchise, as none of the later entries provide further narrative continuity. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2 is a direct sequel to the 1974 original, set thirteen years later and explicitly referencing the events of the first film.
Unlike later entries that soft-reboot or ignore previous films, this timeline maintains consistent characters and story elements, including the return of the Sawyer family and the consequences of Sally Hardesty's survival from the original massacre.
There are 4 other watch orders available – see the links up above.
The Texas Chain Saw Massacre
Five friends traveling through rural Texas stumble upon a seemingly abandoned house where they encounter a family of deranged cannibals, including the iconic chainsaw-wielding Leatherface.
The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2
A radio DJ becomes the target of the murderous cannibal family from the original massacre, while a vengeful former Texas marshal pursues them for justice.
Other Film Series
Child's Play
A horror franchise following the murderous adventures of Chucky, a killer doll possessed by the soul of serial killer Charles Lee Ray.
Evil Dead
A horror franchise following the battle against ancient evil forces unleashed by the Necronomicon, spanning from Sam Raimi's original trilogy to modern entries.
Frankenstein
Classic horror films based on Mary Shelley's novel, spanning from Universal's iconic 1930s series to Hammer's gothic interpretations and modern reimaginings.
Open Water
An anthology of standalone survival horror films about people stranded at sea, with no narrative connections between installments.
Phantasm
A surreal horror franchise following young Mike Pearson and ice cream vendor Reggie in their ongoing battle against the interdimensional Tall Man and his deadly silver spheres.
The Howling
A werewolf horror franchise that begins with Joe Dante's cult classic but quickly devolves into a collection of largely standalone sequels with minimal continuity.