In the realm of horror, few franchises have left as indelible a mark as the Saw series. Known for its intricate traps, moral dilemmas, and the enigmatic character of Jigsaw, these films have kept audiences squirming in their seats for years. In this article, we venture into the gruesome world of Saw to rank its various movies, dissecting the creativity behind the torturous traps, the complexity of the narratives, and the enduring appeal of this horror juggernaut. From the first to the latest gruesome installment, we’ll guide you through the spine-chilling experiences, helping you determine which films deliver the most disturbing thrills and which ones might leave you pining for a swift escape. Now, let’s play a game and macabre journey through the twisted legacy of Jigsaw.
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10. Spiral: From the Book of Saw (2021)
Spiral centers on Detective Zeke Banks, played by Chris Rock, and his rookie partner, Detective William Schenk, played by Max Minghella. Banks is a seasoned detective who has a complicated history with the police department, as he reported a corrupt officer, leading to distrust and isolation from his colleagues. The plot unfolds as Banks and Schenk investigate a series of gruesome murders that appear to be connected to the notorious Jigsaw killer, despite the fact that John Kramer, the original Jigsaw, has been dead for years. The killer, who adopts a similar modus operandi, places his victims in elaborate and deadly traps, forcing them to make life-altering choices.
Spiral introduces a new set of characters and a new cast, with Chris Rock taking on a lead role. This departure from the familiar faces of the earlier films provides a different dynamic to the story. While it retains the signature traps and gore of the Saw series, Spiral introduces a more police procedural and crime thriller element to the story, with Chris Rock’s character leading the investigation. This fresh approach adds a new layer to the series. Overall, Spiral attempts to breathe new life into the franchise by blending the core elements of Saw with a more traditional detective thriller narrative, addressing contemporary social issues.
9. Saw 3D: The Final Chapter (2010)
In this installment, a self-help guru and Jigsaw survivor named Bobby Dagen has achieved fame and fortune by claiming to have survived one of Jigsaw’s traps. However, his deception comes to light, and he becomes the target of a new series of Jigsaw-style traps. Simultaneously, Detective Matt Gibson and his partner, Detective Mark Hoffman, are in pursuit of the Jigsaw killer. As the investigation unfolds, the film features a series of gruesome traps, each more horrific than the last, culminating in a dramatic confrontation between Jigsaw’s victims, Bobby Dagen, and the police.
One of the most prominent features of Saw 3D is its use of 3D technology, which was a notable departure from the previous films in the series. This decision was made to capitalize on the popularity of 3D movies during that time. The 3D effects were used to enhance the visual impact of the gruesome traps and the overall experience of the film. Additionally, at the time of its release, Saw 3D was marketed as the final chapter in the Saw series, and it was meant to bring closure to the long-running storyline. The film aimed to tie up loose ends and provide some resolution to the ongoing Jigsaw narrative. However, as is often the case in the horror genre, it’s important to note that “final” installments are not always the last.
8. Jigsaw (2017)
Set a decade after the death of John Kramer. A series of gruesome murders bearing the signature of Jigsaw’s traps begins to occur, even though the police believe that John Kramer is dead. As the investigation unfolds, it becomes apparent that a new Jigsaw killer is on the loose, forcing a group of strangers to confront their darkest secrets and fight for their lives. The film focuses on a new group of victims who have been placed in a barn-like trap filled with deadly contraptions. As they struggle to survive, the police attempt to unravel the mystery of the new Jigsaw killer, questioning whether John Kramer could still be alive and orchestrating these new games from beyond the grave.
Jigsaw is intended as a fresh start for the franchise after a seven-year hiatus following The Final Chapter. It introduces a new cast of characters, detectives, and victims, which allows it to be accessible to both newcomers and longtime fans of the series. Additionally, it aimed to revive and reinvigorate the franchise, potentially setting the stage for further entries. Indeed, the film left room for future sequels, which could explore new aspects of the Jigsaw legacy. However, it sought to maintain the essence of the Saw series while adapting to modern cinematic sensibilities.
7. Saw V (2008)
In the aftermath of Jigsaw’s death, Hoffman is now in control of the Jigsaw legacy and begins a new series of deadly games and traps to test the morality and survival instincts of his victims. The central plot involves five individuals who find themselves trapped in a series of interconnected, increasingly complex traps. They must work together to survive and navigate the intricate puzzles set by Jigsaw and Hoffman. Meanwhile, FBI agents Peter Strahm and Lindsey Perez are determined to uncover the truth about Jigsaw and his accomplice, even if it means risking their own lives.
Saw V distinguishes itself by featuring a series of interconnected traps, where the choices and outcomes of one victim directly impact the fate of the others. This adds a layer of complexity to the usual Saw formula and encourages teamwork among the characters. Furthermore, continues to explore the theme of Jigsaw’s legacy and how it evolves in the absence of the original Jigsaw. Detective Hoffman’s role in this legacy takes center stage, and the film delves into his character and his motivations.
6. Saw IV (2007)
The film opens with the autopsy of John Kramer’s body, confirming his death. Meanwhile, a new series of gruesome games and traps is set in motion, with law enforcement and detectives racing against time to solve the puzzles. The central plot follows Detective Daniel Rigg, who was featured in previous films, as he undergoes a series of tests designed by Jigsaw to challenge his obsession with saving people and his own moral values. Rigg’s journey unfolds alongside the story of Detective Eric Matthews, a character from Saw II, who remains trapped in a room and must find a way to save himself.
Saw IV stands out by weaving parallel storylines involving Detective Rigg’s tests and Detective Matthews’ predicament. This dual narrative structure adds complexity to the film and creates tension as both characters face life-or-death scenarios. At the same time, exploring the psychological and moral development of Detective Rigg as he faces a series of brutal moral dilemmas. Rigg’s character arc is a central focus of the film, and it provides insight into the consequences of Jigsaw’s games on law enforcement.
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5. Saw VI (2009)
Revolving around William Easton, an executive at an insurance company. Easton is responsible for denying coverage and life-saving treatments to individuals, including John Kramer himself, which ultimately led to Kramer’s transformation into Jigsaw. As a result, Jigsaw’s legacy is now intertwined with William Easton’s fate. Easton is subjected to a series of morally challenging tests, where he must decide who lives and who dies based on the principles of fairness and justice. Simultaneously, Hoffman faces challenges of his own, trying to keep Jigsaw’s legacy alive while evading the authorities.
The film delves into the backstory and character development of William Easton, making him a central figure in the narrative. It explores his moral journey as he faces life-or-death decisions. Saw VI is known for its explicit social commentary on the healthcare industry and the ethics of insurance companies. It raises questions about the consequences of bureaucratic decisions that affect people’s lives and health. This thematic element sets it apart from other entries in the series.
4. Saw III (2006)
Now taking aim at Jeff Denlon, a grieving father who has lost his son in a car accident and has since become obsessed with seeking revenge against those he holds responsible. Jeff finds himself at the center of a new series of deadly tests orchestrated by Jigsaw. He must navigate a series of traps and puzzles while confronting individuals connected to his son’s death, each trapped in their own life-or-death situations. Meanwhile, Amanda Young, one of Jigsaw’s previous survivors and apprentices, plays a significant role in the plot.
This installment emphasizes the emotional and psychological aspects of the characters’ struggles. The film explores themes of grief, forgiveness, and the consequences of one’s actions, setting it apart from some of the other films in the franchise. Saw III delves into the character of Jeff Denlon, providing insight into his backstory, motivations, and his emotional journey. His quest for vengeance is a central theme of the film.
3. Saw II (2005)
This time, the plot revolves around a group of eight individuals who wake up in a house filled with deadly traps and nerve-wracking puzzles. They are informed by a videotaped message that they are all connected to a detective, Eric Matthews, who has been hunting Jigsaw for some time. Detective Matthews himself is also trapped in a separate room, and his son, Daniel, is among the victims. As the game unfolds, the group must work together to decipher clues and survive Jigsaw’s macabre challenges. Meanwhile, Detective Matthews is subjected to his own test and must make difficult choices to save his son.
Compared to the first Saw film, this entry takes the horror to a larger scale, with more intricate traps and a complex setting that adds to the suspense and tension. Standing out for its ensemble cast of characters, each with their own backstory and moral dilemmas. The film explores the dynamics among the victims and Detective Matthews’ desperate attempts to save his son. It successfully builds upon the core elements introduced in the first film and contributes to the evolution of the Saw series.
2. Saw X (2023)
The most recent installment in the franchise. Saw X takes things back to the beginning, landing in between the first and second film of the series. John Kramer takes a trip to Mexico to seek out a medical procedure that could potentially cure him of his cancer. However, when the procedure doesn’t work as he had hoped, realizing the medical personnel had conned him. Forcing Kramer to unleash Jigsaw and seek out his revenge on those who wronged him.
The film takes a unique twist on the franchise, turning its main antagonist into someone you can relate to and forcing views to question is John Kramer is actually a monster. As Kramer begins to dispatch a group of people who prey on others who are sick and without hope. Saw X also delves into the relationship of Kramer and Amanda, establishing their bond leading up into the following films. While the series has struggled with a solid installment since the second film, Saw X is a return to form for the franchise. Proving there is still an interest and market for these films and what the series is still capable of doing.
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1. Saw (2004)
Saw follows the story of two men, Adam Faulkner and Dr. Lawrence Gordon, who wake up in a grimy, dilapidated bathroom with their ankles chained to pipes. They have no memory of how they got there. In the room, they find a corpse with a tape recorder and a revolver. As the plot unfolds, they discover that they are pawns in a deadly game orchestrated by the enigmatic and notorious Jigsaw killer, John Kramer. Jigsaw’s modus operandi is to place his victims in elaborate and deadly traps, forcing them to make life-altering choices. The film alternates between the desperate attempts of Adam and Dr. Gordon to escape the bathroom and the investigation by Detectives David Tapp and Steven Sing to apprehend the Jigsaw killer.
This first entry introduces the character of Jigsaw (John Kramer), who becomes an iconic figure in the horror genre. Jigsaw’s philosophy, which centers on putting his victims in situations where they must choose between life and death, sets a unique tone for the series. Additionally, the film is example of what a director can do with a tight budget. Made on a relatively low budget and was successful at creating a tense, claustrophobic atmosphere within the confines of the bathroom. This film demonstrates that horror can be effective without elaborate special effects and expensive sets.
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