How To Watch Texas Chainsaw Massacre Movies In Order?

3. Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Next Generation (1994)

Directed by Kim Henkel, co-writer of the original film, this installment features a group of teenagers who encounter Leatherface and his psychotic family after their prom night goes awry. Notable for early appearances by Matthew McConaughey and Renée Zellweger, the film was panned by critics for its confusing plot and lack of suspense. It struggled at the box office but has since garnered a cult following for its bizarre and eccentric take on the franchise.

4. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2003)

This reboot, directed by Marcus Nispel and produced by Michael Bay, offers a modernized retelling of the original film’s story, focusing on a group of young travelers who fall victim to Leatherface and his family. Praised for its intense scares and stylish direction, it was a significant box office success, grossing over $107 million worldwide. While some critics appreciated the film’s visual flair and suspense, others criticized it for its reliance on gore and violence.

5. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning (2006)

Directed by Jonathan Liebesman, this prequel to the 2003 reboot looks into the origins of Leatherface and the deranged Hewitt family, depicting how the horror began. Despite its attempt to provide a backstory to the iconic villain, the film was met with negative reviews from critics, who found it excessively violent and lacking in new ideas. However, it managed to perform decently at the box office, appealing to fans of the franchise’s more brutal aspects.

6. Texas Chainsaw 3D (2013)

Taking a unique approach, this film attempts to directly sequel the original 1974 movie, ignoring the continuity of the previous films. Directed by John Luessenhop, it follows a young woman who inherits a Texas estate, only to discover that it comes with a horrifying tenant. The film received mixed to negative reviews, with criticism aimed at its lackluster plot and poor execution of 3D effects, but it was a box office success, indicating the enduring popularity of the franchise.

7. Leatherface (2017)

This prequel to the original film, directed by Julien Maury and Alexandre Bustillo, explores the early days of the titular character, revealing the events that led him to become the monstrous killer known as Leatherface. The film aimed to offer a deeper psychological insight into its main character but received mixed reviews for its violence and deviation from the series’ traditional themes. Its direct-to-video release limited its exposure and box office potential, but it provided fans with a new perspective on the character’s origins.

8. Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2022)

The 2022 “Texas Chainsaw Massacre” serves as a direct sequel to the original 1974 film, ignoring the events of the other sequels and reboots. Directed by David Blue Garcia, this installment aims to capture the spirit of the original, bringing Leatherface back to terrorize a new group of young people who venture into his Texas territory. The movie attempts to blend classic horror elements with modern sensibilities, focusing on themes of gentrification and trauma. Despite ambitious goals, it received mixed reviews, with some praising its homage to the original and others criticizing it for not fully capturing the original’s raw terror. At the box office, it faced challenges but garnered attention for its attempt to revitalize the iconic franchise for a new generation.