Where to Watch the 'Texas Chainsaw Massacre' Movies in Order
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I’ll be honest: Esquire has, on record, slashed all of the sequels to Tobe Hooper’s 1974 slasher classic, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre. But that’s only because the original is so good. Of course, as with any slasher franchise, the archetype can only outrun its own formula for so long before the suspense is killed. (You wouldn’t play a game of Clue if you knew from square one that it was Colonel Mustard in the study with a candlestick, right?)
Still, just like the ever-immortal Jason Voorhees and Freddie Krueger, filmmakers have tried time and time again to pull the sword from the stone and successfully resurrect Leatherface. We can’t say their efforts are all in vain. From the franchise's controversial debut, to its dark comedy sequel, and even an unauthorized spinoff, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre franchise has proven its legacy in the horror canon.
If you fancy yourself a horror or gore aficionado, then a Texas Chainsaw Massacre marathon is a must this Halloween season. From the 1974 original to the latest Netflix reboot, here's where to watch the iconic series in order.
The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974)
There's a reason Tobe Hooper's The Texas Chainsaw Massacre was such a tough act to follow. From its low-budget verité appeal, to its "based on a true story" hook, the film was something of a lighting-in-a-bottle cult hit for the 1970s zeitgeist. The script is loosely based on the life of infamous serial killer Ed Gein, though it takes great liberties—crafting the character of Leatherface and his cannibalistic family who prey on travelers in the backwoods of Texas. With extreme gore and suspense abound, it's easy to understand why the film reshaped the slasher genre.
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The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2 (1986)
Only a '80s sequel would choose to follow a horror classic with a black comedy slasher set in an amusement park. With Tobe Hooper once again at the helm, the sequel is one of the most favored in the franchise. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2 follows the perils of a DJ who finds herself in the crosshairs of Leatherface and his cannibalistic family in the depths of their home base—which, yes, is an amusement park.
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Leatherface: The Texas Chainsaw Massacre III (1990)
Serving as a sequel to TheTexas Chainsaw Massacre 2, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre III focuses on Leatherface and his family as they pursue a traveling couple in Texas. Weak stomach warning: The film's intense gore nearly complicated its release.
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Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Next Generation (1994)
Despite receiving mixed reviews from critics, Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Next Generation has developed a cult following. The film stars Renée Zellweger as the teenaged lead, Jenny who—along with her prom-night companions—has an unexpected run-in with crazed killer Vilmer, played by Matthew McConaughey. With elements of dark comedy, and even a secret society backstory folded in, the film stands as a unique and refreshing addition to the franchise.
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The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2003)
Serving as a remake to the 1974 original, 2003's The Texas Chainsaw Massacre sees five Lynyrd Skynyrd-bound young adults take a detour when an encounter with an estranged hitchhiker eventually leads them to Leatherface's territory. Co-produced by Michael Bay, the film stars Jessica Biel, with supporting performances from actors like Full Metal Jacket's R. Lee Ermey.
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The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning (2006)
Serving as a prequel to 2003's The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, The Beginning tells Leatherface's origin story, from his birth to his first kills. Following two couples on a road trip before two of them enlist in the Vietnam War, their trip is turned upside town when a road rage incident lands them to Leatherface's homestead.
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Texas Chainsaw 3D (2012)
I know you're trying to identify this familiar face, so before you reenact the Leonardo DiCaprio pointing-at-the-TV meme: Yes, the protagonist of Texas Chainsaw 3D is White Lotus Season One's own Alexandra Daddario. In this 2012 film, Daddario stars as Heather—a woman who, after learning that she is adopted, inherits a family estate in Texas. As you might guess, Leatherface isn't lurking far from the premises. But... Texas Chainsaw 3D offers more plot twists than just that.
Chances are you don't have a pair of 3D glasses at home, but you aren't missing much besides a few gimmicky jump scares.
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Leatherface (2017)
If you've been slashing your way through a Texas Chainsaw marathon, then 2017's Leatherface might feel somewhat refreshing. The film tracks Leatherface's origin story, beginning in his childhood. Leatherface received mixed reviews from critics, but many praised the film's performances and originality.
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Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2022)
If sneaking off to a cabin in the woods was the downfall of 20th-century teens in horror movies, the 21st-century equivalent is venturing to an abandoned town to gentrify it into a trendy neighborhood. Of course, in this 2022 redux, the teens accidentally step into the hometown of none other than Leatherface.
This latest addition to the Texas Chainsaw Massacre franchise received largely unfavorable reviews. But, if you're just looking for a bloody, gory finish to your movie marathon, it will deliver the goods.
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