For over 20 years, the Saw franchise has made a gory niche for itself within the world of horror. Famous for its macabre traps, jaw-dropping plot twists, and gratuitous gore, the series has found its place as a horror staple one that people either can’t live with or can’t live without. But like any long-standing franchise, Saw has had its ups and downs.
Whether you’re a rabid fan or merely Saw-curious, the following recap of all nine films ranked worst to best tells you which ones are worth the time and which can stay locked in the darkness.
1. Saw (2004)
The first movie remains the franchise’s gold standard. Produced on a shoestring by James Wan, Saw thrives on the power of simplicity: two men, one room, and a ticking clock. Its claustrophobic spaceage milieu, reverse chronology, and indelible climax gave a blueprint for horror to follow. So much more than a blood-fest, Saw is a lean, intelligent thriller that proves great writing doesn’t have to cost a fortune merely a killer concept.
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2. Saw II (2005)
Often considered the franchise’s creative peak, Saw II expertly builds on the original. Jigsaw steps further into the spotlight, manipulating events with chilling calm. The group trap scenario is genuinely tense, and the twist which redefines everything you’ve seen lands with real impact. Amanda’s arc is also a standout, setting the stage for future films. It’s one of the few sequels that balances gore, tension, and psychological depth.
3. Spiral: From the Book of Saw (2021)
A franchise-risky move, Spiral introduces a knockoff murderer targeting corrupt police officers. Chris Rock’s casting was unexpected, but he and Samuel L. Jackson add unexpected gravitas to their work. While the tone sputters and the twist is not as surprising as it should be, the film does reboot the formula without straying too far from the source material. It’s not the best Saw, but it’s a good-looking and modern reimagining.
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4. Saw VI (2009)
Lastly, after a couple of missteps, Saw VI provides a better return. The film provides a commentary on the American healthcare system, and it gives the traps a thematic twist. The health insurance executive-turned-hero adds ethical gravitas. The Hoffman subplot cranks into high gear, and while some set pieces still descend into farcicality (hello, shotgun merry-go-round), Saw VI is tighter and more purposeful than its recent franchise mates.
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5. Saw III (2006)
Saw III had all it takes to be a satisfying chapter but does not deliver. The tension between John Kramer and Amanda is some interest psychologically, but most of the film is bogged down with constant gore. The core plot a grieving father undergoing psychological and physical torture has potential but is not given the pizzazz to be anything more than shock. For the majority of fans, this is where the franchise goes too far in prioritizing brutality over storytelling.
6. Jigsaw (2017)
A decade on from the initial run, Jigsaw finds it difficult to reboot the franchise with an improved upscale aesthetic and contemporary sheen. Slick visually, it loses the dirty finish that characterized earlier versions. The cast is largely forgettable, and the traps while clever feel too polished to ever be truly unsettling. The twist tries to capture the zigzagged magic of earlier installments but instead feels contrived and predictable.
7. Saw IV (2007)
With Saw IV, the series begins to feel tacked on. The movie crosses over from Saw III, attempting desperately to keep John Kramer alive after his demise. But the movie attempts to handle too many plot threads and introduces other characters a lead, Officer Rigg, who fails to anchor the story. The recycled twist and superficial emotional investment make this installment filler material, as opposed to something fresh to enjoy.
8. Saw V (2008)
Saw V is a low-energy addition that can’t seem to find its footing. The film is split between a mundane escape-room situation and an over-explained detective storyline. While the cat-and-mouse between Hoffman and Strahm had potential, it’s hurt by stilted exposition and a lack of sense of urgency. With no suspense and not much originality, Saw V is very likely the least memorable entry in the series.
9. Saw 3D (2010)
Also marketed as Saw: The Final Chapter, this one is the low point of the franchise. The movie is about a guy who fakes being a Jigsaw survivor but gets put through his paces in real life. Unfortunately, the 3D gimmicks take away from the fear of the movie and turn bloodshed into spectacle. The traps are un-tense, and the final twist is maddening instead of insightful. For the die-hards, it’s a sub-standard farewell attempt that tried too hard to go big and flubbed it.