The Texas Chainsaw Massacre is a legendary American horror franchise by Kim Henkel and Tobe Hooper. It has been around for over 40 years. The series includes nine films, comics, a novel, and two video games.
It focuses on Leatherface and his family’s terror in Texas. To truly understand the franchise, watching the movies in order is key. This way, you can see how Leatherface’s story has evolved over time.
Introduction to the Texas Chainsaw Massacre Franchise
Overview of the Franchise’s Origins and Significance
The Texas Chainsaw Massacre franchise started with the 1974 film, The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, by Tobe Hooper. This film is a horror classic that set the stage for the slasher genre. It introduced Leatherface, a horror icon, and his chainsaw.
The franchise’s impact on horror is huge. Leatherface and the Sawyer family are well-known and feared. They have become part of horror history.
Explanation of Why Watching the Films in Order is Important
Watching the Texas Chainsaw Massacre films in order is key. It helps you understand the story and character growth. The sequels, prequels, and reboots can make the timeline confusing.
Following the films in the right order lets you see the big picture. You’ll get the full story and Leatherface’s journey. This way, you can appreciate the horror series’ complexity.
The Original Texas Chainsaw Massacre Timeline
The Texas Chainsaw Massacre franchise has a complex timeline. It includes many sequels, prequels, and reboots. But the original trilogy sets the stage for the Sawyer family’s terror.
The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974)
Tobe Hooper directed the 1974 classic The Texas Chain Saw Massacre. It introduced Leatherface, a terrifying member of the Sawyer clan. The film follows a group of young adults who meet the Sawyers in Texas, leading to a frightening encounter.
The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2 (1986)
Over a decade later, Tobe Hooper returned for The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2 in 1986. This sequel took a different approach, mixing comedy and graphic gore. Dennis Hopper plays Lieutenant Boude “Lefty” Enright, who helps track down Leatherface and the Sawyer family.
Leatherface: The Texas Chainsaw Massacre III (1990)
Leatherface: The Texas Chainsaw Massacre III, released in 1990, was directed by Jeff Burr. It follows new victims of the Sawyer family. The film has some narrative issues but keeps Leatherface as the main villain.
texas chainsaw massacre movies in order
The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Next Generation (1995/1997)
The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Next Generation came out in 1995 and was re-released in 1997. It’s the fourth film in the original series. Directed by Kim Henkel, it introduces a secret society that forces the Sawyer family to keep killing.
Young Renée Zellweger and Matthew McConaughey star in early roles. But, its place in the franchise’s story is a bit unclear. It changes the storyline in several ways.
When it first came out, critics and fans didn’t like it much. They said it didn’t stay true to the original’s gritty feel. But, over time, it gained a cult following. Some fans now see its unique take as a plus.
Despite mixed reviews, it’s still a key part of the Texas Chainsaw Massacre’s history. It shows how the iconic Leatherface can be reimagined in different ways.
The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Next Generation shows the franchise’s lasting appeal. Even when it tries new things, it keeps fans interested. Its place in the timeline might be fuzzy, but it’s a must-see for fans who love the series’ creativity.
The Remake and Prequel Timeline
The Texas Chainsaw Massacre franchise has seen many changes, including remakes and prequels. These have added to the story and explored Leatherface’s origins. Key parts of this timeline are The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning and the 2003 remake of The Texas Chainsaw Massacre.
The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning (2006)
Jonathan Liebesman directed The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning, a prequel to the 1974 film. It came out in 2006 and tells the story of the Sawyer family. It shows how Leatherface, then Thomas Hewitt, became the horror icon we know today.
The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2003)
The 2003 remake of The Texas Chainsaw Massacre was directed by Marcus Nispel and produced by Michael Bay. It sticks to the original’s story but adds new characters and twists. It also gives more background on Leatherface, including his real name and why he wears masks.
Subsequent Sequels and Continuity Challenges
Texas Chainsaw 3D (2013)
In 2013, Texas Chainsaw 3D came out. It’s a direct sequel to the 1974 Texas Chainsaw Massacre film. It ignores the events of the other sequels.
The movie follows Heather, a young woman. She finds out she’s part of the Sawyer family. She’s a cousin of Leatherface.
Texas Chainsaw 3D tries to keep the story going from the first film. But, its place in the Texas Chainsaw Massacre franchise is debated. Fans are confused by its attempt to connect to the original while skipping the other sequels.
Despite the continuity challenges, Texas Chainsaw 3D did okay. It made over $47 million at the box office. But, it got mixed reviews. It has a Rotten Tomatoes score of 16% and a Metacritic score of 32.
The Prequel Leatherface (2017)
Released in 2017, Leatherface is a prequel to the 1974 horror classic, The Texas Chain Saw Massacre. Directed by Julien Maury and Alexandre Bustillo, it tells the story of Leatherface’s beginnings. He was once known as Jedidiah Sawyer.
The film uncovers the dark history of the Sawyer family. It shows how Jedidiah ended up in a mental institution. This sets the stage for his later killing spree in The Texas Chain Saw Massacre.
Sam Strike stars as Jedidiah Sawyer. The cast also includes Stephen Dorff and Vanessa Grasse. Leatherface was the first in the series to be filmed outside North America, in Bulgaria.
Critics had mixed opinions on the film. Some praised its originality and the cast’s performances. Others felt it was slow and lacked character development. Yet, for true fans of The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Leatherface offered a deep dive into the slasher’s origins.
In summary, Leatherface (2017) is a key part of the Texas Chainsaw Massacre franchise. It explores the origins of the series’ most feared character. While it may not have appealed to everyone, it added a new layer to the franchise’s lore.
The Newest Installment: Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2022)
The 2022 Texas Chainsaw Massacre is the latest chapter in this iconic franchise. It continues the scary story started by Tobe Hooper’s 1974 classic. Directed by David Blue Garcia, it’s a direct sequel to the first movie, set 50 years later.
Leatherface, the franchise’s infamous villain, is back, played by Mark Burnham. Sally Hardesty, the only survivor from the first film, returns as Olwen Fouéré. The sequel explores the Sawyer family’s lasting impact and Leatherface’s legacy.
The 2022 film is the ninth in the series, lasting 83 minutes. Legendary Pictures, Exurbia Films, and Bad Hombre produced it. It was released on Netflix on February 18, 2022, the first mainline Texas Chainsaw Massacre movie on a streaming platform.
Critics have mixed feelings about the new film. Some appreciate its fresh take on Leatherface for today’s viewers. Others feel it doesn’t bring new ideas to the slasher genre. Still, the 2022 Texas Chainsaw Massacre is a key part of the franchise, keeping Leatherface’s horror legacy alive.
Conclusion
The Texas Chainsaw Massacre franchise is a horror legend. It started with a groundbreaking film and grew with sequels, prequels, and reboots. The Sawyer family’s terror, led by Leatherface, has kept fans hooked.
Watching the Texas Chainsaw Massacre movies in order shows the franchise’s growth. It reveals the complex story and the lasting impact of Leatherface. This horror icon has become a symbol of terror.
The first Texas Chain Saw Massacre film in 1974 was a game-changer. It introduced Leatherface and shocked audiences with its raw horror. The series has kept the horror alive, each film adding a new twist to the Sawyer family’s dark world.
Despite some ups and downs, the Texas Chainsaw Massacre remains a horror favorite. From its humble beginnings to today’s reboots, the story of Leatherface and the Sawyer family continues to scare and fascinate fans worldwide. It’s a true horror classic.