The Ultimate Guide to Watching the Saw Movies in Chronological Order

Experience the long-awaited arrival of Saw X, as John Kramer returns with a relentless desire for vengeance. If you're looking to relive the most thrilling and gruesome moments, discover the ultimate guide on how to watch the Saw movies in both release and chronological order.

Making its debut in 2004, Saw made a startling impact on the horror genre. Directed by the talented James Wan, known for his work on Insidious and The Conjuring, along with Leigh Whannell, the mastermind behind Upgrade, this lean and intense psychological shocker captivated audiences from the beginning.

The franchise burst onto the scene, immediately becoming a well-known household name. With a minuscule budget of only $1.2 million, it managed to rake in an astonishing $104 million, setting the stage for the torture porn craze of the mid-noughties.

Not only did it produce seven direct sequels, each with their own level of quality and excessive gore, but it also spawned two additional installments, one of which is a spinoff. As of now, Saw X is currently playing in theaters. So, if you're wondering about the order of the Saw movies, whether you should watch them in chronological sequence, or perhaps if you're up for a game...

Spoiler warning for the Saw franchise… obviously.

LionsgateSaw has one of the all-time great twist endings.

Saw movies in release order

We’ll start with the easy option. If you’re planning to binge the Saw franchise, it’s pretty straightforward – with the exception of a few titles:

Saw

Saw II

Saw III

Saw IV

Saw V

Saw VI

Saw 3D (also known as Saw: The Final Chapter)

Jigsaw

Spiral: From the Book of Saw

Saw X

Jigsaw, released in 2017, serves as a seamless addition to the Saw series, continuing from the previous installment in 2010. Spiral, a spinoff, delves into the pursuit of a corrupt officers-targeting serial killer by a determined detective, played by Chris Rock.

In the case of Saw X, the storyline takes us back to an earlier period in the franchise. However, even if you haven't watched every film, it should not cause significant confusion.

Saw movies in chronological order

Be forewarned, delving into the realm of watching the Saw movies in chronological order can prove to be quite intricate. It necessitates frequent pauses and constant shifting between each installment, making it a less advisable approach.

Nevertheless – for the moviegoing sadists out there – here’s the barebones order, before we dig into the specifics:

Jigsaw

Saw

Saw X

Saw II

Saw III/Saw IV

Saw V

Saw VI

Saw 3D

Jigsaw

In our analysis of the Saw movies, we prioritize the present-day portions of each film to provide a chronological understanding. Instead of attempting to compile and sequence every bit of backstory, we will specifically highlight notable flashbacks.

Jigsaw… well, one part of it

LionsgateJigsaw opens with a trap… but everything isn’t as it seems.

Jigsaw, the eighth installment in the Saw franchise, delves into the backstory of John Kramer, portrayed by Tobin Bell, also known as the infamous Jigsaw.

Following the pattern of previous Saw films, Jigsaw presents a twisted test: five individuals awaken in a barn with buckets covering their heads. In order to atone for their wrongdoings, they must shed blood before being dragged into the walls where buzzsaws await. Four of them successfully escape, while an anonymous unconscious man tragically loses his life.

This is later revealed to be Kramer’s first-ever game. Oh, and remember that poor sod who died… or did he?

Saw

LionsgateSaw brought forth the introduction of the Jigsaw killer.

In a decrepit bathroom, Dr. Lawrence Gordon (Cary Elwes) and Adam Stanheight find themselves awakened, shackled by one leg to a grimy pipe, their only hope of escape a lone saw. A lifeless body lies strewn on the floor between them, its shattered skull revealing a ghastly display of spilled brains.

Detective Tapp, portrayed by Danny Glover, is relentlessly pursuing Jigsaw. Additionally, it is important to note that the events of Saw unfold just one day before the tragic 9/11 attacks.

While Saw is considered the first film in the series, it doesn't mark the beginning of Jigsaw's twisted games. At this stage, Kramer has mastered his diabolical ways and orchestrates the film's most shocking twist: he himself is the lifeless body, leaving Adam to perish after Gordon's escape, albeit with a foot missing.

Tapp's relentless pursuit of Jigsaw has spanned several years, leaving him tormented by the tragic loss of his partner in one of the twisted traps. Fueled by a deep conviction that Gordon is the true culprit, Tapp enlists Adam's help to gather information. In a cunning move, Kramer assigns his apprentice, Amanda (whom we witnessed escaping the sinister reverse bear trap), to abduct both Tapp and Gordon.

Saw X

"Saw X is set in the timeline between Saw and Saw II. John Kramer, weak and desperate due to his illness, ventures to Mexico seeking an experimental medical treatment that promises to cure his cancer. However, he soon uncovers the shocking truth that the entire operation is designed to exploit and deceive the most vulnerable individuals. Motivated by this revelation, the notorious serial killer embarks on a mission, seeking retribution against the con artists who have taken advantage of others. Employing his infamous style of cruel and cunning traps, he ingeniously turns the tables on these deceitful individuals."

The collaboration between John and Amanda in the movie raises speculation among fans about the possible return of Mark Hoffman, portrayed by Costas Mandylor. This anticipation came true when Hoffman appeared in the post-credits scene, as confirmed by his voice featured in the initial trailer.

Saw II

Amanda encounters one of the most formidable obstacles in the Saw franchise.

Saw II unfolds twelve months after the occurrences depicted in the initial movie, wherein Detective Eric Matthews (Donnie Wahlberg) succeeds in capturing Kramer. Nevertheless, another treacherous game is underway: his son, Amanda, and various other individuals find themselves confined within an unfamiliar edifice teeming with deadly devices.

Matthews and the other officers scramble to locate their whereabouts. However, they soon come to the realization that the "live" feed they had been monitoring was actually pre-recorded days before Kramer's arrest. Shockingly, they discover that Kramer's son had been kept alive in a secure location with the help of an oxygen mask.

Before long, Matthews finds himself forcefully taken by an individual wearing a pig mask. He regains consciousness only to find himself restrained in the very same bathroom from the previous movie. Amanda then unveils the story of her transformation into Jigsaw's apprentice, sealing the door shut behind her.

Flashbacks: After being shaken by the departure of his wife Jill (portrayed by Betsy Russell) and receiving a devastating cancer diagnosis from Gordon, Kramer attempted to end his own life. However, his unsuccessful attempt prompted a profound change in his perspective on life. He developed a newfound appreciation for living and became determined to enlighten others about the concept of "instant rehabilitation." It was this transformative experience that ultimately led him to adopt the persona of Jigsaw.

Saw III and Saw IV… at the same time, if you can

In Saw III, Amanda attempted to play her own game, but unfortunately, she was unsuccessful in her endeavors.

Taking place approximately six months after the events of Saw II, both Saw III and Saw IV occur simultaneously. To truly experience the franchise in chronological order, it is recommended to have two screens set up.

In Saw III, Jigsaw's deteriorating health leads Amanda to abduct Dr. Lynn Denlon (Bahar Soomekh), giving her the ultimatum of keeping him alive or facing a gruesome death caused by shotgun shells.

Continuing from the events of Saw II, the film begins with Matthews resorting to breaking his own foot with a toilet lid in order to escape the bathroom. Simultaneously, we witness Detective Allison Kerry being kidnapped and subjected to the notorious Angel Trap, where she is compelled to immerse her hand in a container of acid to retrieve a key, only to meet a horrifying fate regardless.

While Jeff Denlon (Angus Macfadyen) finishes his game, Lynn performs surgery on John. After a successful operation, Lynn requests to be released, but Amanda denies her plea. In response, Amanda shoots Lynn before Jeff enters the room and shoots Amanda. It is at this moment that Kramer unveils his master plan: the entire ordeal was a test devised for Amanda. Kramer had suspected her of manipulating the games to make them unbeatable, which directly contradicted his instructions and undermined the very purpose of his modus operandi.

LionsgateHoffman was exposed as Jigsaw's second apprentice.

In Saw IV, the story takes a slight downturn as we follow the journey of Mark Hoffman, a detective collaborating with FBI Agents Strahm and Perez to track down Jigsaw's elusive second apprentice. Meanwhile, Matthews and his partner Daniel Rigg find themselves subjected to a series of tests.

Plot twist: Hoffman turns out to be the hidden apprentice all along, trapping Strahm and Rigg in a warehouse. The movie concludes with Hoffman discovering a cassette tape inside Jigsaw's body during an autopsy, just after the events of Saw III, where Kramer's recorded message informs him that the deadly games will persist.

Saw V

Flashbacks reveal that Kramer's transformation into Jigsaw was not only influenced by his failed suicide attempt but also by his first victim, Cecil Adams. Cecil, a drug addict, was responsible for causing his wife to miscarry. As a gruesome reminder, Kramer took a piece of Cecil's skin and carved it into the shape of a jigsaw piece, thus earning him the infamous nickname.

Hoffman emerges as a prominent adversary in the subsequent installments of the Saw franchise.

Continuing the narrative after Kramer's demise, Saw V directly links to the developments in Saw III and IV. Thankfully, Hoffman rescues Jeff's daughter, who had been facing an imminent death in a sealed chamber.

Hoffman proceeds to engage in a fresh series of games alongside Strahm, who successfully escapes the trap involving a box, and a group of strangers who have ropes tied around their necks.

Eventually, Strahm deduces that Hoffman is the second apprentice of Jigsaw. Disregarding his advice to enter a room with a box, Strahm decides to forcefully put Hoffman in the box. This action unveils the hidden game: had Strahm entered the box, he would have been safe. However, the walls close in, leading to Strahm being falsely accused as Jigsaw's apprentice, while Hoffman's reign of terror is poised to continue.

Jill also receives important instructions from Kramer, which will have a significant impact in a future film.

In a series of flashbacks, the film begins with a pendulum trap. This trap is initially thought to be created by the original Jigsaw, but it is actually the work of Hoffman during his earlier years. Hoffman was inspired by stories of the Jigsaw killer and wanted to imitate him, leading him to later be recruited by Kramer.

Saw VI

LionsgateHoffman escapes the reverse bear trap in Saw VI.

The sixth film continues the storyline from Saw V, taking place just a few days later. Strahm has been defeated and Hoffman is now free to continue Jigsaw's work. His next target is William Easton, a health insurance executive who denied coverage to Kramer, resulting in his death. William meets a gruesome fate as he is killed with hydrofluoric acid. Afterward, Jill surprises Hoffman and puts a modified reverse bear trap on his head, following Kramer's instructions. Hoffman manages to escape, but not without his right cheek being mutilated.

Flashbacks: In addition to discovering William's denial of life-saving coverage to Kramer, we are also informed that Amanda played a role in indirectly causing the robbery that resulted in Jill's miscarriage.

Saw 3D (also known as Saw: The Final Chapter)

In Saw 3D, Lionsgate and Lawrence Gordon collaborate once again to bring audiences the thrilling conclusion of the series. This installment delves into a gripping showdown between Jill and Hoffman as they vie for control over Jigsaw's legacy. Jill makes a daring move to hand Hoffman over to the authorities in exchange for her own protection, but her plans are tragically thwarted when Hoffman executes her using the infamous reverse bear trap. While there are additional subplots in the mix, these pivotal moments truly take center stage.

Hoffman proceeds to demolish his workshop, only to be abducted by three individuals donning pig masks, with one of them being Dr. Lawrence Gordon, who appeared in the initial movie.

In a series of flashbacks, it is unveiled that Gordon managed to endure cutting off his own leg by searing the wound with a steam pipe. Kramer discovered him and chose to spare his life on the condition that Gordon would join him as one of his apprentices.

Kramer’s last wish fell on Gordon's shoulders: he was entrusted with the task of safeguarding Jill. Consequently, he restrains Hoffman in the bathroom, where it all began, discards the hacksaw, and firmly seals the door, condemning him to his demise. Truly, the game has reached its conclusion.

Jigsaw… the rest of it, anyway

LionsgateJigsaw is set ten years after the events of Saw III and IV.

Returning to the world of Jigsaw, the story unfolds amidst a hunt for a new killer, with detectives Brad Halloran (Callum Keith Rennie) and pathologist Logan Nelson (Matt Passmore) finding themselves in a deadly laser neck trap. In order to survive, they must reveal and repent for their past sins.

Brad compels Logan to take the lead, but tragically meets his demise regardless. However, an unexpected turn remains in store: Logan rises from the ground, reconfigures his snare, and exposes himself as the genuine murderer. He eradicates Brad and securely confines the room.

In a series of flashbacks, we discover that Logan was the motionless individual who apparently lost his life at the film's outset. Do you recall the individuals with buckets obscuring their faces, being irresistibly dragged towards menacing buzzsaws?

Logan was selected for the trap due to his medical neglect, causing Kramer's diagnosis of an inoperable brain tumor to be delayed beyond the critical point of potential salvation. However, as a result of Kramer's own miscalculation, leading to Logan's continued unconsciousness throughout the game, Logan's life was unexpectedly preserved. It was at this crucial moment that Logan became Kramer's very first disciple, surpassing Amanda in this significant role.

Spiral: From the Book of Saw

Spiral, the Lionsgate spinoff, marks a significant milestone in the Saw franchise.

Venturing into uncharted territory, Spiral emerges several years following the culmination of all the previous Saw films, though the exact timeframe remains enigmatic. Positioned chronologically as the final saga of gruesome deaths and mind-bending twists, the only way to fully comprehend its intricacies is to experience it for yourself.

That’s all the Saw movies in chronological order. Saw X is in cinemas now, and you can check out more of our coverage below: