Title: A Guide to Watching ‘The Texas Chainsaw Massacre’ Movies in Chronological Order
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The 1974 premiere of “The Texas Chain Saw Massacre” left a lasting impact on the horror genre, with its shocking storyline and low budget production. The movie introduced audiences to the cannibalistic Sawyer family, led by the infamous chainsaw-wielding killer known as Leatherface. Inspired by real-life serial killer Ed Gein, who used human skin to make masks and furniture, Leatherface became a cult figure among horror fans.
Over the years, the Texas Chainsaw Massacre franchise has expanded to include a total of nine films, each adding a new layer to the twisted story of the Sawyer family. The complex chronology of the series can be viewed in four different orders, combining release dates and chronological events.
The Original Texas Chainsaw Massacre Movies in Chronological Order
The first film released in 1974 set the foundation for the franchise and is credited with revolutionising the slasher genre. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2, which followed in 1986, took a more bombastic and humorous approach, introducing new characters and locations to the story.
Leatherface: The Texas Chainsaw Massacre III continued the saga in 1990, exploring the dark motives behind the Sawyer family’s murderous spree. The fourth instalment, Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Next Generation, added a meta and campy twist to the narrative, starring future Hollywood stars Renee Zellweger and Matthew McConaughey.
The Early 2000s Reboot Movies in Chronological Order
In the early 2000s, the franchise underwent a reboot with The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2003) and a prequel, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning (2006). These films delved into the origins of the Hewitt family’s descent into cannibalism, offering a modernised take on the classic storyline.
The Lionsgate Movies in Chronological Order
The third timeline of the franchise began with Texas Chainsaw 3D in 2013, followed by the prequel Leatherface in 2017. These films explored the traumatic childhood of Leatherface, shedding light on the events that shaped him into a ruthless killer.
The recent addition to the franchise, Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2022), serves as a direct sequel to the original film, ignoring the events of the intervening movies. Set in the modern day, the 2022 sequel introduces a new generation of characters who stumble upon Leatherface’s reign of terror in an abandoned ghost town.
While the Texas Chainsaw Massacre movies vary in tone and style, they all contribute to the legacy of one of the most iconic horror franchises in cinematic history. Whether you prefer the gritty realism of the original film or the campy charm of the later sequels, there’s something for every horror fan in this twisted tale of madness and mayhem.