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Earlier this month, the newest entry into the ‘Texas Chainsaw Massacre” franchise was released. Directed by David Blue Garcia and produced and co-written by Fede Alverez, the latest TCM movie has garnered mixed results. Since the release of the first film back in 1974, the franchise has been a landmark in the horror genre. Looking back over nearly 50 years and nine films, it’s time to rank and let the debate begin.
‘Texas Chainsaw Massacre’: Franchise Ranking
9) Texas Chainsaw 3D (2013)- Directed by John Luessenhop
Rotten Tomatoes- Critics Score, 19 percent, Audience Score, 40 percent
After the remake was released in 2003 followed by a prequel to that film, the TCM franchise was at a crossroads. ‘Texas Chainsaw 3D” scraps the canon of the remake and goes back to the original for the first time. In what has become commonplace in the genre, 3D is a direct sequel to the first TCM film. However, despite a solid opening, the film quickly spirals out of control. Filled with un-ignorable plot holes, including a time jump that is head-scratching, TC3D is laughable without the intention to be funny.
Rating: 2 out of 5
8) Leatherface (2017)- Directed by Julien Maury and Alexandre Bustillo
Rotten Tomatoes – Critics Score, 30 percent, Audience Score, 24 percent.
After seven films and multiple timelines to dig through, 2017’s ‘Leatherface” decided to take a look at the origins of the titular character. What fans received was more of a road trip movie than the isolation horror of the previous entries. No one was really asking for a prequel, and there’s a reason for it.
Rating: 2.25 out of 5
Climbing the ladder
7) Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning (2006)- Directed by Jonathan Liebesman
Rotten Tomatoes: Critics Score, 14 percent, Audience Score, 53 percent
Following the success of the remake in 2003, it came as no surprise that another film would quickly get the green light. Due to many main characters getting killed in the 2003 entry, and with Leatherface losing an arm, the filmmakers were forced to make a decision. TCM The Beginning takes place a few years before the 2003 film and sets up how the family gained traction and power in the town. While the film is a solid entry, it feels too similar to its predecessor which was done better the first time around.
Rating: 3 out of 5
6) Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2 (1986)- Directed by Tobe Hooper
Rotten Tomatoes – Critics Score, 47 percent, Audience Score, 44 percent.
Over a decade after its release, ‘The Texas Chainsaw Massacre” got its sequel during the height of the VHS rental era. Tobe Hooper returned to the director’s chair but this time brought something new to the story. Gone was the raw and serious tone to the horror film which was replaced by comedic elements. The film backfired upon release but has since gained a cult following. The comedy elements work for some, but take what made the original so great and push it aside. Despite a fun time, it’s just too silly to rank any higher than the middle of the pack.
Rating: 2.75 out of 5
5) Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Next Generation (1995)- Directed by Kim Henkel
Rotten Tomatoes – Critics Score, 16 percent, Audience Score, 18 percent.
Ah yes, “that” movie. Starring Renée Zellweger and Matthew McConaughey before they were stars, Next Gen is a totally different animal. While part 2 plays itself like a comedy, Next Gen takes a different approach. The 4th film in the TCM series is absolutely bonkers with mostly unlikeable protagonists, but a memorable performance by McConaughey as Vilmer. The film isn’t for everyone, but for those who enjoy it, it’s a wild ride.
Rating: 3 out of 5
‘Texas Chainsaw Massacre’: Top Four
4) Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2022)- Directed by David Blue Garcia
Rotten Tomatoes – Critics Score, 33 percent, Audience Score, 32 percent.
In yet another retcon of the timeline, the 2022 film ignores every sequel and remake and follows up directly from the original. But where Texas Chainsaw 3D failed, TCM 2022 succeeds. The movie is a tight and faced-paced horror film that delivers one of the best portrayals of Leatherface since the 1974 classic. Filled with a great score and cinematography, and graphic kills, the 2022 film will likely gain fans as time goes on.
Rating: 4 out of 5 (Read the full review here)
3) The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2003)- Directed by Marcus Nispel
Rotten Tomatoes – Critics Score, 36 percent, Audience Score, 58 percent.
The early 2000s was the start of the remake trend in horror. While many remakes haven’t cut the mustard, the 2003 TCM is one of the best. Taking elements of the 1974 film and making it his own, director Marcus Nispel delivered a horror film that checks off most of the boxes. The family is memorable, anchored by the late great R. Lee Ermey, with Andrew Bryniarski playing Leatherface in vicious fashion. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre remake is a must-see for horror fans.
Rating: 4.25 out of 5
‘Texas Chainsaw Massacre”: Best of the Best
2) Texas Chainsaw Massacre 3 (1990)- Directed by Jeff Burr
Rotten Tomatoes – Critics Score, 19 percent, Audience Score, 31 percent.
Following the mixed reaction to the second film, New Line Cinema purchased the franchise and wanted to bring it back to its roots. Despite a troubled production and battle with the MPAA, director Jeff Burr pulled it together to make a film many would have given up on. With genre regulars Ken Foree and William Butler, and pre-star Viggo Mortensen, TCM 3 brings back the horror. With an isolated Texas backdrop, Leatherface swings the best and biggest saw in the series to land in the #2 spot in a controversial fashion.
Rating: 4.25 out of 5
1) The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974)- Directed by Tobe Hooper
Rotten Tomatoes – Critics Score, 89 percent, Audience Score, 82 percent.
In a shock to nearly no one, the original Texas Chainsaw Massacre gets the top spot. Tobe Hooper’s 1974 classic horror film delivers tension and atmosphere across the board. From the moment the text crawl begins we are given a warning of what is to come but it’s still not enough to prepare us. Hooper’s film is shot in a way that it feels real and raw, presenting unforgettable camera angles in the process. By the time the credits roll, the audience is exhausted, which you could only think was Hooper’s intention.
Rating: 5 out of 5