How to Watch the 'Saw' Movies Series In Order [Chronologically and By Release Date]

If you enjoy horror flicks with death, guts, and a hearty amount of gore, you’ve probably seen the Saw films. The Saw film series is a horror film franchise that follows the activities of a serial murderer dubbed Jigsaw. Jigsaw places people in life-or-death scenarios where they must make hard choices to survive. The first film came out in 2004, while the most recent film, “Spiral,” got released in 2021. Let’s go over the Saw series in detail.

The Saw Series

Among my favorite horror movie franchises has always been Saw. We know it has a poor reputation because the storyline has many faults, but it’s a cultural icon in the derogatorily dubbed ‘torture porn’ genre.

However, we think the Saw series has a fantastic tale with a lot of backstories as well as worldbuilding (though it has not been perfectly executed, some of the time). John Kramer differs from other killers we see in the media. His viewpoint is founded on a concept he developed after experiencing numerous traumas throughout his life. This is not the stone-faced slashers we’re used to seeing in most major horror franchises.

Saw recounts the story of John Kramer for those unfamiliar with the franchise. John resolves to turn into a serial killer after experiencing numerous disasters in his life. His killings are motivated by a desire to make people value their life.

By profession, John is a fantastic engineer. He constructs elaborate traps and places his victims in situations where they must battle for their lives. Only those deserving of life, in John’s opinion, will survive.

While the majority of the Saw films are numbered, there are two that are not. This may be perplexing to beginners of the story who are still determining where to begin.

Fortunately, we have got things covered! Today we’ll go over how to enjoy the Saw movies in the correct order. Enjoy!

via GIPHY

Are All The Saw Movies Interconnected?

The first seven films in the franchise are all linked and begin at the end of the preceding film. The series has numerous jumps and callbacks to previous subplots. Furthermore, if you really want to grasp the motivations of the characters, you must watch earlier films.

Do you have to watch all of the Saw movies before watching Jigsaw?

It is critical to see the Saw movies in the proper order to comprehend the entire tale and backstory of the characters. All of the films in the series begin straight after the conclusion of the previous film. So, they are strongly reliant on the narrative of the last movie.

In What Order Should I Watch the Saw Movies?

The series has no set chronological order, but each film has flashbacks that transport viewers to the background and explain the plot.

As a result, viewing them in the proper order they were released is recommended so you can keep up with the tale and all the flashbacks. Here is a breakdown of all Saw films in chronological sequence of release.

Saw Movies In Chronological Sequence

We’ll start with the most straightforward option. Except for a few titles, if you want to binge-watch the Saw franchise, it’s relatively simple:

  • Saw (2004)
  • Saw II (2005)
  • Saw III (2006)
  • Saw IV (2007)
  • Saw V (2008)
  • Saw VI (2009)
  • Saw 3D (aka Saw: The Final Chapter) (2010)
  • Jigsaw (2017)
  • Spiral: From the Book of Saw (2021)
  • Saw X (2023)

Jigsaw was released in 2017 and serves as a direct extension of the Saw canon following the not-so-final chapter from 2010. Spiral is a spinoff that follows a detective played by Chris Rock on the hunt for a Jigsaw-style killer who targets corrupt officers.

The films are all available today on DVD, Blu-ray, and digital. Saw: The Legacy Collection, a Blu-ray boxset containing eight movies (from Saw to Jigsaw), has been published by Lionsgate Home Entertainment.

Each box set includes a variety of bonus features in addition to the eight films. Saw: The Legacy Collection has been competitively priced for the number of movies included and is available through Amazon UK and Amazon US.

1. Saw (2004)

Saw (2004)

The film begins with Adam with Dr. Lawrence waking up in an old bathroom without any recollection of how they got there. They are both shackled, and there is a dead person in the center of the bathroom holding a handgun and a recording recorder.

Soon later, they both discover cassettes in their pockets, and after playing them, they both realize they are stuck in a game of life and death. After searching for clues, they both discover two hacksaws.

After Adam and Lawrence are not able to cut their shackles with a hacksaw, they realize Jigsaw is to blame!

2. Saw II (2005)

Saw II (2005)

The film begins with a man named Michael locked inside a life-threatening helmet. Jigsaw informs Michael that the only way to open that helmet is to locate the key. When Michael is incapable of retrieving the key, he is slain.

Eric, a detective, arrives on the scene of the crime, Michael, and his inquiry takes him to Jigsaw’s location. Eric soon understands he is stuck in Jigsaw’s game. Jigsaw informs Eric how his son is locked in a deadly chamber with several other people, with only two hours until they are all killed by the poisoned game in the area.

Jigsaw tells Eric his narrative, reveals how Eric brutally tortured inmates in his jail and offers him the chance to save his son’s life.

3. Saw III (2006)

Saw III (2006)

This film begins precisely where the previous movie ended, with Eric chained in the restroom. We also come across another Jigsaw’s Victim who is killed by a bomb blast. While researching Jigsaw’s case, the Lady Detective is kidnapped and completely shackled.

A video of Jigsaw arrives on TV, explaining that the key to releasing the trap is in the beaker of acid. She is slain when she is unable to open her trap. The film continues with its string of murders.

4. Saw IV (2007)

Saw IV (2007)

Doctors discover a Tap from Jigsaw’s dead body, and the Tap is for Detective Hoffman, who has become a part of Jigsaw’s game. Detective Rigg, along with other detectives, goes to Jigsaw’s previous site to investigate. After discovering Allison’s dead body (she died in the last film), they realize that there is a third person involved in Jigsaw’s game.

Detective Rigg is attacked in Night, and when he awakens, he discovers that he is now a part of Jigsaw’s game, with only 90 minutes to defend Hoffman, Kerry, and himself.

5. Saw V (2008)

Saw V (2008)

At the beginning of the film, a criminal is killed with a blade, and the film continues to the end of the fourth film in the series when detective Peter is locked in detective Hoffman. When Detective Peter breaks the rule, he becomes a member of Jigsaw’s Game and is locked in a box.

Hoffman, accompanied by Lynn’s daughter, finally emerges and hears that police have saved Detective Peter, that The Jigsaw’s case has been closed, and that a lawyer has given a black box to Jigsaw’s wife. We also find that Hoffman has taken Jigsaw’s post.

6. Saw VI (2009)

Saw VI (2009)

Saw VI is primarily Detective Hoffman’s tale and takes place immediately after Saw V. Hoffman starts up where Jigsaw left off after his death. Hoffman, on the other hand, primarily targets fellow cops. 

Hoffman and Jigsaw’s wife become sworn adversaries, with both competing for Jigsaw’s employment and Hoffman attempting to kill her after they first tried to work together. The insurance company that refused to pay for Jigsaw’s experimental cancer cure are pitted against each other in Saw VI and die horrifying deaths.

Ultimately, the insurance company’s executive, William Easton, discovers six of his coworkers strapped to a circular device. He is forced to kill four and pick only two to survive. Jigsaw is obviously no longer alive, but we watch a video of him speaking to his victims. Jigsaw sends his wife to kill Hoffman, and she places a trap over his head; nevertheless, he escapes and survives, despite having his face largely mangled by the execution device.

7. Saw: The Final Chapter (2010)

Saw: The Final Chapter (2010)

The movie starts with Ryan, Brad, and Dina Trapped in the Jigsaw’s game. Further, a video of Jigsaw appears that explains that Dina is using both of them to fulfill her needs.

Three of them now have two choices: Either any of the boys win Dina’s heart, and both will survive, or the boys kill Dina to save themselves. Jigsaw is dead, but his game is still active.

8. Jigsaw (I) (2017)

Jigsaw (I) (2017)

This film can be watched as a standalone. The film begins with a man named Edger Munsen attempting to elude police and arriving near an X symbol on a building, where he discovers a remote. When the cops apprehend him, he informs them he wants to meet Detective Halloran.

Edger reveals to detective Halloran that this is a game in which either he or they may survive.

9. Spiral: From the Book of Saw (2021)

Spiral: From the Book of Saw (2021)

On May 14th, 2021, Spiral: From The Book Of Saw was launched. Chris Rock, Max Minghella, Marisol Nichols, and Samuel L. Jackson star in it. Twisted Pictures produced the film, which Darren Lynn Bousman directed.

While Spiral is not directly related to the other films, it does take place after the main series. It can be viewed at any point in the franchise or as a standalone film. The film, however, has a more significant impact if you are familiar with Saw legend.

Years after John Kramer’s death, a new serial killer arises. While the killer isn’t actively carrying on Jigsaw’s objectives, his legacy heavily influences them. Detective Zeke Banks (Chris Rock) is tasked with determining the identity of this new serial killer who appears to be targeting his corrupt police precinct.

Which is the Scariest Saw Movie?

When it comes to terrifying the audience, Saw films deliver. The entire series is packed with brutal and curial killing scenes that will leave you speechless. But which of the eight saw movies is the scariest?

Let’s look at this in light of the IMDb Audience rating.

Saw MoviesRatings on IMDb
Spiral: From the Book of Saw5.2
Jigsaw (I) (2017)5.8
Saw: The Final Chapter (2010)5.6
Saw V (2008)5.8
Saw IV (2007)5.9
Saw VI (2009)6
Saw III (2006)6.2
Saw II (2005)6.6
Saw (2004)7.6

Saw Movies Order & Netflix Countries

No Netflix location offers all Saw movies. The movies are listed in the correct order below, along with the regions where they are available for Netflix streaming:

1. Saw (2004 Movie)

  • Germany
  • Japan
  • Iceland
  • Italy 
  • Spain 
  • Sweden

2. Saw II (2005 Movie)

  • Italy
  • Germany 
  • Spain
  • Switzerland

3. Saw III (2006 Movie)

  • Italy
  • Canada
  • Germany 

4. Saw IV (2007 Movie)

  • You can’t stream it on Netflix, but you can watch it on Peacock TV if you use a VPN.

5. Saw V (2008)

  • You can’t stream it on Netflix, but you can watch it on Peacock TV if you use a VPN.

6. Saw VI (2009)

  • Canada

7. Saw: The Final Chapter (Saw VII) 

  • Iceland

8. Jigsaw (2017 Movie)

  • Japan
  • Czech Republic
  • South Korea

9. Spiral (2021 Movie)

  • Hong Kong
  • UK
  • Czech Republic
  • Hungary & more

Conclusion

We cannot emphasize this enough: If you decide to see most (or all) of the Saw films, you must do so in chronological order. They will not make sense if you do not.

Saw, and to a lesser extent Jigsaw, can be watched on their own, but Saw II through Saw 3D are so closely linked that seeing them in any order other than the one listed above is pointless. Believe us.

Have you watched the Saw Series of films? If yes, please share your reviews and the platform where you watched all of the Saw Series. If you want to enjoy a series of twisted and horrifying movies, we highly recommend the Saw Series.

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By Bethany Wilson

Bethany is a passionate writer and WordPress expert. Recently she has completed her studies in software engineering. She is an avid gamer. Currently she is working as a WordPress writer at TechProReviewers.com.

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