Ever wondered just how many times that chainsaw roared back to life in the Texas Chainsaw Massacre universe? Buckle up, because it's a bigger family reunion than you might think!
Leatherface's Family Tree (of Films)
Trying to count all the Texas Chainsaw Massacre movies is like trying to wrangle a room full of Sawyers. There are a lot! And some are...well, let's just say they’re more distantly related than others.
The Originals and Their Offspring
It all started in 1974 with Tobe Hooper’s legendary, low-budget, and utterly terrifying masterpiece, *The Texas Chain Saw Massacre*. This movie wasn't just scary; it practically redefined the horror genre.
Then came The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2 (1986), a wildly different beast altogether. Think less gritty realism and more… well, Dennis Hopper facing off against Leatherface with chainsaws. It was bonkers!
Leatherface: The Texas Chainsaw Massacre III (1990) tried to bring back some of the original's terror. However, it ended up being more of a forgettable, if slightly gory, entry.
Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Next Generation (1995) is where things get truly bizarre. This one stars Renée Zellweger and Matthew McConaughey before they were mega-stars. McConaughey's performance alone makes it worth a watch...for the sheer weirdness of it all!
After this, we had a remake in 2003, simply titled The Texas Chainsaw Massacre. This modern update was slick, brutal, and a box office success.
Naturally, a prequel followed in 2006: The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning. We got to see how Leatherface’s “family” formed, and things got even grimmer.
Reboots, Sequels, and the Murky Middle
Here's where the family tree gets a little twisted. Texas Chainsaw 3D (2013) tried to be a direct sequel to the original, ignoring all the films in between.
Leatherface (2017) went back to Leatherface's teenage years, telling a slightly different origin story. So, we're now officially dealing with alternate timelines!
And then there's Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2022), another attempt to directly continue the original story. It ignores everything after the first movie, yet again.
So, How Many? Let's Count 'Em!
Okay, drum roll please! We've got the original, five sequels/continuations, a remake, and a prequel.
Throw in the alternate timeline films, and you’re looking at nine films total. That’s a lot of chainsaw action!
But wait, there's more! Some people might include the documentary, The Shocking Truth, which explores the making of the original. Whether you count that is up to you!
Ultimately, the exact number is less important than the fact that Leatherface and his… unique family… have left an indelible mark on horror. They will keep terrorizing audiences for generations to come.
So, the next time you’re looking for a scare, remember the Sawyer family. With so many versions to choose from, you’re bound to find one that really… cuts it!
