Texas Chainsaw Massacre watch order

First-time viewers should start with the original 1974 film, The Texas Chain Saw Massacre. It establishes the iconic premise of travelers encountering Leatherface and the cannibal family in rural Texas, laying the foundational tone for all subsequent entries in the horror series.

Strict release order is not strictly required because the franchise features multiple timelines, reboots, and standalone stories that do not always form a single continuous narrative. However, watching in release order helps viewers trace the cinematic evolution of Leatherface over the decades.

None of the entries can be strictly deemed skippable for a complete viewing experience, as each film contributes a unique chapter, alternate timeline, or fresh perspective on Leatherface and the notorious cannibal family across the history of the series.

Watch in this order: 1. The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, 2. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre Part 2, 3. Leatherface: The Texas Chainsaw Massacre III, 4. The Return of the Texas Chainsaw Massacre, 5. Texas Chainsaw 3D, 6. Leatherface, 7. Texas Chainsaw Massacre.

This guide lists 7 entries, released between 1974 and 2022.

The Texas Chain Saw Massacre has the highest average rating in this guide, at 7.3 out of 10.