How Many Texas Chainsaw Massacres Does It Take to Screw in a Light Bulb? We Investigate
Ah, the Texas Chainsaw Massacre. A franchise that's been chopping its way through our nightmares for almost 50 years now. Leatherface, the iconic chainsaw-wielding maniac, has become a horror mainstay, right up there with Jason and Freddy (although, with slightly better table manners). But with so many films, it's enough to make your head spin faster than Leatherface after a Monster Energy chug. So, buckle up, horror hounds, as we untangle the twisted web of the Texas Chainsaw Massacre filmography.
The OG Gang: The Films That Started It All
We gotta start with the classics, folks. The original 1974 film, directed by the legendary Tobe Hooper, is the undisputed king of the chainsaw castle. It's a raw, brutal masterpiece that will leave you questioning your next trip to the countryside. Fun fact: Did you know it was filmed on a shoestring budget with a cast of unknowns? Now that's some impressive filmmaking on a dime.
Then we have the sequels. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2 (1986) cranks the camp factor up to eleven, with Leatherface facing off against a chainsaw-wielding radio DJ. It's cheesy, gory, and strangely hilarious. Leatherface: The Texas Chainsaw Massacre III (1990) takes a more comedic turn, with a punk rock theme and a telepathic teenager. Think Heathers meets Texas Chainsaw.
The Reboots, Remakes, and Requels: Leatherface Gets a Makeover (Sometimes)
Hollywood loves a good reboot, and the Texas Chainsaw Massacre franchise is no exception. In 2003, we got a straight-up remake of the original, followed by a prequel, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning (2006), that explored Leatherface's twisted origin story. Then things get a little confusing. There's Texas Chainsaw 3D (2013), which is kind of a sequel to the original film, kind of a remake of the sequel? It's best not to dwell on it.
Leatherface Comes to Streaming: The Latest Chapter
And just when you thought you'd seen it all, Leatherface lumbered onto Netflix in 2022 with a brand new Texas Chainsaw Massacre. This one acts as a direct sequel to the 1974 film, ignoring all the other movies in between. So, how many versions are there, really? The answer, my friends, is a horrifying nine. That's nine films where people run around screaming, get chopped up with chainsaws, and Leatherface somehow manages to keep that mask clean.
So, Do You Need to See Them All?
Absolutely not! Here's the beauty of horror franchises: you can pick and choose your poison. If you want the raw terror of the original, that's your jam. Craving some cheesy laughs? Texas Chainsaw 2 is your movie. But maybe, just maybe, skip the one where Leatherface wears a backwards baseball cap. Trust us on this one.
So, the next time you're looking for a good scare, fire up one of these Texas Chainsaw Massacres. Just remember, when Leatherface revs his chainsaw, it's probably best not to answer the door.
