The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974)
Five friends head out to rural Texas to visit the grave of a grandfather. On the way they stumble across what appears to be a deserted house, only to discover something sinister within. Something armed with a chainsaw.
Details
Budget
$140,000
Rating
7/10 (3406 votes)
Status
Released
Production Companies
Vortex, Henkel Productions, Hooper Productions, Bryanston Pictures
About The Texas Chain Saw Massacre
Tobe Hooper's 1974 film, "The Texas Chain Saw Massacre," is a horror movie centered on a group of five friends traveling through rural Texas. Their trip takes a turn when they encounter a seemingly deserted house, which harbors a sinister presence armed with a chainsaw. The narrative explores themes of suspense and psychological horror as the friends navigate this unexpected and violent situation.
The film is classified within the horror genre and features elements commonly associated with slasher films and cannibalism narratives. Keywords like "leatherface," "chainsaw," "slaughterhouse," and "vacation gone wrong" indicate the movie's focus on a disturbed family and the terror they inflict. The movie maintains a consistently unsettling tone throughout its 83-minute runtime.
"The Texas Chain Saw Massacre" has accumulated a notable reception, with an IMDb rating of 7.4 from over 200,000 votes, an 85% score on Rotten Tomatoes, and a Metacritic score of 91/100. These ratings suggest a significant critical and audience appreciation for its impact within the horror genre. The film's enduring presence is further evidenced by the ongoing searches related to its specific, disturbing imagery and plot points.
Why you might be searching for The Texas Chain Saw Massacre
People often search for "The Texas Chain Saw Massacre" due to its iconic villain, Leatherface, and the visceral imagery of chainsaws and slaughter. Specific searches relate to the unsettling family dynamics, the rural Texas setting, and the sheer terror experienced by the protagonists, especially the prolonged chase and psychological torment.
What reviewers are saying
This slasher film is notable for its disturbing and realistic portrayal of horror, a quality that sets it apart from more stylized genre entries.
Read the full reviewOne reviewer found the film to be overrated despite its age, noting that much of the peril relied on excessive screaming and a noisy, flat climax.
Read the full reviewThe film is considered one of the most influential and essential horror movies ever made, a must-see for fans of the genre.
Read the full reviewBeyond the chainsaw, the film's horror stems from its depiction of victims stumbling into a functional, horrific system, where violence is presented as an almost mundane continuation of a family business.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Common questions about finding and identifying movies
You can stream *The Texas Chain Saw Massacre* on services like Amazon Prime Video, Peacock Premium, Shudder, AMC+, Philo, The Roku Channel, Pluto TV, Xumo Play, and Tubi TV. It is also available for rent or purchase on Amazon Video, Apple TV, and Fandango At Home, and can be found on Blu-ray.
No, *The Texas Chain Saw Massacre* is largely fictional, although it was marketed as a true story to attract a wider audience. The character Leatherface and some minor details were inspired by the real-life murderer Ed Gein.
In the climax, Sally escapes from the cannibalistic family after being taunted and nearly murdered. She runs onto a road, pursued by the brothers, until an oncoming truck accidentally kills the hitchhiker. Leatherface is injured, and Sally flags down a pickup truck, escaping while laughing hysterically, which is interpreted as a psychological response to extreme trauma rather than joy.
*The Texas Chain Saw Massacre* is considered a classic horror film, with 85% of critics on Rotten Tomatoes giving it a positive review and Metacritic scoring it 92 out of 100. It's praised for its suspense, unique cinematography, and ability to create a lasting, disturbing feeling without relying on excessive gore.