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
Released in 1974, "The Texas Chain Saw Massacre" is a horror film centered on a group of friends who encounter a sinister family in rural Texas. The narrative follows their terrifying ordeal after stumbling upon a seemingly deserted house. The film is known for its gritty, unsettling atmosphere, establishing a tone of psychological horror and suspense without relying on excessive gore.
The movie has received critical acclaim, with a strong Rotten Tomatoes score and a generally positive Metacritic assessment. Its impact on the slasher subgenre is notable, influencing subsequent horror productions. The story incorporates elements of the "vacation gone wrong" trope, escalating from a casual road trip to a desperate fight for survival against a family of cannibals, including the iconic Leatherface.
Why you might be searching for The Texas Chain Saw Massacre
Many people search for "The Texas Chain Saw Massacre" due to its reputation as a seminal horror film and its disturbing imagery, particularly the character Leatherface and the chainsaw. The film is often sought out for its role in shaping psychological horror and the slasher genre, with its raw, realistic approach to terror being a consistent point of discussion and interest.
What reviewers are saying
One reviewer describes the film as a disturbing and iconic slasher due to its genuinely horrific and realistic portrayal of a deranged family in rural Texas, noting its influence over later horror films like Rob Zombie's "House of 1000 Corpses".
Read the full reviewA reviewer found the film overrated and annoying despite its age, particularly criticizing the repetitive screaming and generalized noise as the primary source of tension in the latter portion of the movie.
Read the full reviewAnother review hails it as one of the most compelling and influential horror films ever made, calling it essential viewing for fans of the genre.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Common questions about finding and identifying movies
You can stream The Texas Chain Saw Massacre on Peacock, Showtime, Tubi, and Shudder. It's also available to rent or buy on platforms like Amazon, Apple TV, Google Play, and YouTube source.
While the film is fictional, the character Leatherface and some elements of the plot were inspired by real-life serial killer Ed Gein source. Gein was known for making trophies out of human remains, similar to aspects seen in the movie.
In the chaotic ending, Sally Hardesty escapes Leatherface and his family by jumping through a window and running onto a highway. A passing truck driver stops to help her, but another family member pursues them, forcing Sally to flee in the back of a pick-up truck. The film concludes with Sally laughing hysterically and screaming as Leatherface swings his chainsaw in frustration source.