My Ranking of the Texas Chainsaw Massacre Films

The revving chainsaw. The flashbulb noise. The voice over. Trademarks from one of the most infamous, controversial, and uneven horror film series of all time. I'm talking about the 'Texas Chainsaw Massacre. These films range from being widely acclaimed to universally despised, but I think we can all agree that these films are an important part of horror history. This is my ranking of the series.

1. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974):
Tobe Hooper's terrifying original film still holds up extremely well today. It may not be as gory as the title suggests, but what it lacks in blood, it more than makes up for in true scares. It was shot in 16mm so it's gritty, and it takes on an almost documentary feel. It's truly terrifying (something the later entries seriously lack), and atmospheric. There are a few gore shots, but it's the look of terror in the victims' faces, and the psychotic cannibal family that makes this movie scary. It's a horror classic that will never fade away.

2. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2 (1986):
This film couldn't be more different compared to the original, and that's why it's so good. It swaps out scares and atmosphere with over the top gore and dark comedy. It works so well because its not trying to be a retread of the original, it just does its own thing. The Tom Savini gore is outstanding, and the performances, especially Bill Moseley, are great. This entry (not including the prequel) is for the gore hounds.

3. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2003):
This is a fantastically made remake. It follows the original story loosely, which was a very smart move. While it does up the gore, it isn't too extreme, keeping with the chills and atmosphere of the original. The cinematography is amazing, and there are some genuinely creepy moments. The acting is great, and this film has one of the best Leatherfaces of the series. A rare remake that actually works.

4. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning (2006):
I was very pleasantly surprised with this film. Like part 2, this movie relies mostly on the gore, which is fine by me. This is, without a doubt, the goriest entry in the whole series. There are many chainsaw kills which are satisfying, and this one even has a "dinner scene" paying homage to the original. It was fun to see how Leatherface was born, and how the twisted cannibal family came to be. This one is definitely for gore lovers, but not much more.

5. Leatherface: The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 3 (1990):
To me this movie is just okay. Yes, there are some gory moments as well as creepy ones, but this film left much to be desired. The real treat in this film is Ken Foree's character; He's a total bad ass (when is he not?). Other than that though, the acting is pretty good, and there are some solid kills, but it's missing the true terror of some of the other entries.

6. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Next Generation (1994):
Truly terrible. From the very first frame, this film makes no sense at all. There are way to many things being thrown at you, and it never feels like a Massacre flick. The acting is horrific, the story is doomed from the start, and there isn't one single chainsaw kill. I counted one scene that I thought looked cool, and it was ripped off from the original! Leatherface dresses fully in drag, and it inspires more laughter than screams. The ending is insanely confusing and stupid, and it made me angry. It's good for a laugh with your buddies, but do NOT expect good horror.

Well, there you have it. All of these films (excluding Generations) are definitely worth watching for one reason of another. That's what I love most about this series; every film is different and it rarely ever follows the same formula or tone. Other horror franchises could learn a thing or two from The Texas Chainsaw Massacre! I really can't wait for the next entry, because the buzzzz will always be back!