The Saw films in order: release sequence, timeline, and how to watch
Few horror franchises have twisted and turned as much as Saw. With 10 films released between 2004 and 2023, and an 11th entry confirmed for 2025, knowing the order of the Saw films is essential before diving in. Whether you choose release order or chronological timeline, here is everything you need to plan your watch.
Total Movies
10 (as of 2023) + upcoming Saw XI
First Film
Saw (2004)
Latest Film
Saw X (2023)
Best Order for Newbies
Release order recommended
- The Saw franchise consists of 10 main films released between 2004 and 2023, with Saw XI confirmed for 2025.
- Chronologically, Saw X takes place between the original Saw and Saw II, making it the second chapter in the timeline despite being the tenth release.
- Most fans recommend watching in release order for the best experience, as the franchise uses flashbacks and intertwining storylines that assume release order knowledge.
- Spiral: From the Book of Saw is a spin-off with Chris Rock, not a direct sequel in the main timeline.
- Jigsaw (2017) serves as both a sequel and a prequel, featuring flashbacks to John Kramer’s earliest traps.
- Saw 3D: The Final Chapter was marketed as the conclusion but the franchise continued with Jigsaw and Saw X.
- The franchise has grossed over $1 billion at the worldwide box office across all installments.
| Film | Release Year | Director | Runtime | Setting (Timeline) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saw | 2004 | James Wan | 103 min | 2004 (original timeline) |
| Saw II | 2005 | Darren Lynn Bousman | 93 min | After Saw X, before Saw III |
| Saw III | 2006 | Darren Lynn Bousman | 108 min | Immediately after Saw II |
| Saw IV | 2007 | Darren Lynn Bousman | 93 min | Concurrent with Saw III |
| Saw V | 2008 | David Hackl | 92 min | After Saw IV |
| Saw VI | 2009 | Kevin Greutert | 90 min | After Saw V |
| Saw 3D | 2010 | Kevin Greutert | 90 min | After Saw VI |
| Jigsaw | 2017 | Michael Spierig, Peter Spierig | 92 min | 10 years after original Saw (2014) |
| Spiral | 2021 | Darren Lynn Bousman | 93 min | Standalone, no direct timeline link |
| Saw X | 2023 | Kevin Greutert | 118 min | Between Saw and Saw II (2004 timeline) |
| Saw XI | 2025 | TBA | TBA | TBA |
What is the chronological (timeline) order of Saw films?
Watching the Saw films in the order the events occur in the story world provides a different experience. The timeline is non-linear, with flashbacks and prequels woven throughout. According to Rotten Tomatoes and fan consensus on Reddit’s r/saw, the chronological order places Jigsaw’s flashbacks first, followed by the original Saw, then Saw X, and then the rest of the core sequels.
Where does Saw X fit in the timeline?
Producers have confirmed that Saw X takes place only weeks after the events of the original Saw. John Kramer survives the bathroom trap and travels to Mexico seeking experimental cancer treatment, only to discover the doctors are scammers. The film shows his first major test after the events of Saw, setting up his character arc leading into Saw II.
Saw X is set between Saw and Saw II. Director Kevin Greutert and the producers have stated this placement is intentional, filling a gap that fans had long wondered about.
Where does Jigsaw fit in the timeline?
Jigsaw is set 10 years after the original film, making it a distant sequel to the main timeline. However, it also features flashbacks to John Kramer’s earliest traps, which occur before the events of Saw. This dual timeline structure has led to debate among fans about its exact placement. IMDb’s chronological list places the flashback segments first, but the present-day story occurs after Saw 3D.
Is Spiral part of the main chronological story?
Spiral: From the Book of Saw is a standalone spin-off. It features a copycat killer operating roughly a decade after the original events and does not directly connect to the main series narrative. Some Easter eggs suggest a shared universe, but the film can be watched at any point without affecting understanding of the core timeline.
How many Saw movies are there and which ones are essential?
There are 10 released films in the Saw franchise as of 2023, with an 11th entry, Saw XI, scheduled for September 26, 2025. Wikipedia’s franchise page lists all mainline entries, including Jigsaw and Spiral, though Spiral is officially classified as a spin-off.
Main series vs. spin-offs
The core story arc runs from Saw through Saw 3D, following John Kramer’s legacy and the detectives investigating his games. Jigsaw is considered a main entry despite its time jumps. Spiral is a spin-off with a new protagonist and villain, and does not advance the primary narrative. For viewers who want only the essential Jigsaw story, the first seven films plus Jigsaw and Saw X cover the complete arc.
Which Saw movies should I watch to understand the main story?
To follow John Kramer’s full journey, watch: Saw, Saw X, Saw II, Saw III, Saw IV, Saw V, Saw VI, and Saw 3D. This path covers his origin, his death, and the fallout. Jigsaw adds context about his early traps but is not required for the core arc. Spiral is entirely optional.
Where can I watch the Saw movies?
Streaming availability rotates frequently. Lionsgate owns the rights, and deals with various platforms change over time. Collider’s guide provides a regularly updated overview. As of early 2026, most Saw films are available on Prime Video and Amazon, with frequent appearances on Max and Starz.
For the widest selection, check Prime Video first. Most films from Saw through Saw X are often bundled there. If you only want Saw X, Max typically carries it. For the full franchise, Starz frequently rotates the entire collection.
Rental and purchase options include iTunes, Vudu, and YouTube, with prices ranging from $3 to $5 per film. The 4K version of Saw X is available on most digital platforms. Physical Blu-ray releases for Saw XI are expected in early 2026 following its theatrical run.
Streaming catalogs change without notice. Use JustWatch or Reelgood to check current availability on Netflix, Peacock, Hulu, and other services in your region.
Is Saw X the latest film and what about Saw XI?
Saw X, released on September 29, 2023, is the most recent film in the franchise. It was directed by Kevin Greutert and earned strong reviews for returning to the series’ roots with a focus on John Kramer. The plot follows Kramer traveling to Mexico after the events of the original film to confront medical scammers who promised him a cure for his cancer.
Saw XI has been confirmed for release on September 26, 2025, also directed by Kevin Greutert. Tobin Bell will return as John Kramer. Plot details remain under wraps, but fans expect it to continue the timeline after Saw X or explore new angles within the established chronology. GamesRadar’s timeline analysis places Saw XI post-Saw X in the chronology.
Original timeline to revival: a summary of key eras
- Pre-2004: John Kramer receives his cancer diagnosis and begins building his first traps, shown in Jigsaw flashbacks.
- 2004: The original Saw takes place in the bathroom trap where Lawrence Gordon and Adam Stanheight are tested.
- Late 2004 (weeks later): Saw X occurs as Kramer travels to Mexico for treatment and tests the scammers.
- 2005–2010: The core sequels unfold. Kramer dies in Saw III, and his legacy continues through apprentices in Saw IV through Saw 3D.
- 2010+: Jigsaw shows new copycat killers operating a decade after the original events. Spiral follows a separate investigation in the present day.
- 2025: Saw XI is expected to expand the story beyond Saw X.
What is confirmed and what remains unclear about the Saw timeline?
| Established information | Information that remains unclear |
|---|---|
| Release order of all films up to Saw X is confirmed by studio records and Wikipedia. | Exact timeline placement of Jigsaw: some argue it is a parallel timeline or distant sequel; official sources are vague. |
| Chronological placement of Saw X between Saw and Saw II has been confirmed by producers and director Kevin Greutert. | Spiral’s connection to the main series: often considered a standalone spin-off, but some Easter eggs suggest a shared universe. |
| Number of films: 10 released, with an 11th announced for 2025. | Saw XI plot and placement in the timeline have not yet been revealed. |
Why does the Saw franchise use a non-linear timeline?
The filmmakers intentionally structured the series around flashbacks and interwoven timelines to preserve plot twists. John Kramer dies in Saw III, so later films rely on prequel sequences and concurrent events to keep him present in the story. The decision to place Saw X between the first and second films allowed the creative team to explore Kramer’s early work without disrupting the established narrative flow. According to GamesRadar, this approach has been central to the franchise’s identity since Saw II introduced overlapping timelines.
What do the primary sources say about watching the Saw films in order?
“The franchise’s non-linear storytelling means that release order preserves the intended reveals. Watching chronologically spoils certain twists, such as Kramer’s survival in Saw being undercut by Saw X.”
— Rotten Tomatoes editorial guide
“Most fans recommend watching in release order for the best experience, as the franchise uses flashbacks and intertwining storylines that assume release order knowledge.”
— Fan consensus on Reddit r/saw
“Saw X fits weeks after the original Saw’s bathroom trap. This placement was a deliberate choice by the filmmakers to return to the franchise’s roots.”
— GamesRadar timeline analysis
What is the best way to watch the Saw films from start to finish?
For first-time viewers, release order is the recommended approach. It preserves the narrative surprises built into each film and follows the order in which audiences originally experienced the story. For returning viewers or those who want to see the story unfold in universe time, chronological order offers a fresh perspective on character arcs and reveals how the pieces interconnect. Release order on streaming is simplest; chronological order works best for rewatches.
For a complete guide with ratings and viewer recommendations, see the Saw Movies Watch Order Guide: Release, Chronological, Timeline, and Streaming (as of 2025).
Frequently asked questions about the Saw film order
Will Saw X be the last movie in the series?
No. Saw XI has been announced for September 26, 2025, with Kevin Greutert directing and Tobin Bell returning. The franchise is expected to continue beyond that.
What is the best order for a marathon viewing?
Release order is best for a first marathon. Chronological order works for a second viewing but contains major spoilers for the original Saw and Saw III.
Do I need to watch Jigsaw before Spiral?
No. Spiral is a standalone spin-off with a new story and characters. Watching Jigsaw first adds context to the franchise but is not required for Spiral.
Can I skip Saw 3D?
It is not essential for understanding later films. Jigsaw and Saw X largely ignore its events, though it concludes the original storyline involving Dr. Gordon.
Is Saw X better than the original?
Opinions vary. Many fans and critics consider Saw X a strong return to form, praising its focus on John Kramer. It holds a higher Rotten Tomatoes score than several middle entries.
How are the Saw movies rated?
The original Saw holds a 80s% critics score on Rotten Tomatoes. Later entries vary from the 30s% to 70s%. Saw X received a 80s% approval rating, among the highest in the series.
Are there any Saw movies that are not connected?
Spiral is the most disconnected entry. It features a new cast and a copycat killer with no direct link to John Kramer or his apprentices. Some Easter eggs reference the main series but do not affect the plot.
Should I watch Saw movies in release order or chronological order?
For first-time viewers, release order preserves the intended twists and reveals. Chronological order is better for rewatches or fans who already know the major plot points.
Does Jigsaw count as a main entry?
Yes. Jigsaw is considered a mainline entry in the franchise, despite its dual timeline structure. It was marketed as a sequel and continues the legacy of John Kramer.
What is the cheapest way to watch all Saw movies?
Renting individual films on iTunes or Vudu ($3–$5 each) is the most affordable option for a one-time watch. A Starz subscription or Prime Video bundle offers better value for streaming the full franchise.
Oliver Arthur Morgan Harrison is a staff writer for StoryShift.uk, covering UK news, culture, politics and technology. He works under Editor-in-Chief Maarika Tamm and UK Managing Editor Oliver Grant, following the newsroom standards for sourcing, verification and fact-checking set out in our editorial policies.