At its heart, Saw is a story of survival - and it is truly terrifying how far the central characters are willing to go to ensure they make it out of Jigsaw’s clutches alive. The best Saw-esque films do both things at once: They make you watch the screen through your fingers while also marveling at the twisted nature of both the villains and their prey. These films usually go all-in on grossing out moviegoers without taking the time to actually delve into the psychology of what makes the characters tick. Now, there are quite a few torture-fueled horror movies that have tried and failed to capitalize on the success of Saw. Well, you’re in luck - there are plenty of films that have tried to capture the gonzo horror energy of Jigsaw’s big-screen introduction. If you’re looking for movies like Saw, then chances are you’re in search of another blood-soaked mystery to unravel. But the first movie remains the most daring one of the bunch thanks to its heart-stopping twists and the shocking lengths the characters are willing to go to in order to survive. Since the original Saw first hit theaters in 2004, it has spawned six sequels and two spinoffs ( Jigsaw and Spiral), all of which have upped the sadistic antics of the story’s central villain, a serial killer who goes by the name of Jigsaw.

The Saw franchise is not for the faint of heart.

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