The Texas Chain Saw Massacre
Bryanston Distributing | Release Date: October 1, 1974
7.8
USER SCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 190 Ratings
USER RATING DISTRIBUTION
Positive:
150
Mixed:
33
Negative:
7
Watch Now
Stream On
Buy on
Stream On
Stream On
Stream On
Stream On
Stream On
Stream On
Expand
Review this movie
VOTE NOW
 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Check box if your review contains spoilers 0 characters (5000 max)

User Reviews

User scoreBy dateMost helpful
10
AlexS.Mar 9, 2007
Definitely a classic. Made long before attention deficit cinema came along and made everyone, collectively, a little dumber than we once were. The establishing shots in the early parts of the film are so moody, slow and dread inducing - a Definitely a classic. Made long before attention deficit cinema came along and made everyone, collectively, a little dumber than we once were. The establishing shots in the early parts of the film are so moody, slow and dread inducing - a fitting set-up for what comes later. This is how it's done.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful
10
AllyB.Mar 29, 2008
I first saw this movie back in 98 when i was about 15 years old, and at the time, i was so terrified to even walk along my street at night it affected me that much, I refused to watch it again until someone as a laugh bought it for me for I first saw this movie back in 98 when i was about 15 years old, and at the time, i was so terrified to even walk along my street at night it affected me that much, I refused to watch it again until someone as a laugh bought it for me for Christmas a few years later. It was only then i began to appreciate the movie and the intensity of the atmosphere that surrounded the whole movie in general, Yes it still scares the *bleep* out of me but thats why i love it, It makes me feel every emotion under the sun, Claustrophobia, Fear, Tension, Joy, Reflection, and bloomin' well thankful that i wont ever come across Leatherface anytime soon!… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful
10
BurnsWEMNov 12, 2014
Arguably the greatest horror film of all time. In my opinion, it is. I'm not a big horror fan but this is definitely a fantastic film. Great acting and is incredibly realistic. Not gonna spoil it but the ending scene was brilliant andArguably the greatest horror film of all time. In my opinion, it is. I'm not a big horror fan but this is definitely a fantastic film. Great acting and is incredibly realistic. Not gonna spoil it but the ending scene was brilliant and very suspenseful. Personally, I don't think you can call yourself a horror fan if you haven't seen this movie.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
All this user's reviews
9
MahmusSep 25, 2020
The chase scenes are some of the most terrifying I've ever seen.
Something about the way they are shot. With Leatherface always behind the victim.
He's always getting closer. It really makes you feel like if they stop running, if they get tooThe chase scenes are some of the most terrifying I've ever seen.
Something about the way they are shot. With Leatherface always behind the victim.
He's always getting closer.
It really makes you feel like if they stop running, if they get too tired, they're dead.

This entire movie is shot really well.
Ugly and beautiful looking at the same time
It's incredibly disturbing and it feels very real.

Some scenes go on for a bit too long, but this is one of the most intense horror movies out there.

It's exhausting, in a good way… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
All this user's reviews
10
johnd6213Feb 20, 2020
TCM is the most horrifying movie ever.It blows the socks off of most other horror movies.
I defy anyone to name me a more horrifying movie.
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
All this user's reviews
9
daviddelnorte23Jan 18, 2018
En mi opinión, es una de las 10 mejores películas de terror de siempre. Me parece increíble lo que hacen en 1h y 15 minutos de película con "dos duros" de presupuesto, consiguen crear una obra maestra. Como está dirigida, sin filtros... EsoEn mi opinión, es una de las 10 mejores películas de terror de siempre. Me parece increíble lo que hacen en 1h y 15 minutos de película con "dos duros" de presupuesto, consiguen crear una obra maestra. Como está dirigida, sin filtros... Eso sí los actores pésimos. En definitiva, un tío corriendo durante media hora con una motosierra matando gente, ¿Hace falta más? (Risas)… Expand
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
All this user's reviews
10
RobinE.Mar 16, 2008
One of the greatest movies of all time!
0 of 1 users found this helpful
7
ThatCooperGuyJun 25, 2015
I think the acting is the strongest part of this movie. It helped get me involved with the characters and did manage to scare me. Still a good horror flick.
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
All this user's reviews
10
PanchogulAug 1, 2019
Sigue siendo repugnante, inquietante y perturbadora aún después de 46 años
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
All this user's reviews
10
RDSep 10, 2006
Scariest movie of 70s along with
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
R.CampbellMar 1, 2006
What the hell can I or need I really say here folks? This is certainly one of the most beloved horror films of all time. It might also be one of the most notorious horror films of all time, especially to mainstreamers and non-horror fans. What the hell can I or need I really say here folks? This is certainly one of the most beloved horror films of all time. It might also be one of the most notorious horror films of all time, especially to mainstreamers and non-horror fans. The mention of its name is sure to get you some kind of reaction from a person one way or the other. The best film Tobe Hopper will ever make has stood the test of time for nearly 30 years. It would be great to have an awesome 30th anniversary theatrical release in 2004 wouldn… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
IanReyP.Oct 18, 2008
I have only watched this version of the Texas Chainsaw, and it had a good story. The sounds really spooked me, and I had to lower the volume. I was scared in some scenes but I wished those scenes were expanded more, I did not felt so much is I have only watched this version of the Texas Chainsaw, and it had a good story. The sounds really spooked me, and I had to lower the volume. I was scared in some scenes but I wished those scenes were expanded more, I did not felt so much is some of them. Since this film was made in the 70s I had to give a bigger credit and give it a 9.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
7
JayH.Dec 30, 2008
The Granddaddy of all slasher films. It does an amazing job with such a low budget. Great camerawork, fine direction and it is definitely scary. The screaming girl gets to be a bit much though.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
RithchieD.Sep 26, 2005
The movie speaks for it self.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
adriMay 13, 2006
Excelent! impresionant film, the best horror movie of the world.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
MichaelE.Feb 23, 2007
Way, WAY more intense and disturbing than it's numerous remakes and, in fact, almost any horror film made in the last decade.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
8
DavidS.Oct 27, 2008
This movie is an atmospheric powerhouse. I don't think I've ever seen a film that quite portrays so unique a feel. Although some scenes seem overplayed today, and splatter-fans wont be too disturbed by it, 'Massacre' This movie is an atmospheric powerhouse. I don't think I've ever seen a film that quite portrays so unique a feel. Although some scenes seem overplayed today, and splatter-fans wont be too disturbed by it, 'Massacre' still packs a punch with its nightmareish dusty red visuals and slow but determined development. The deaths themselves are rather unique, since they are done in a brutal but almost offhanded manner, in contrast to the "look, see? He's dead! Isn't it horrible??" style of many modern horror movies. The final piece of the puzzle is the experimental but fitting musical score, which compliments the visuals very well. A movie that holds its own, even today.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
j30Nov 9, 2011
An essential horror classic. A very disturbing slasher film that can't be ignored or forgotten.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
10
jasonvoorhees20Sep 13, 2011
Best horror movie ever. Period. Even hooper himself cant come close to this extremely bright flash in the pan. gunnar hansen's performance is pitch perfect. its extremely easy to screw up leatherface as the sequels showed. also an extremelyBest horror movie ever. Period. Even hooper himself cant come close to this extremely bright flash in the pan. gunnar hansen's performance is pitch perfect. its extremely easy to screw up leatherface as the sequels showed. also an extremely disturbing ending. halloween cant touch it with a javelin. friday the 13th...lets not go there shall we?… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
8
FilmVirtueFeb 15, 2014
Hooper directs a powerful story about a serial killer and a group of people that eventually are terrorized by it. I was scared, I was shocked and even more impressed. This movie is a true piece of cinema that one can not just ignore, but feelHooper directs a powerful story about a serial killer and a group of people that eventually are terrorized by it. I was scared, I was shocked and even more impressed. This movie is a true piece of cinema that one can not just ignore, but feel the impulse to watch, and enjoy the elements of a horror film unfold before the eyes.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
10
lukechristianscMay 5, 2014
I was watching Hooper's Classic movie Texas chain saw . I was just grossed when i saw the film, not only is it sick , gross , distrubing Its Awesome !!!!!!!!!!!!! . " Hopper's Chain saw massacre is the new horror movie but amazing ". Grade A+
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
10
kyle20ellisMar 9, 2022
There has been a time that I wasn't really that fond of horror films, finding some had cheap excessive gore, bad acting and scripting and a lack of genuine thrills and suspense. I couldn't have been more wrong, some of the best of the genresThere has been a time that I wasn't really that fond of horror films, finding some had cheap excessive gore, bad acting and scripting and a lack of genuine thrills and suspense. I couldn't have been more wrong, some of the best of the genres are anything but these. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre is one of the best, it screams horror classic from the character Leatherface to the many times it's been imitated/parodied but never equalled. I think the use of the documentary-style realism is masterful, and the fact it is low-budget makes no difference to me, in fact to me this adds to the gritty, harsh and creepy tone this film conveys. The gore is not at all excessive, in fact its count is quite low, and when it is used, it never feels cheap or gimmicky. The script is razor sharp, the story is compelling and Tobe Hooper's direction is probably Texas Chainsaw Massacre's strongest asset. I was fine with the acting as well, Leatherface is genuinely unnerving. In conclusion, a classic. 10/10 Bethany Cox… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
10
GamecubeLoverSep 3, 2016
Super scary, super thrilling, super entertaining this movie has it all but not being my favorite but totally in my top ten. Whoever didn't see this movie hasn't lived yet.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
9
henryesparzaSep 5, 2016
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I have a love/hate relationship with this movie.
Love: The scares you get. The horrific villain. The 24 hours you get where you literally can't sleep. The horrific, torturous last 40 minutes.
Hate: (spoliers) The one guy that that girl runs into just happens to be the father/uncle of that one mother******. I mean I know they're close to the house and everything, but realistically what are the chances of that.
All in all, I rate the movie a 9 because the whole last 40 minutes of the film are absolute torture. That's were most horror movies fail these days. You get too many breaks in between the action. This does the complete opposite of that. The first 40ish minutes of the film you get sporadic scares. Couple of shots of Leatherface killing people no biggie.
In the last 40 minutes $hit starts getting fu**ed up.
It is basically torture what you have to endure in that last part of the film. Leatherface and his disturbed family just abuse the **** out of Sally the little cute blonde girl. Even at the last second when she's barely getting away and it looks like she's gone, she can't get into the damn pickup truck and you're still gasping for air trying to not get your heart to reach 200bpm.
(no spoilers now)
I like to compare this movie to one of those drop of death rides in theme parks. The buildup is gold, and then the culmination of the ride is so heartrushing you can't even breathe.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
8
alejandro970Jul 16, 2022
Based slightly on a true case, and add a fresh idea and a low budget, from there a film is born that would become a trend in the horror genre. Despite being almost 50 years old, this film does not show the weight and passing of the years.Based slightly on a true case, and add a fresh idea and a low budget, from there a film is born that would become a trend in the horror genre. Despite being almost 50 years old, this film does not show the weight and passing of the years. What is a shame is that the idea fell into sequels, prequels, rehashes and generic versions as infamous as Nazism.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
7
eva3si0nAug 19, 2023
Texas Chainsaw Massacre is the first popular youth slasher. In general, it is surprising that such a genre was born and popularized only in the 70s. The Texas Chain Saw Massacre can be forgiven many flaws, this is the first film in theTexas Chainsaw Massacre is the first popular youth slasher. In general, it is surprising that such a genre was born and popularized only in the 70s. The Texas Chain Saw Massacre can be forgiven many flaws, this is the first film in the franchise, the first film and can be said in the genre (other films were sure, but they did not get such fame). The film has a very stretched beginning, the whole action begins to take place closer to the middle. Surprisingly, the suspense is not bad for the slasher in The Texas Chain Saw Massacre. The final part generally looks very good. The Texas Chain Saw Massacre looks more interesting than the first film in the Friday the 13th franchise.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
8
HuaOct 10, 2020
**** insanity, especially the whole ending scene... just pure hellish horror; it felt like staring into an endless abyss of darkness and despair.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
8
BeastJ18Apr 23, 2018
So much later horror takes a lot from this movie. The mise-en-scene is a terrific example of how to make the audience terrified and tense. While the acting is terrible, given the low budget, this is a phenomenally directed slasher.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
8
hardcorekiddMay 11, 2018
When Sally (Marilyn Burns) hears that her grandfather's grave may have been vandalized, she and her paraplegic brother, Franklin (Paul A. Partain), set out with their friends to investigate. After a detour to their family's old farmhouse,When Sally (Marilyn Burns) hears that her grandfather's grave may have been vandalized, she and her paraplegic brother, Franklin (Paul A. Partain), set out with their friends to investigate. After a detour to their family's old farmhouse, they discover a group of crazed, murderous outcasts living next door. As the group is attacked one by one by the chainsaw-wielding Leather-face (Gunnar Hansen), who wears a mask of human skin, the survivors must do everything they can to escape. Thanks to a smart script and documentary-style camerawork, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre achieves start-to-finish suspense, making it a classic in low-budget exploitation cinema. I give The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974) an A-.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
10
LilLookJul 21, 2019
Historia, roteiro, visual, pra um filme da época e que foi titulado como um dos 1* slashers, um filme muito bom, vale muito apena assistir e assistir denovo, classico
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
9
JustinhorrorSep 15, 2019
This movie was one of the first good slasher movies and an immediate classic.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
7
Tyrant719May 27, 2021
This is a decent horror movie. It’s definitely influential in the horror genre, but I don’t think the influence is as drastic as certain fans may portray it to be. The concept of violent depravity wasn’t new (Last House on the Left); theThis is a decent horror movie. It’s definitely influential in the horror genre, but I don’t think the influence is as drastic as certain fans may portray it to be. The concept of violent depravity wasn’t new (Last House on the Left); the concept of backwood delinquents wasn’t new (Deliverance); the concept of cannibalism wasn’t new (Cannibal Holocaust). What this film did was take those taboo subjects and put them in a movie that was offensive enough to garner attention, but, at the same time, easier to play to a wider audience than the previously mentioned films. It more or less just IMPLIES, or simulates, the worst things that happen in the story so that they still happened but the film could avoid being censored. The “controversy” surrounding the film also helped push it to the mainstream, but that seems to be more of a result of this film capitalizing on the organic controversy that the previously mentioned predecessors actually garnered. The story was written in a way that when people recounted the movie to friends, it made the movie seem worse than it really plays out. In all honesty, with all respect for its influence on the genre as a whole (which is overblown), you have to really be able to drown out the constant screaming of the lead actress to enjoy the last third of the movie. Plus, the “smart writing” that I saw described by much more informed critics must have been from another movie since these characters seem to be on Valium; aside from the main girl, who seems to suffer from schizophrenia. Don’t expect this film to be what critics play up to be. If you’re looking for a real classic 70’s horror movie, The Exorcist and Halloween are far and above this one, hands down.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
10
GreyhoundesFeb 1, 2021
Masterpiece Masterpiece Masterpiece Masterpiece Masterpiece Masterpiece Masterpiece
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
10
acebadgerNov 4, 2020
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This horror classic is a grisly descent into a nightmare of a situation. The whole thing is unsettling from the get go as the teens pick up the greasy hitch hiker and have to deal with his unhinged lunacy. I also like the foreshadowing of the first kill as Franklin talks about the slaughterhouse methods. It's all the more jarring when the first guy it hit with a hammer and begins seizing on the floor before being put down and concealed by the iconic steel door slam. From there the group is whittled down in exceedingly scarier ways. It is a tour of grisly depravity and shocks at every turn. If you've not seen this movie yet, you're missing out.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
9
royalguy07Oct 25, 2022
This was very unsettling and disturbing, the last 30 minutes is a wild ride, legit shock when the grandpa stuff starts kicking off.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
8
bean141Dec 2, 2022
Acting of the villains was cool, good pacing, super creepy asthtetic, main charecters could have been more interesting, but overall a great film
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
7
Wickedjr89Nov 26, 2022
Solid, enjoyable horror movie. I don't have a whole lot to say about it but it's fun.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
10
izfaSep 10, 2023
masterpiece. Classism horror about 2 families with the same slaughterhouse background, one family left for the city and one family stayed and became isolated.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
More From This Movie

92 Critic Reviews

7.8 User Reviews

Details & Credits|Trailers

Current Movie Releases
By MetascoreBy User Score
1 77 Project Hail Mary
2 75 Send Help
3 73 Hoppers
4 72 The Sheep Detectives
5 68 Crime 101
SEE ALL
Essential Links
New on Amazon Prime Video
New on Netflix
Coming Soon to DVD/Blu-ray
SEE ALL