How Many Saw Movies Have Been Made
The Saw franchise includes ten mainline theatrical films released between 2004 and 2023, plus several direct-to-video entries and a 2025 continuation announced by Lionsgate. The original Saw, directed by Leigh Whannell and James Wan, launched the series in October 2004 and established the puzzle-box horror format that defines the brand. The series is produced by Twisted Pictures and distributed by Lionsgate Films, with the latest mainline chapter, Saw X, released in September 2023. For the full list of titles and release dates, see the franchise overview on the official Lionsgate website Lionsgate Saw franchise page.
Counting only theatrically released mainline films, the answer is ten, but including direct-to-video spin-offs such as the Jigsaw and Spiral entries expands the total. The first film grossed over $100 million worldwide on a $1.2 million budget, making it one of the most profitable horror films ever produced. The franchise has earned more than $1 billion in global box office across all entries, according to industry tracking data Box Office Mojo Saw franchise data. This financial performance has kept the series active for two decades despite mixed critical reception.
Complete List of Saw Films in Release Order
The original Saw premiered in 2004, followed by Saw II in 2005, Saw III in 2006, and Saw IV in 2007. Saw V arrived in 2008, Saw VI in 2009, and Saw 3D in 2010. After a hiatus, Jigsaw was released in 2017, Spiral: From the Book of Saw in 2021, and Saw X in 2023. Each film follows a new set of traps and targets, with Tobin Bell returning as the Jigsaw killer across all entries. The series is known for its practical effects and complex narrative timelines, which are detailed in the official plot guides published by Lionsgate Lionsgate Saw franchise page.
The direct-to-video market also includes several short films and anthologies tied to the franchise, but these are not considered mainline theatrical releases. The core theatrical run spans from 2004 to 2023, with Saw X serving as the most recent entry. The series is frequently cited in box office analyses as a case study in low-budget horror scalability Forbes Saw X box office analysis. The consistent return on investment has made Saw one of the most commercially successful horror franchises in cinema history.
Box Office Performance and Franchise Impact
The first Saw film earned roughly $103 million worldwide against a production budget of $1.2 million, according to public box office records. Subsequent sequels maintained strong international grosses, with the franchise total surpassing $1 billion in cumulative worldwide receipts. The most recent mainline entry, Saw X, opened in September 2023 and grossed over $100 million globally, proving the brand remains commercially viable. Detailed financial figures are available through industry tracking platforms Box Office Mojo Saw franchise data.
The franchise has expanded beyond films into video games, comic books, and themed attractions, reinforcing its cultural footprint. Lionsgate continues to develop new