The Ultimate Jigsaw Movies In Order: A Chronological Guide To The Saw Franchise (2025 Update)
Deciphering the Jigsaw movies in order is one of the most infamously difficult tasks in modern horror cinema. The *Saw* franchise, which centers on the moralizing serial killer John Kramer, known as Jigsaw, is a masterclass in non-linear storytelling, constantly jumping between flashbacks, flash-forwards, and concurrent events. As of this December 23, 2025 update, with the recent release of *Saw X* and news of the next installment, the timeline is more convoluted—and more fascinating—than ever before.
To truly appreciate the genius (and the gore) of Jigsaw’s "tests," you need to know how the pieces fit together. Whether you prefer the straightforward experience of watching them as they hit theaters or want to tackle the mind-bending chronological timeline to follow John Kramer's evolution, this guide breaks down all ten films in the *Saw* universe, ensuring you don't miss a single twist, trap, or apprentice.
The Ultimate Jigsaw Movie Release Order (2004-Present)
For the casual viewer or first-timer, watching the *Saw* films in release order is the simplest way to experience the franchise. This order follows the original marketing and narrative reveals as they were intended, though it means jumping around in the actual timeline. This list includes all ten feature films, from the 2004 original to the most recent prequel, *Saw X*.
- 1. Saw (2004): The one that started it all, introducing Dr. Lawrence Gordon and Adam Stanheight in the iconic bathroom trap.
- 2. Saw II (2005): Jigsaw is captured, and the narrative focuses on a house full of victims and Detective Eric Matthews trying to save his son.
- 3. Saw III (2006): John Kramer (Jigsaw) is dying, and his apprentice, Amanda Young, takes center stage in a brutal series of tests.
- 4. Saw IV (2007): Despite Jigsaw's death, the games continue, focusing on FBI Agents Strahm and Perez and the legacy of Detective Hoffman.
- 5. Saw V (2008): Detective Hoffman takes control, and the film explores his past and his rivalry with Agent Strahm.
- 6. Saw VI (2009): A focus on the healthcare system as an insurance executive is put to the test, with Hoffman continuing the games.
- 7. Saw 3D (2010): Also known as *Saw: The Final Chapter*, this movie was meant to conclude the main storyline, bringing back Dr. Lawrence Gordon.
- 8. Jigsaw (2017): A soft reboot and prequel that introduces a new killer, Logan Nelson, and features flashbacks to one of John Kramer's earliest games.
- 9. Spiral: From the Book of Saw (2021): A standalone sequel/spin-off starring Chris Rock and Samuel L. Jackson, following a copycat killer inspired by Jigsaw.
- 10. Saw X (2023): The most recent addition, this film is a direct prequel set between *Saw* and *Saw II*, bringing back John Kramer and Amanda Young for a personal revenge story in Mexico City.
The True Jigsaw Timeline: A Chronological Viewing Guide
If your goal is to follow the life and crimes of John Kramer (Jigsaw) in the order they actually occurred, you must abandon the release order. The chronological timeline is essential for understanding the progression of his moral philosophy, the recruitment of his apprentices (Amanda Young, Detective Hoffman, Dr. Lawrence Gordon, and Logan Nelson), and the true motive behind the infamous traps. This order is a complex puzzle, but it offers the most satisfying narrative experience for hardcore fans.
The key to this timeline is that John Kramer dies in *Saw III*, meaning every film that comes after it in the timeline is either a flashback, a concurrent event, or features an apprentice carrying on his legacy. The placement of *Saw X* is the newest and most critical update to this sequence, as it fits perfectly between the first two movies.
The Complete Chronological Order of the Saw Franchise
This is the most accurate order to follow the story of John Kramer from his earliest games to the final conclusion of his apprentices' arcs.
- Jigsaw (2017) - Flashbacks Only: The present-day plot is later in the timeline, but the crucial flashbacks featuring Logan Nelson and the earliest known trap with Cecil Adams establish Jigsaw's first steps.
- Saw (2004): The original game. This is where Jigsaw’s public reign of terror begins, trapping Dr. Lawrence Gordon and Adam Stanheight.
- Saw X (2023): This is a direct sequel to *Saw* and a prequel to *Saw II*. It details John Kramer’s trip to Mexico for a fraudulent cancer cure and his subsequent revenge game with Amanda Young as his active apprentice.
- Saw II (2005): Set shortly after *Saw X*, this is the main game involving Detective Eric Matthews and the nerve gas house. It further establishes Amanda Young as Jigsaw's successor.
- Saw III (2006): John Kramer's final test and death. The events of *Saw III* and *Saw IV* run concurrently, as they begin at the same moment.
- Saw IV (2007): Runs alongside *Saw III*. This film focuses on Agent Strahm and Agent Perez investigating the Jigsaw murders and reveals Detective Hoffman as the new, hidden apprentice.
- Saw V (2008): Detective Hoffman attempts to cover his tracks and frames Agent Strahm. The film continues to explore the fallout of Jigsaw's death.
- Saw VI (2009): Hoffman's games continue, and he is exposed by Agent Erickson. The focus shifts to the moral corruption of the healthcare industry.
- Saw 3D (2010): The "final" chapter of the original arc. Hoffman is hunted by the police and the secret apprentice, Dr. Lawrence Gordon, who was revealed to have been working for Jigsaw since the first film.
- Jigsaw (2017) - Present Day Plot: The main plot of *Jigsaw* occurs years after the events of *Saw 3D*, where Logan Nelson, one of Jigsaw's earliest victims, continues the games.
- Spiral: From the Book of Saw (2021): This film takes place even later, featuring a copycat killer who is inspired by the Jigsaw legacy but is separate from John Kramer's direct apprentices.
The Future of Jigsaw: What We Know About Saw XI and Beyond
The success of *Saw X* in 2023, which brought back the fan-favorite duo of John Kramer and Amanda Young, proved that the franchise still has life, particularly when focusing on the core characters and the pre-death timeline. This focus on the "Jigsaw Killer's" legacy and the complexity of the timeline is a major factor in the franchise's enduring topical authority.
The Status of Saw XI
While *Saw XI* was initially slated for a 2024 release, it has since been delayed. However, the good news for fans is that development is actively underway. Producers have confirmed that the next installment will continue to explore the timeline, potentially fitting between existing films, much like *Saw X*. This strategy allows the series to keep bringing back the iconic Tobin Bell as John Kramer, even though the character is canonically deceased in the later films.
Furthermore, there are promising updates suggesting a return of other key entities. Co-creator James Wan is set to return in a creative capacity, and there has been speculation about the potential return of Cary Elwes as Dr. Lawrence Gordon, though nothing is confirmed. The involvement of Blumhouse Productions alongside Lionsgate signals a renewed commitment to the franchise's future, ensuring that Jigsaw's moralizing games will continue to challenge and horrify audiences for years to come. The goal remains to deliver a fresh, unique story that respects the complex web of the Jigsaw timeline while introducing new, terrifying traps.
The enduring mystery of the Saw films lies in the intricate connections between the main protagonist, John Kramer, and his various successors, including Detective Hoffman and Amanda Young. Understanding the true chronological order is the only way to fully appreciate the depth of the Jigsaw mythology and the meticulous planning that went into his horrifying legacy.
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