Since its launch in 2004, the Saw franchise has been a staple in the world of horror, attracting fans with its dark premise and impactful plot twists. With a total of nine films released to date, many are wondering which Saw film is the best. To answer this question, we will analyze the opinions of critics and audiences on platforms such as Rotten Tomatoes, IMDb and Metacritic, as well as highlighting what they liked least and what they liked most about each film in the saga.
Index
1. Sega (2004)
The film that kicked off the macabre Saw saga introduced viewers to the psychopathic Jigsaw, a killer who places his victims in deadly traps, forcing them to make impossible choices to survive. With a modest budget, the film surprised everyone by becoming a huge success.
Many praised the originality of the concept and the surprising twists. The character of Jigsaw, played by Tobin Bell, was also highly praised for his complexity. Many consider it the best Saw film.
Some critics found the film overly gory and graphic, while others pointed out problems with the acting and screenplay.
2.Sega II (2005)
The second film in the series follows Detective Eric Matthews as he attempts to save Jigsaw’s victims. The intricacies of the traps and the exploration of Jigsaw’s motivations were explored further in this chapter.
Fans appreciated the clever twists and deeper character exploration. The elaborate traps were also a highlight.
Some considered the plot too complicated, with too many characters and twists to follow. Graphic violence has also been a point of contention for some.
3. Sega III (2006)
In this third chapter, the saga delves even further into Jigsaw’s origins and motivations. The plot follows Jeff, a man seeking revenge against those he believes caused the death of his son.
Many praised the exploration of Jigsaw’s motivations and the evolution of his character. Traps have continued to be an attractive element for fans of the franchise.
Critics pointed out that the plot was becoming predictable and that the traps were becoming more elaborate but less relevant to the story.
4. Visa IV (2007)
The fourth film in the series features a narrative interconnected with the events of the previous films. Detective Hoffman takes center stage, while Jigsaw still haunts the living with his deadly traps.
Some fans appreciated the complexity of the interconnected narrative and the continuation of ingenious traps.
Critics considered the film more of the same, without bringing anything new to the franchise. Extreme violence also continued to be a source of controversy.
5. Sega V (2008)
In this fifth chapter, the film delves into Hoffman’s story and relationship with Jigsaw. A deadly game is orchestrated to test Hoffman’s loyalty to his mentor’s legacy.
Some fans praised the depth of Hoffman and Jigsaw’s characters, as well as the ingenious traps.
Critics and fans agree that the franchise was starting to stagnate, with little innovation in the formula. The lack of newness in the plot was a sticking point and the analysis was heavy on this film, leaving it far from being the best Saw film.
6. Visa VI (2009)
In this sixth film, the franchise tackles social issues by exploring the healthcare system and the greed of insurance companies. Jigsaw creates deadly games involving people who work in the healthcare industry.
Some praised the film’s social approach and attempt to bring a new element to the series.
Many saw the film as a forced attempt to give political relevance to the franchise, while others believed that the overall quality continued to decline.
7. Saw: The Finale (2010)
Billed as the final chapter of the saga, this film promises to answer many of the franchise’s outstanding questions. Survivors of the Deadly Games band together to face Jigsaw’s legacy.
Some appreciated the effort to tie up loose plot points and give the series some supposed closure.
Critics and fans alike were disappointed with how loose ends were tied up, and many felt that the film did not bring a satisfying conclusion to the saga. This is considered by many to be the worst film of the saga.
8. Seen: Puzzle (2017)
Seven years after its end, the franchise resurfaced with Jigsaw, surprising fans by bringing the iconic psychopath back to life. The film explores a new series of deadly games and reveals secrets from the past.
Some appreciated the return of Jigsaw and the attempt to rejuvenate the franchise with a new narrative.
The lack of innovation in the plot and the feeling that the series was stretching the story too long were common criticisms.
9. SPIRAL – The legacy of the saw (2021)
In 2021, the franchise launched SPIRAL – The Legacy of Saw, a spin-off of the franchise, which features a new detective, Zeke Banks, searching for a cruel serial killer who is apparently copying the same way Jigsaw does.
Some praised the attempt to take the franchise in a new direction by exploring the psychological effects of deadly games on surviving victims. Despite being a spin-off, there are those who consider it the best Saw film.
The lukewarm reception from both critics and fans indicated that the deadly game formula was worn out and that the film did not bring the expected revitalization.
What is the best film in the franchise?
Analyzing the ratings of critics and audiences, it is clear that opinions on the films in the Saw series vary widely. Although the first films received more favorable reviews, as the series progressed reception became increasingly divided.
In terms of average ratings, the first two films in the series received the best scores from both critics and audiences. However, it’s important to note that the initial films in the series tend to be better reviewed.
Ultimately, the best Saw movie is subjective and depends on individual taste. Some fans may prefer the suspense and novelty of the first films, while others may appreciate the attempted innovation and character development in the later films.
Regardless of which film in the series you consider the best, Saw remains a series that pushes the boundaries of the horror genre and keeps viewers intrigued with its deadly traps and surprising twists.
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Source: Olhar Digital
Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
