With over $1 billion in unadjusted worldwide grosses and a massive, devoted following, “Saw” is one of the most successful horror franchises in existence. Starting off with a “Seven”-esque thriller and quickly morphing into a wildly elaborate and excessively gory soap opera, the soon-to-be-ten-film series has repulsed critics and general audiences alike but has ensnared the hearts and minds of horror fans around the world for nearly two decades.
Due to its highly prolific nature, there are bound to be a variety of films aesthetically similar and/or thematically like-minded to the “Saw” franchise, and many of them are just as twisted, unpredictable and thought-provoking, if not more so.
Note: All the films mentioned in this article contain extreme and disturbing content and themes. Please research each film for potential trigger warnings.
“Hellraiser” (1987) directed by Clive Barker
Where to Watch: AMC+, Prime, Pluto TV, Tubi.
A timeless classic that spawned its own sprawling franchise, Clive Barker’s adaptation of his 1986 novella depicts a group of sadomasochistic “explorers” (the Cenobites) from a hellish dimension crossing paths with a broken family. What ensues is a series of imaginatively grotesque set pieces that showcase some of the most unforgettable, finely crafted and revolting practical FX ever put on celluloid. Barker’s cinematic bravura ensured that the film stood out and that the Cenobites were instantly hailed as horror villain icons.
“The House That Jack Built” (2018) directed by Lars von Trier
Where to Watch: AMC+, Hulu, Tubi.
Lars von Trier is nothing short of a controversial figure, and naturally, his work is greeted with the same kind of public polarization that has been attached to his name since the ‘80s. His most recent film, an ambitious arthouse epic that plunges into the depths of a serial killer’s psyche, is no exception. The film is unabashedly full of itself, but it is also a genuinely unnerving exploration of sociopathy that is exemplified by a jaw-dropping performance from Matt Dillon and captivating imagery. It is decidedly not for everyone, but for those intrigued by a two-and-a-half-hour art drama that will test their limits in more ways than one, it might just do the trick.
“I Saw the Devil” (2010) directed by Kim Jee-woon
Where to Watch: Prime
It isn’t easy to earn comparisons to the masterful revenge tales of Park Chan-wook, but “I Saw the Devil” does it with an ugly, depraved aplomb. It features a sadistic cat-and-mouse game between a relentless killer and a widowed, vengeful intelligence officer. The film recalls the mystery-focused plot of the first “Saw” and adds thrillingly staged action to the mix. The destructive nature of revenge and violence is on full display here, and it has never been more compelling, especially with an ending as hard-hitting as this film’s.
“Martyrs” (2008) directed by Pascal Laugier
Where to Watch: Pluto TV, Tubi, Vudu.
Commonly referred to as one of the most disturbing films of all time, this slice of extremity easily lives up to that moniker. Its story about a torture victim seeking revenge against her tormentors is terrifying and violent, but what truly makes it hard to watch is its unrelenting bleakness and nihilism. There is not one shred of hope to be found in its corpse-filled, blood-stained canvas of existential pondering and suffering. It’s profoundly acted and well-produced, and unlike most of the other films on this list, there is no trashy fun to be had here. Its surprisingly philosophical approach enhances its horror rather than detracts from it, and the end result is one of the most beautifully horrific films in recent memory.
