The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974)
Tobe Hooper's landmark 1974 horror film that redefined fear — raw, relentless, and utterly unforgettable.
The Texas Chain Saw Massacre - Movie Information
- Original Title: The Texas Chain Saw Massacre
- Release Year: 1974
- Directed by: Tobe Hooper
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Horror
- Age Rating (US): R
- Runtime: 1h 23m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): October 11, 1974 (United States - R), November 21, 1976 (United Kingdom - 18), August 25, 1978 (Germany - 18), May 5, 1982 (France - 16), February 9, 1984 (Australia - R 18+), August 28, 1987 (Brazil - 18), April 21, 1977 (Mexico - C), June 14, 1975 (Italy), September 23, 1976 (Spain - 18)
- Alternative Titles: El Loco de la Motosierra: La Masacre de Texas (AR), Saturn in Retrograde (US), The Texas Chainsaw Massacre - Blutgericht in Texas (DE), O Massacre da Serra Elétrica (BR)
- Production Companies: Vortex, Henkel Productions, Hooper Productions, Bryanston Pictures
- Production Countries: United States of America
The Texas Chain Saw Massacre - Plot
Five friends head out to rural Texas to visit the grave of a grandfather. On the way, they stumble across what appears to be a deserted house, only to discover something sinister within. Something armed with a chainsaw.
The Texas Chain Saw Massacre - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see what awaits in rural Texas:
Who will survive and what will be left of them?
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The Texas Chain Saw Massacre - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Tobe Hooper
Main Cast
- Marilyn Burns
- Allen Danziger
- Paul A. Partain
- William Vail
- Teri McMinn
- Edwin Neal
- Jim Siedow
- Gunnar Hansen
- John Dugan
- Robert Courtin
Writers
- Kim Henkel
- Tobe Hooper
Producers
- Tobe Hooper
The Texas Chain Saw Massacre - FAQs
Is The Texas Chain Saw Massacre based on a true story?
It's loosely inspired by real-life killer Ed Gein, a Wisconsin murderer known for making trophies from human remains. However, the film's specific plot — five friends terrorized by a chainsaw-wielding family in Texas — is entirely fictional. Tobe Hooper and co-writer Kim Henkel drew on Gein's disturbing legacy for atmosphere and character inspiration.
Who plays Leatherface in The Texas Chain Saw Massacre?
Gunnar Hansen brings Leatherface to life in the 1974 original. Standing over six feet tall, Hansen made the character terrifying through physicality and unpredictability rather than dialogue. His portrayal of the chainsaw-wielding killer became one of horror cinema's most iconic performances, launching one of the genre's most enduring villains.
Where can you stream The Texas Chain Saw Massacre?
You can stream The Texas Chain Saw Massacre on Amazon Prime Video, Peacock Premium, Shudder, AMC+, and Philo, among others. It's also available to rent or buy on Apple TV, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home. The Roku Channel offers ad-supported viewing as well.
What is The Texas Chain Saw Massacre about?
Five young friends road-trip through rural Texas to check on a family grave, only to stumble upon a crumbling farmhouse hiding something monstrous. What follows is a relentless, sweat-soaked nightmare as they're hunted by a deranged family — including the chainsaw-wielding Leatherface — in one of horror's most visceral survival stories.
How did The Texas Chain Saw Massacre perform at the box office?
Made on a shoestring budget of just $140,000, The Texas Chain Saw Massacre went on to gross over $30 million worldwide — an extraordinary return on investment. It became one of the most profitable independent films of its era and proved that low-budget horror could dominate mainstream audiences.
Is The Texas Chain Saw Massacre worth watching today?
Absolutely. Certified Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes with near-universal critical acclaim, the film holds up as a masterclass in sustained dread. Its raw, documentary-style filmmaking and suffocating atmosphere feel as unsettling today as in 1974. It's essential viewing for horror fans and anyone interested in the genre's history.
What is the age rating for The Texas Chain Saw Massacre?
The Texas Chain Saw Massacre is rated R in the United States. It contains intense scenes of violence, terror, and disturbing content throughout. International ratings vary — it received an 18 certificate in the UK and Germany, a 16 rating in France, and an R 18+ classification in Australia.
What movies are similar to The Texas Chain Saw Massacre?
If you loved the relentless tension here, check out Halloween (1978), The Devil's Rejects (2005), The Descent (2005), and The Hitcher (1986). The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2003) is the direct remake, while Evil Dead II (1987) and From Dusk Till Dawn (1996) offer similarly wild, genre-defining horror thrills.
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