10 Movies That Have Similar Storylines Like The Horror Movie ‘Saw X’
For those who relish the suspenseful mystery of Jigsaw and the nerve-wracking traps of the Saw franchise, a treasure trove of horror films awaits. The Saw series, renowned for its intricate, deadly puzzles that thrust victims into harrowing moral dilemmas, stands as a genre-defining pillar in the world of horror cinema. While most horror movies offer gruesome kills, Saw takes it to another level, conjuring imagery straight from one’s darkest nightmares.
The immense popularity of the Saw movies, characterized by their visceral thrills and relentless suspense, has inspired a wave of similar films that aim to recreate the spine-tingling dread and nail-biting tension that has become synonymous with the franchise. With the release of ‘Saw X’ slated for September 29th, 2023, fans are undoubtedly craving more of the heart-pounding excitement that Saw delivers.
1. Would You Rather (2012)
Much like Saw, the underrated horror gem ‘Would You Rather’ thrusts its characters into perilous situations where they must make life-altering choices. The titular game coerces participants into inflicting harm on one another in sadistic ways, all for the sadistic amusement of a malevolent mastermind. With Brittany Snow and horror legend Jeffrey Combs leading the cast, ‘Would You Rather’ boasts a chilling premise and psychological elements akin to Saw.
Unlike Saw, the characters in ‘Would You Rather’ volunteer for the game, unaware of its life-or-death stakes. Gripping, gritty, and replete with enigmatic twists, this film is tailor-made for fans who relished the mystery in Saw.
2. Se7en (1995)
David Fincher’s ‘Se7en’ is a timeless crime epic that captivated audiences in the ’90s with its riveting plot and eerie ambiance. Starring Brad Pitt, Morgan Freeman, and Gwyneth Paltrow, ‘Se7en’ follows two detectives tracking a series of murders rooted in the seven deadly sins.
‘Se7en’ appears to have heavily influenced the creators of Saw, as the original Saw film mirrored its themed killings and shocking plot twist, transplanting them into Jigsaw’s distorted realm. While ‘Se7en’ features gruesome deaths, its true horror emanates from jaw-dropping revelations and a brutal climax.
3. Inhuman Resources (2012)
Released in 2012, ‘Inhuman Resources’ matches the bloodshed of any Saw installment. The movie centers on six individuals shackled to desks, tasked with proving the innocence of a former regional manager accused of heinous crimes. This ex-convict, Thomas “Redd” Reddman, has undergone a transformation, emerging as a ruthless dispenser of agonizing punishments.
‘Inhuman Resources’ weaves a captivating narrative, punctuated by disturbing deaths, relentless suspense, and a touch of mystery, much like Saw itself.
4. Headgame (2018)
‘Headgame’ boasts a straightforward yet exhilarating premise: nine individuals awaken in a warehouse with camera lenses implanted in their foreheads. Only one will emerge alive after traversing a series of deadly trials. Similar to Saw, ‘Headgame’ thrills with its suspense and gore.
The revelation that the implanted cameras are part of a secret elite society’s twisted games adds depth to the story. With realistic and unsettling deaths, ‘Headgame’ is a must-watch for Saw enthusiasts.
5. Hostel (2005)
Eli Roth’s ‘Hostel’ is part of a chilling horror trilogy that isn’t for the faint-hearted. This gruesome film introduces a group of college-aged men staying at a hostel in Slovakia, where they soon discover that guests are sold to human traffickers.
‘Hostel’ presents torture in all its grisly glory, courtesy of antagonists who are seemingly ordinary individuals deriving sadistic pleasure from causing pain. It’s tailor-made for fans who revel in the disturbing deaths and intricate narratives of Saw.
6. The Collector (2009)
‘The Collector’ is a lesser-known gem that appeals to Saw aficionados who relish Jigsaw’s inventive murders. The film follows Arkin, a desperate family man with a dubious past who plans to steal from his employer. Upon breaking into his boss’s home, Arkin realizes he’s not the only intruder.
Packed with elaborate, lethal contraptions, ‘The Collector’ mirrors Saw’s themes of class, power, and control. Josh Stewart’s exceptional portrayal of Arkin lingers in the minds of viewers long after the credits roll.
7. The Final (2010)
‘Revenge’ is the name of the game in ‘The Final,’ a film centered on bullied high school teenagers determined to ruin the lives of their tormentors, no matter the cost. Donning eerie masks reminiscent of Jigsaw’s, the outcasts unleash creatively sadistic torture methods on their bullies.
Though set in high school, ‘The Final’ is an adult-oriented watch, unflinching in its depiction of violence, amputations, and disfigurements. For fans of Saw, this film is a hidden gem worth discovering.
8. The Platform (2019)
‘The Platform,’ a Spanish masterpiece, delves into human behavior and societal conflicts. The movie revolves around a vertical prison housing two inmates on each of its 250 levels. A descending platform of food presents a daily life-or-death dilemma for prisoners, leading to intense moral quandaries.
Much like Saw, ‘The Platform’ forces its characters into excruciating choices, leaving audiences pondering their own responses in such dire circumstances.
9. Final Destination (2000)
The ‘Final Destination’ franchise, created by James Wong, is celebrated for its entertaining and elaborate death sequences that grow increasingly creative with each installment. This series instills fear of everyday activities by showcasing imaginative Rube Goldberg-esque demises.
‘Final Destination’ focuses on individuals who survive a plane crash they weren’t supposed to, outraging Death itself. The vengeful deaths and high body count make it a perfect fit for Saw enthusiasts.
10. House of 1000 Corpses (2003)
‘House of 1000 Corpses’ lacks a singular mastermind, specific targets, or intricate traps akin to Saw. Still, Rob Zombie’s directorial debut boasts a brutal premise, intense violence, and ample crude language.
The Firefly family in ‘House of 1000 Corpses’ derives sadistic pleasure from torturing, assaulting, and ultimately killing their victims for sheer enjoyment. The film’s constant twists keep viewers on edge, unsure of what to trust or expect, akin to the tension found in Saw.
Final Thoughts
As ‘Saw X’ prepares to hit theaters, fans craving the adrenaline rush of the franchise need not wait. These ten films offer a thrilling alternative, each delivering its unique blend of suspense, gore, and psychological intrigue. Whether you prefer creative murders, moral quandaries, or heart-pounding suspense, this list has something for every horror aficionado.