13 Best Movies Like Saw | Similar-List

The Saw franchise has etched itself into horror history with its gripping tales of terror and complex ethical dilemmas, captivating audiences. As the eagerly anticipated Saw XI approaches, promising to deepen the series' legacy, the allure of its dark narratives and intense violence continues to define the genre. This article aims to satisfy your appetite for chilling horror by recommending a curated selection of movies like Saw (2004) that resonate with the unsettling appeal of Saw.

13 Best Movies Like Saw

Green Room (2015)

"Green Room," directed by Jeremy Saulnier, thrusts a punk rock band into a life-or-death struggle against a group of neo-Nazi skinheads after witnessing a murder backstage at a remote club.

"Green Room" shares similarities with movies like Saw in its intense survival themes and the brutal, visceral nature of its violence. The film doesn't rely on supernatural elements but instead amplifies the horror through its grounded, realistic portrayal of human brutality and survival instincts.

The claustrophobic setting of the green room and the relentless pursuit by the neo-Nazis create an atmosphere of palpable tension, reminiscent of the trapped scenarios seen in Saw (2004). The film excels in portraying escalating stakes and the band's desperate attempts to survive against ruthless adversaries, echoing the survival horror elements that fans of Saw would appreciate.

Critical Reception:

• Metascore: 79/100
• IMDb Rating: 7.0/10
• Tomatometer: 90%

Oldboy (2003)

"Oldboy," directed by Park Chan-wook, is a South Korean neo-noir action thriller about Oh Dae-su, a man mysteriously imprisoned in a cell for 15 years without knowing the reasons behind his captivity. Upon his sudden release, he embarks on a relentless quest for vengeance and seeks to uncover the truth behind his imprisonment.

"Oldboy" shares similarities with movies like Saw (2004) in exploring psychological torment, moral ambiguity, and the quest for justice through extreme measures. Both films delve deep into the dark complexities of human nature and push their characters to their limits in quests for retribution.

The film is renowned for its intricate plot, intense action sequences, and unexpected twists that keep viewers on the edge of their seats. It combines mystery, thriller, and drama elements in a gripping narrative that challenges conventional notions of justice and revenge.

Critical Reception:

• Metascore: 74/100
• IMDb Rating: 8.4/10
• Tomatometer: 83%

The Belko Experiment (2016)

"The Belko Experiment," directed by Greg McLean and written by James Gunn, is a horror-thriller film set in a high-rise office building in Bogotá, Colombia. The story revolves around a group of American employees trapped in their office and forced by an unknown voice to participate in a deadly social experiment. They must either kill a certain number of their colleagues or face dire consequences themselves.

"The Belko Experiment" shares similarities with movies like Saw (2004) in its exploration of moral dilemmas, survival horror, and the psychological toll of extreme situations. Both films delve into the darkest aspects of human nature when faced with life-or-death decisions and the manipulation of individuals in controlled environments.

The film explores themes of survival instinct, group dynamics under pressure, and the lengths people will go to to survive. It features intense scenes of violence and suspense that challenge the characters and audience alike.

Critical Reception:

• Metascore: 44/100
• IMDb Rating: 6.1/10
• Tomatometer: 92%

The Cabin in the Woods (2012)

"The Cabin in the Woods," directed by Drew Goddard and co-written by Joss Whedon, is a horror-comedy film that deconstructs and subverts the tropes of classic horror movies. The story follows a group of college friends who retreat to a remote cabin for a weekend getaway. However, their vacation turns sinister as they encounter terrifying supernatural forces threatening their lives.

"The Cabin in the Woods" shares similarities with movies like Saw (2004) in exploring horror genre conventions and its ability to surprise and unsettle audiences with unexpected twists and turns. Both films challenge traditional horror tropes and deliver unique narratives that keep viewers on the edge.

The film blends horror, comedy, and metafiction elements, offering a self-aware commentary on horror movie clichés while delivering genuine scares and suspenseful moments. It features inventive and elaborate plot twists that play with audience expectations.

Critical Reception:

• Metascore: 72/100
• IMDb Rating: 7.0/10
• Tomatometer: 92%

The Platform (2019)

"The Platform," directed by Galder Gaztelu-Urrutia, is a Spanish science fiction-horror film that explores societal hierarchy and human nature through a vertical prison-like structure. The film revolves around a mysterious platform that carries food through numerous prison levels. Each day, inmates on higher levels gorge themselves, leaving those below with scraps or nothing at all.

"The Platform" shares thematic complexity with movies like Saw (2004) by delving into moral dilemmas and human behavior under extreme circumstances. Both films use intense scenarios to provoke thought about social structures, power dynamics, and the lengths people will go to survive.

The film uses its setting to create a tense and claustrophobic atmosphere, highlighting the brutal realities of inequality and scarcity. It presents a thought-provoking allegory about greed, compassion, and the consequences of individual actions within a confined and oppressive environment.

Critical Reception:

• Metascore: 73/100
• IMDb Rating: 7.0/10
• Tomatometer: 80%

House of 1000 Corpses (2003)

"House of 1000 Corpses," directed by Rob Zombie, is a horror film that delves into extreme violence and psychological terror. The story follows a group of young adults who encounter the sadistic Firefly family during a road trip exploring bizarre roadside attractions.

"House of 1000 Corpses" shares similarities with movies like Saw (2004) by creating an unsettling atmosphere through graphic violence and psychological horror. Both films push boundaries with their disturbing content and explore the darker aspects of human nature.

The film is known for its stylized visuals and eerie soundtrack, which enhance its nightmarish tone. It blends elements of exploitation cinema with modern horror sensibilities, appealing to fans of unconventional and intense storytelling.

Critical Reception:

• Metascore: 31/100
• IMDb Rating: 6.0/10
• Tomatometer: 21%

Final Destination (2000)

"Final Destination," directed by James Wong, is a supernatural horror film exploring fate and death. The story revolves around a group of high school students who narrowly escape a plane crash after one of them has a premonition, only to find themselves hunted down by death in elaborate and unforeseen ways.

"Final Destination" shares similarities with movies like Saw (2004) in its exploration of high-stakes survival horror where characters face gruesome and elaborate death scenarios orchestrated by an unseen force. Both franchises tap into the fear of mortality and the inevitability of death in unexpected and terrifying ways.

The film is known for its inventive death sequences, each meticulously planned to be shocking and unpredictable. It plays on the audience's fear of the unknown and the inability to escape their fate, creating tension and suspense.

Critical Reception:

• Metascore: 36/100
• IMDb Rating: 6.7/10
• Tomatometer: 36%

Se7en (1995)

"Se7en," directed by David Fincher, is a psychological thriller that delves into the dark and disturbing world of two detectives hunting down a serial killer who uses the seven deadly sins as his modus operandi. Set in a bleak and rain-soaked urban landscape, the film explores themes of morality, justice, and the depths of human depravity.

"Se7en" shares similarities with movies like Saw (2004) in exploring psychological tension and thematic depth. Both films delve into the darker aspects of human nature, presenting complex moral dilemmas and exploring the consequences of unchecked evil.

The film is renowned for its atmospheric cinematography, intricate plot twists, and chilling performance by its cast, particularly Brad Pitt and Morgan Freeman. It combines a detective procedural with a deep dive into crime and punishment's psychological and philosophical underpinnings.

Critical Reception:

• Metascore: 65/100
• IMDb Rating: 8.6/10
• Tomatometer: 83%

Hostel (2005)

"Hostel," directed by Eli Roth, is a horror film that follows two American backpackers as they embark on a journey through Europe that takes a terrifying turn. They become victims of a dark underground organization where wealthy clients pay to torture and kill kidnapped tourists.

"Hostel" shares similarities with movies like Saw (2004) in its graphic depiction of torture and survival horror. Both films explore the extremes of human cruelty and the psychological impact of violence on their characters.

The film gained notoriety for its intense and graphic scenes of torture, which sparked debates about the portrayal of violence in cinema. Eli Roth's direction emphasizes the visceral horror and the vulnerability of the protagonists, heightening the sense of dread and helplessness.

Critical Reception:

• Metascore: 55/100
• IMDb Rating: 5.9/10
• Tomatometer: 59%

Would You Rather (2012)

"Would You Rather," directed by David Guy Levy, is a psychological horror film about a young woman named Iris who is desperate to help her sick brother. She accepts an invitation to a dinner party hosted by a wealthy aristocrat named Shepard Lambrick, unaware of the sadistic games that await her.

"Would You Rather" shares similarities with movies like Saw (2004) in exploring high-stakes dilemmas and psychological torment. Both films involve characters forced into horrifying situations where their survival instincts and morality are tested to extreme limits.

The film builds tension through its psychological games and moral quandaries, as each character faces impossible choices with dire consequences. The dinner party setting adds to the claustrophobic atmosphere, intensifying the psychological horror experienced by the characters and the audience alike.

Critical Reception:

• Metascore: 20/100
• IMDb Rating: 5.7/10
• Tomatometer: 61%

Terrifier 2 (2022)

"Terrifier 2," directed by Damien Leone, is a horror film that continues the story of Art the Clown, a sadistic and murderous clown who resumes his killing spree. Set on Halloween night, Art terrorizes a small town with his gruesome and inventive methods of murder.

"Terrifier 2" echoes the shock value and graphic violence characteristic of movies like Saw (2004). It delivers intense horror through Art the Clown's terrifying presence and relentless pursuit of victims.

The film builds on the cult following of the original "Terrifier," known for its disturbing imagery and chilling atmosphere. It explores Art the Clown's psychopathic nature, showcasing his disturbing penchant for creative and brutal kills that leave audiences both horrified and fascinated.

Critical Reception:

• Metascore: 59/100
• IMDb Rating: 6.1/10
• Tomatometer: 86%

Speak No Evil (2022)

"Speak No Evil," directed by Christian Tafdrup, is a psychological horror film that traps a family in a nightmarish scenario. The story unfolds as a seemingly idyllic family gathering turns into a harrowing ordeal of psychological torment and a bloody climax.

"Speak No Evil" mirrors the psychological torment and escalating tension in movies like Saw (2004). It explores the depths of human fear and the characters' unraveling under extreme psychological pressure.

The film delves into themes of isolation, paranoia, and familial bonds strained to their breaking point. It keeps audiences on edge with its suspenseful atmosphere and unexpected twists, reminiscent of the psychological games seen in "Saw."

Critical Reception:

• Metascore: 78/100
• IMDb Rating: 6.6/10
• Tomatometer: 84%

Thanksgiving (2023)

"Thanksgiving," directed by Eli Roth, thrusts viewers into a blood-soaked holiday nightmare where a relentless slasher exacts brutal vengeance. Set against Thanksgiving festivities, the film explores the darkest corners of human aggression and revenge.

Similar to movies like Saw (2004), "Thanksgiving" delves deep into themes of revenge and moral judgment amidst scenes of shocking and visceral violence. It captures the intensity and unpredictability that fans of the horror genre crave.

Eli Roth's direction infuses the film with a raw, unrelenting brutality that pushes the boundaries of horror cinema. The narrative unfolds with relentless tension, punctuated by graphic imagery and a chilling atmosphere that keeps audiences on edge.

Critical Reception:

• Metascore: 63/100
• IMDb Rating: 6.3/10
• Tomatometer: 84%

In conclusion, these films offer a chilling array of horrors that will satisfy fans eagerly awaiting Saw XI. Whether drawn to moral dilemmas, graphic violence, or psychological torment, each movie listed captures what makes Saw a benchmark in horror cinema. Dive into these films and experience the thrill while anticipating the next chapter in the Saw saga.