Seven of the films in the popular Saw horror franchise will be available for streaming this coming February from HBO Max. As one of the most financially successful horror franchises of all time, Saw has had a huge impact on the horror genre and is partly responsible for creating the sub-genre that is often derisively known as “torture porn” or “splatter films.”
Kicking off in 2004, the first Saw film was the brainchild of filmmaker James Wan and Leigh Whannell, who had used a short calling card film to build up interest in the possibility of a feature. After being green lit, Saw made a significant impact on audiences, despite largely failing to impress critics. Eventually Saw developed into a franchise that brought the release of eight films in 13 years, with a ninth entry, Spiral set to be released later this year. Though Wan co-created and directed the first film in the series, he hasn’t returned since, and the killer he helped create in Jigsaw has long since been replaced by apprentice Mark Hoffman.
While fans eagerly await the next installment in the franchise – which was written, produced by and stars comedian Chris Rock, interest in the entire series is likely to be rejuvenated. Unfortunately, finding the majority of the films on any streaming platforms has been a challenge for fans. But now thanks to a report from Bloody Disgusting, Saw fans can rest easy – the first seven films in the series will soon be available to stream via HBO Max. They'll start streaming on February 1.
As any Saw fan knows, HBO’s upcoming horror offering means that the eighth film – 2017’s Jigsaw, isn’t included in the line-up. This makes for somewhat of a frustrating viewing experience, but all things considered, being able to watch the first seven films consecutively is still a pretty good deal. It’s clear that as Lionsgate is one of HBO Max’s content providers, the streaming service is taking this opportunity to make the Saw franchise accessible so that interest is fresh once again when Spiral arrives. For a series that once delivered a new sequel every October for six years straight, the wait between the events of Saw3D, Jigsaw and Spiral have been the longest of the entire franchise. That being said, such a lengthy wait could arguably help the series rather than hinder it, seeing as franchise fatigue can be very real.
It’s strange that Jigsaw wouldn’t be included with the other Saw films currently on their way to HBO Max, seeing as it too is a Lionsgate film. But this is often the case with certain films when it comes to streaming services. The important thing to remember is that one of the most successful horror franchises of all time is making its way to HBO Max, more or less in its entirety. If that’s not enough to get Saw fans excited, there’s always the fact that Spiral will be arriving in a matter of months, with all new gore and chaos to delve into.
Source: Bloody Disgusting