The Timeline Of The Saw Movies Explained

The intricate narrative of the Saw series takes its first breath with Jigsaw, albeit in a bifurcated timeline. The climactic revelation in the film unveils that one-half of its narrative depicts the earliest known malevolent games orchestrated by the Jigsaw killer, John Kramer, placing it before the events of the original 2004 movie. Conversely, the other half is set in a time after the grotesque finale in Saw: The Final Chapter, plunging detectives into a bewildering scenario where the sinister games persist despite John Kramer’s death in Saw III.

In the chronological order of events, the original Saw unfolds subsequent to one half of Jigsaw. The film thrusts a photographer and an oncologist into a grotesque trap, their survival dependent on solving Jigsaw’s twisted puzzle. Central characters like John Kramer, Dr. Lawrence Gordon, and Amanda Young, introduced here, continue to drive the series’ eerie narrative forward.

The upcoming tenth chapter of the Saw saga, Saw X, takes place mere weeks after the eerie events of 2004’s Saw. Centered around John Kramer and his assistant Amanda, the plot follows their journey to Mexico as they seek a potentially miraculous medical remedy for John’s cancer. The grim twist arrives when they discover the fraudulent nature of their medical aides, prompting John to retaliate through his trademark chilling and inventive traps.

Saw II, situated chronologically a year after Saw and Saw X, dives into the chase of a fresh team of detectives and officers trying to track down the Jigsaw killer, John Kramer, only to discover his next malicious game is already in play. The chilling ordeal crafted by Jigsaw, which ensnares eight souls in a dwelling gradually filling with deadly gas, is initially depicted as a simultaneous occurrence, although it’s later uncovered to have unfolded a few days prior to John’s apprehension. The film reintroduces Amanda, previously cured by Kramer’s tasks, now operating as his sinister assistant.

Approximately six months following the harrowing events of Saw II, Saw III unfolds with a bedridden John Kramer, now weakened by cancer, relying heavily on his new assistant Amanda to enact his nefarious plans. As a daunting test unfolds within the same ominous warehouse where John is on his deathbed, the abducted Dr. Lynn Denlon is confronted with the dire responsibility of performing a potentially fatal surgery on Kramer to eradicate his brain tumor, all under the threat of a lethal trap fastened around her neck, threatening to detonate. This menacing scenario also ushers in the murky character, Detective Mark Hoffman.

Saw IV dives further into the sinister maze of the Jigsaw Killer’s games, unveiling a sequence of trials set to expose the character and motives of Lieutenant Rigg, along with delving into the intricate histories of central figures like John Kramer. In a chronological twist, this chapter unfolds simultaneously with the events of Saw III, adding a layer of complexity to the narrative. Amidst this twisted timeline, the revelation that Detective Mark Hoffman is an apprentice of Jigsaw adds a new dimension of horror and deceit to the burgeoning legacy of terror.

As the reality of John Kramer’s death starts to resonate, his protégé Mark Hoffman ascends menacingly into the role of the new Jigsaw murderer, though suspicion begins to cloud around those nearest to him. In Saw V, the narrative unfolds shortly after the events of Saw III and Saw IV, with more group traps masterminded by the newfound killer, showcasing a relentless continuity of terror. Through a weave of flashbacks, the film intricately explores the unlikely alliance between Hoffman and Kramer, shedding light on the detective’s nefarious schemes aimed at perpetuating the chilling legacy.

The sixth installment in the Saw franchise takes place a few days after the events of Saw V and depicts Jigsaw orchestrating events posthumously, with Mark Hoffman remaining at large and continuing the legacy of terror. The narrative introduces a highly elaborate mass trap targeting an insurance broker and his corrupt team, who had wronged John Kramer during his cancer struggle, forcing them into a series of gruesome and sacrificial trials. Amidst this backdrop of vengeance, Kramer’s ex-wife Jill dutifully executes his final requests, further entangling the legacy of the Jigsaw killer.

Picking up just a few weeks after the events of Saw VI, Saw: The Final Chapter sees a new Jigsaw accomplice with a familiar face emerge, while a former victim of John Kramer’s exploits his supposed survival story for fame and fortune. Upon discovering that this self-proclaimed Jigsaw survivor has fabricated his ordeal, the new assistant ensnares the fraudulent self-help guru in a lethal trap, forcing him to confront the dire repercussions of his deceit. Concurrently, a deranged Hoffman faces unforeseen adversity as he pursues vengeance against Kramer’s ex-wife.

Spiral: From the Book of Saw shifts focus from John Kramer, featuring only a brief mention, as it trails Detective Zeke Banks and his partner investigating a fresh wave of horrific murders mirroring the deeds of the deceased Jigsaw killer. Although Spiral doesn’t tie closely to the Saw timeline and doesn’t alter the overarching narrative, it unmistakably retains the series’ grim tone. Hence, it stands as a worthy watch for the fans of the Saw franchise, offering a distinct yet familiar sinister ambiance.