Ranking the 10 Epic Twist Endings of the Saw Franchise

The twist ending is a storytelling device that, when executed perfectly, delivers an unforgettable jolt to the audience. While not every film manages this feat, the "Saw" series has become renowned for consistently delivering jaw-dropping finales. Each installment features a twist, some more impactful than others, solidifying the franchise's reputation for mastering this element of horror.

Spiral (2021)

The reboot lands at the lower end of the list. Detectives Zeke Banks (Chris Rock) and William Schenk (Max Minghella) investigate a Jigsaw copycat years after the original killer's demise. The reveal that Schenk is the copycat is predictable, based on his father's murder and Banks' family connection to the police. A secondary twist sees Captain Banks (Samuel L. Jackson) fall victim to a deadly trap, raising problematic racial implications that undermine the narrative impact.

Saw V (2008)

FBI agent Peter Strahm (Scott Patterson) is ensnared by Mark Hoffman (Costas Mandylor), a detective turned Jigsaw apprentice. Strahm is forced into a lethal trap under Hoffman's manipulative guidance. The twist lacks satisfaction, as Strahms trust and inherent decency make his demise feel anticlimactic and unnecessarily grim.

Saw IV (2007)

The installment reveals Hoffman as Kramers new apprentice, creating a brief shock. However, the twist that the events occurred prior to Kramer's autopsy diminishes its impact. The revelation mainly sets up future storylines rather than providing a fully satisfying conclusion.

Saw X (2023)

This film presents a clever twist as Dr. Cecilia, who believed she had outsmarted Kramer, becomes trapped in a deadly game. While she faces her own past trauma, the ending is less than perfect, as the story stops short of delivering the ultimate retribution. Still, witnessing John Kramer and Amanda Young orchestrate justice for a villainous character is highly gratifying.

Saw 3D (2010)

Dr. Lawrence Gordon (Cary Elwes) is revealed as one of Kramers original apprentices. While the twist is theoretically thrilling, it suffers from a lack of foreshadowing across previous films. The surprise comes too abruptly, lessening its narrative resonance despite the potential for a dramatic impact.

Saw VI (2009)

This entry combines two effective twists. The first targets unscrupulous insurance agents, offering a darkly satisfying form of justice. The second tests Hoffman, who narrowly escapes a brutal trap but is permanently maimed. This dual approach creates a compelling and memorable conclusion.

Jigsaw (2017)

The film ends with two twists: Logan Nelson (Matt Passmore) is revealed as Kramers first apprentice, and a game being witnessed in the present is actually one of Kramers earliest tests. While the apprentice reveal feels predictable, the historical twist adds intriguing lore to the series.

Saw II (2005)

This installment escalates the stakes by placing multiple victims in a complex house trap. Detective Eric Matthews (Donnie Wahlberg) discovers that the footage he has been watching was recorded, not live, and his son is safe. Matthews ultimately falls into his own trap, and Amanda Young emerges as Kramers apprentice, establishing a dark cycle that defines the series.

Saw III (2006)

The finale delivers multiple layers of deception. Kramer is dying and is kept alive by Dr. Lynn (Bahar Soomekh) under duress, while Jeff (Angus Macfayden) faces a game forcing forgiveness for his son's death. Amanda betrays Lynn, Jeff kills Amanda, and Kramers ultimate test leaves the fate of his daughter unknown. The intricacy and interwoven twists make this a standout ending.

Saw (2004)

The original "Saw" remains the pinnacle of twist endings. Discovering that the man orchestrating the traps is the supposedly dead victim in the room redefined horror storytelling. This groundbreaking reveal not only launched a successful franchise but also cemented the twist ending as a hallmark of modern horror cinema. Its influence and shock value continue to resonate, remaining unmatched in impact.

Author: Ethan Caldwell