Saw (2004)
Kernel Score: 83% · 9,899 ratings · Rated R
Genres: Horror, Mystery, Crime
Released: 2004-10-01
Runtime: 103 minutes
Is Saw worth watching?
Depends on your taste. A low-budget, nasty thriller built on a clever trap and a nasty twist. It is gory and uneven, but the ending is memorable. It is for horror fans, not for those squeamish about torture.
Watch it if you
- like horror puzzles and twist endings
- enjoy low-budget, grimy horror
- want to see where a famous franchise started
Skip it if you
- dislike gore and torture scenes
- want subtle, atmospheric horror
Best for: Late night in
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch Saw
- Stream: Peacock
- Free with ads: Fawesome
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
Two men wake up to find themselves shackled in a grimy, abandoned bathroom. As they struggle to comprehend their predicament, they discover a disturbing tape left behind by the sadistic mastermind known as Jigsaw. With a chilling voice and cryptic instructions, Jigsaw informs them that they must partake in a gruesome game in order to secure their freedom.
Saw parents' guide: ages 16+
Parents need to know that Saw is a graphic R-rated horror film built around torture, sadistic games, and extreme violence.
- Violence & scariness: Intense — Extreme, graphic torture and sadistic violence including booby traps and bludgeoning drive the plot.
- Sex, romance & nudity: A little — No significant sexual content indicated in the signals.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official R rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Saw
If you liked Saw, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Se7en (1995) — 92%: Dark, grim serial-killer thriller with a famous ending
- The Thing (1982) — 93%: Classic horror built on paranoia and dread
- Battle Royale (2000) — 82%: Brutal survival game with a sharp edge
- The Conjuring (2013) — 90%: Effective, restrained haunted-house horror
- Scream (1996) — 82%: Self-aware slasher that is also a good whodunit
- Saw X (2023) — 81%: A later Saw film with more story and character
Director
Cast
- Tobin Bell as John Kramer / Jigsaw
- Cary Elwes as Dr. Lawrence Gordon
- Leigh Whannell as Adam Faulkner-Stanheight
- Danny Glover as David Tapp
- Monica Potter as Alison Gordon
- Ken Leung as Detective Steven Sing
- Makenzie Vega as Diana Gordon
- Michael Emerson as Zep Hindle
- Shawnee Smith as Amanda Young
- Dina Meyer as Allison Kerry
Saw FAQ
Is Saw worth watching?
Depends on your taste. A low-budget, nasty thriller built on a clever trap and a nasty twist. It is gory and uneven, but the ending is memorable. It is for horror fans, not for those squeamish about torture.
Where can I watch Saw?
In the US you can stream Saw on Peacock, watch it free with ads on Fawesome and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is Saw OK for kids?
Saw is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 16+. Parents need to know that Saw is a graphic R-rated horror film built around torture, sadistic games, and extreme violence.
What movies are like Saw?
If you liked Saw, try Se7en, The Thing, Battle Royale and The Conjuring.