Texas Chain Saw Massacre Still Haunts Us This Halloween Season

"Spooky Season" is officially here! October 1st means Halloween is just around the corner. People are getting their decorations out, costumes ready, and putting together their horror movie watchlist.

And, arguably, one of the greatest and most influential horror movies of all-time was created right here in Texas - The Texas Chain Saw Massacre.

Texas Chain Saw Massacre Turns 51 in 2025

For 51 years, the Texas Chain Saw Massacre has been scaring and captivating audiences. The original movie came from the mind of Austin, Texas native Tobe Hooper.

Hooper's dad owned a theatre in San Angelo and the Texas Chain Saw Massacre was heavily influenced by some of the 'hicksplotation' B-movies he saw in his youth. He co-wrote the script with Kim Henkel, who he met at the University of Texas, and was deeply inspired by the crimes committed by Ed Gein and Elmer Wayne Henley.

The film was made on an EXTREMELY tight budget of roughly $140,000. Despite the frightening premise and execution, there is a lack of gore in the film - mostly due to the low budget. Hooper and company the lack of gore would lead to a low rating from the Motion Picture Association, however, the original cut of the movie was rated X and had to be edited down to achieve an R-rating.

Lasting Legacy of the Texas Chain Saw Massacre

Despite the low budget, rushed production and use of unknown actors, the film is commonly referred to as one of the most influential horror films in history. During it's first theatrical run which started on October 1st, 1974 in Austin, Texas, the film grossed $30.9 million at the box office.

Kim Newman from Empire Magazine called the film "The most purely horrifying horror movie ever made." Richard Zoglin of Time commented that it had "set a new standard for slasher films". Sight & Sound Magazine named it one of the 250 greatest films ever made. Not horror films, films period. Leatherface is up there on the Mount Rushmore of Horror Film Slashers. The accolades and lasting impact are things most movies never achieve.

Where Can I Stream the Texas Chain Saw Massacre?

The Texas made and produced Horror classic is available on numerous streaming services. If you have Tubi, Xumo Play, Pluto TV, The Roku Channel, Plex, Peacock, or Netflix. You can watch the original this month with your subscription.

If you don't, never fear. The movie is available on Apple TV, Google Play, and Fandango for as low as $2.99.

Want a More In Depth Texas Chain Saw Massacre Experience?

Watching the movie not enough? You can still visit some of the classic filming locations. Well, sort of.

The original farmhouse was moved from Round Rock, Texas to Kingsland, Texas. The house was turned into a restaurant named "Hooper's" after creator and director Tobe Hooper. Here's a brief write up from the restaurant's website:

Our restaurant is situated inside the iconic restored Texas Chainsaw Massacre movie set of 1974, off the banks of the Colorado River, which serves as the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable dining experience. At Hooper's, we pay homage to the original director and screenwriter, Tobe Hooper. As you step inside, you'll find subtle and bold nods to the history of the house, adding to the unique and intriguing atmosphere of our restaurant.

Not enough? The 'Last Chance Gas Station" from the movie is located in Bastrop, Texas and is now know as simply "The Gas Station". The Gas station is now a BBQ restaurant and huge tourist attraction with all kinds of horror memorabilia. If you're brave enough, they even have cabins on-site that you can stay at. If you're a huge fan, it's a must stop destination. You can get more details here.