The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974) Online

It helped solidify the archetype of the lone female survivor who outlasts her peers through sheer will.

Filmed in a single 26-hour marathon session, the genuine exhaustion and hysteria on the actors' faces aren't entirely staged. 6. Quick Stats Director: Tobe Hooper Budget: ~$140,000 (roughly $800k today) Box Office: Over $30 million Rating: Originally rated X, eventually downgraded to R. The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974)

While Black Christmas and Halloween are also foundational, Texas Chain Saw introduced the idea of a masked, unstoppable killer with a signature weapon. It helped solidify the archetype of the lone

It was filmed in 100°F+ Texas weather. Between the rotting animal carcasses used as props and the cast wearing the same unwashed clothes for weeks, the set famously smelled horrific. the set famously smelled horrific.