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The Texas Chain Saw Massacre

The Texas Chain Saw Massacre is a 1974 American horror film directed by Tobe Hooper.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The Texas Chain Saw Massacre is a 1974 American horror film directed by Tobe Hooper. The film is a fictional story that was marketed as being based on true events, and it drew loose inspiration from the crimes of Ed Gein. It introduced the iconic villain Leatherface and became the start of a long-running horror franchise.

Background

The Texas Chain Saw Massacre was released in 1974 and directed by Tobe Hooper. It is widely regarded as one of the most influential American horror films and launched a franchise that includes multiple sequels, prequels, and reboots.

True-story claims

The film was promoted as being based on true events, but its central story is fictional. It was loosely inspired by the crimes of Ed Gein and related real-life incidents, rather than a specific Texas massacre.

Leatherface

Leatherface is the chainsaw-wielding antagonist of the film. He is a fictional character, though his appearance and some details were inspired by Ed Gein.

Production and filming

The film was shot in Texas, with filming taking place in 1973 and a premiere in Austin in 1974. It is closely associated with the Texas independent horror scene.

Key facts

  • The film was released in 1974 and directed by Tobe Hooper.
  • Its plot is fictional, though it was marketed as based on true events.
  • Leatherface, the iconic villain, was partly inspired by Ed Gein.
  • The franchise includes nine films as of 2024/2026.
  • Filming took place in Texas, with a 1973 shoot and 1974 premiere in Austin.

Frequently asked questions

Is The Texas Chain Saw Massacre based on a true story?
No. The film's story is fictional, although it was marketed as being based on true events and was loosely inspired by Ed Gein's crimes.
Who directed The Texas Chain Saw Massacre?
Tobe Hooper directed the film.
How many Texas Chainsaw Massacre movies are there?
Sources in the results say there are nine films in the franchise, including sequels, prequels, reboots, and spin-offs.
Who is Leatherface?
Leatherface is the fictional masked killer in the film and the franchise's best-known villain. The character was partly inspired by Ed Gein.
Where was Texas Chainsaw Massacre filmed?
The film was made in Texas; one cited source says filming took place in 1973 and that the premiere was in Austin the following year.
What year did Texas Chainsaw Massacre come out?
The original film was released in 1974.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Texas_Chain_Saw_Massacre
    Supports: Release year, fictional plot, marketing as based on true events, and inspiration from Ed Gein.
  2. Austin American-Statesman — https://www.statesman.com/story/entertainment/2024/10/02/texas-chainsaw-massacre-1974-50-years-later-based-on-true-story/75481064007/
    Supports: Tobe Hooper as director, filming in 1973, Austin premiere in 1974, and discussion of the film’s true-story claims.
  3. People — https://people.com/is-the-texas-chain-saw-massacre-based-on-a-true-story-11828098
    Supports: The film is not really based on a true story, but was heavily inspired by Ed Gein; mentions the franchise having nine sequels, prequels, and spinoffs.
  4. Snopes — https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/texas-chainsaw-massacre/
    Supports: The story is fictional and there was no real Texas chainsaw massacre.
  5. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/news/ni65016037/
    Supports: Leatherface as fictional, no real-life family of chainsaw murderers, and franchise count described as nine films.