Saw
Metascore
46 out of 100

Mixed or average reviews - based on 32 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 32
  2. Mixed: 12 out of 32
  3. Negative: 10 out of 32
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  1. USA Today
    Reviewed by: Mike Clark
    38
    Becomes exceedingly disgusting when it wallows in the psychological torture of a child, a no-no under any circumstances.
  2. Portland Oregonian
    Reviewed by: M. E. Russell
    33
    What makes Saw so awful is that it starts with a clever premise and then completely blows it.
  3. Austin Chronicle
    Reviewed by: Marc Savlov
    30
    Saw has its moments, and most of them are brutal in the extreme, but ultimately it's one tremendous misfire that will either leave you laughing or, possibly, gagging. Not what I'd call a winning combination.
  4. The A.V. Club
    Reviewed by: Scott Tobias
    30
    Though dumber than a box of rocks, Saw forges ahead with the kind of conviction and energy that will keep bad-cinema junkies sitting bolt upright.
  5. Variety
    Reviewed by: Dennis Harvey
    30
    A crude concoction sewn together from the severed parts of prior horror/serial killer pics.
  6. Washington Post
    Reviewed by: Desson Thomson
    30
    But humans who live above ground, including horror fans, will find themselves only fitfully entertained and more consistently appalled.
  7. Miami Herald
    Reviewed by: Rene Rodriguez
    25
    Where "Seven" seemed to radiate diabolical evil, Saw just radiates idiocy.
  8. New York Daily News
    Reviewed by: Jami Bernard
    25
    A gore movie with no teeth.
  9. New York Post
    Reviewed by: V.A. Musetto
    25
    Promoted as "the year's scariest movie," it's anything but.
  10. Chicago Reader
    Reviewed by: J.R. Jones
    20
    Sicko horror film from Australia, whose sadism is topped only by its absurdity.

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
6.8 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 249 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 99 out of 144
  2. Mixed: 14 out of 144
  3. Negative: 31 out of 144
  1. grandpajoe6191
    6
    "Saw" is a gruesome film that lacks the depth and development within the movie. However, the frantic, thrilling ride with a refreshing twist in the end scores the points for "Saw".… Full Review »
  2. oliver1h
    1
    I do not like these kind of movies. Sadictic... If you like torture scenes you might have serious mental problems.............................................................................… Full Review »
  3. Isaac_adhd
    10
    This movie mentally abuses you and un till it makes you scream like a little child because of it's never suspected plot..it's making you shiver all over. I watched the last scene 5 times when I watched this movie. ONE OF THE BEST MOVIES EVER MADE!!… Full Review »
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