Dark Sky Films and Fathom Entertainment have announced the return of Texas Chain Saw Day, the annual nationwide celebration of the iconic horror The Texas Chain Saw Massacre. Commemorated on the date of the events in the film, Texas Chain Saw Day invites audiences across the United States to experience the classic film on the big screen – remastered in 4K – and surrounded by fellow horror fans. Following the success of 2025’s inaugural event, which drew fans to more than 900 movie theaters nationwide and finished as the #2 horror film at the domestic box office that day, the one-night-only event returns on August 18, 2026.
More than five decades after its release and following its selection for preservation by the Library of Congress’ National Film Registry, the landmark horror classic continues to captivate audiences and influence generations of filmmakers worldwide. Most recently, acclaimed Obsession filmmaker Curry Barker – who has been tapped to direct A24’s upcoming reimagining of the Texas Chain Saw franchise – has pointed to the original film as a foundational influence on his vision for the series’ future.
What began as a one-time celebration quickly became a fan-favorite theatrical event, drawing enthusiastic audiences nationwide and reaffirming the enduring cultural impact of Tobe Hooper’s groundbreaking masterpiece.
“Last year’s response exceeded our expectations and proved that audiences still want to experience The Texas Chain Saw Massacre the way it was meant to be seen — together, on the big screen,” said Dark Sky Films’ Justin DiPietro. “We’re thrilled to make Texas Chain Saw Day an annual event and continue celebrating a film whose impact on horror and popular culture remains unmatched.”
“Texas Chain Saw Day captures everything that makes moviegoing special: passionate fans, a beloved film and the shared excitement of experiencing it together in a theatre,” said Fathom Entertainment’s Ray Nutt. “Fathom is pleased to partner with Dark Sky Films and establish an annual tradition and welcome the Chain Saw faithful back to cinemas for another unforgettable celebration of one of horror’s most influential films.”
Long before modern horror franchises redefined the genre, The Texas Chain Saw Massacre shocked audiences with its raw realism, relentless suspense and unforgettable villain, Leatherface. Widely regarded as one of the most influential horror films ever made, its legacy continues to endure more than 50 years after its original release, inspiring filmmakers and terrifying audiences across generations.
The Texas Chain Saw Massacre centers on five friends who head to rural Texas in order to visit the grave of one of their relatives. On the way they stumble across what appears to be a deserted house, only to discover something sinister within. Something armed with a chainsaw. Co-written by Kim Henkel & Tobe Hooper and directed by Hooper, the film stars Marilyn Burns, Allen Danziger, Paul A. Partain, William Vail, Teri McMinn, Edwin Neal, Jim Siedow, Gunnar Hansen, John Dugan, Robert Courtin, William Creamer and John Henry Faulk.
Get more information on Texas Chain Saw Day at FanCalendar.
