Back in 2004 when the first Saw came out, you may have known Cary Elwes mostly from his endearing roles in Robin Hood: Men in Tights and The Princess Bride. Co-star (and co-writer) Leigh Whannell was an unknown filmmaker from Australia, making his debut in this taut thriller co-written and directed by his friend James Wan. With inspiration from the low-budget Blair Witch Project, the pair penned a screenplay that set off a dizzying and relentless series of sequels, and a franchise was born. Revisit where it all began: a dank room with two chained strangers and a hacksaw. – Kat McNevins
