Rank the Saw Series

I copied this from my post on a thread for Saw 2, but wanted to hear others' opinions that may have started with this film.

Here is my ranking:

Saw
Saw IV
Saw III
Saw V
Saw II

My ranking is based on my opinion of the series' originality.

The first Saw was the 'most original' just because it tried something fairly new, and despite its plot holes, was a good, suspenseful film. The acting was a bit off at times, but the scenarios, the motives and the ending made up for it, in my opinion. And like most horror franchises, I always have a soft spot for the first.

Saw 4, which I was expecting to suck bad, was actually really good, and oddly enough, tied all the new events almost perfectly to the events of the previous films (which as a horror film fan, I applaud). Saw 4 tied everything so well, and introduced the new Jigsaw in an ALMOST believable manner (though the events were a little TOO perfect...hey, it's a horror movie sequel). I must say, I was gripped at the backstory of Jigsaw (it was awesome), and the building up of his predecessor. Saw 4 had all the suspense, twists and gore that any horror fan would love.

Saw 3 was a decent film with a great main character (Angus MacFayden...sic) and a great subplot with Jigsaw and Amanda...though it definitely upped the ante with the gore as a main attraction (which kinda works, but gets a little excessive when you know that is the main attraction). The furthering of Amanda's character, throwing in Jeff's entire family, the people responsible for his son's murder and his murderer's release, and Jigsaw's demise made this one as good as it is. What a great film to have the balls to actually kill the main 'killer' in the third film of a seemingly endless sequel franchise.

Saw 5 was another good followup to a great sequel (and another one I thought would SUCK), yet the acting of some of the 'Final Five' really hampered the rating. However, it really solidified Jigsaw's successor, and explained a lot more of the plot. The Final Five trap really didn't add much to the story, but the real show stealer was the link between Hoffman, Jigsaw and then agent Strahm trying to piece it all together. Good story, and great ending.

Saw 2 was alright, but too much of a ripoff of the movie Cube for my liking. The acting was atrocious with most of the characters, and totally detracted from the film. Though, I will say, this was one of the more suspenseful (and cringe worthy of the films), the acting and ripoffs from Cube throw it down to the bottom of my list. This film could have been so much better with better actors and a better script...though the syringe scene is definitely one of the series' most cringe worthy pieces.

The Saw films are surprisingly good, and all attempt to link each successive one together (unlike the Friday the 13th series, though it is one of my guilty pleasure series). They are all good, in their own merit.