There are five films in The Purge franchise: The Purge (2013), The Purge: Anarchy (2014), The Purge: Election Year (2016), The First Purge (2018), and The Forever Purge (2021). Beyond the films, the franchise also includes a two-season television series, expanding the universe’s lore and exploring different perspectives on the annual event.
A Deep Dive into the Purge Cinematic Universe
The Purge franchise, conceived by James DeMonaco, posits a dystopian near-future America where, for one night each year, all crime, including murder, is legal. This controversial government initiative, known as The Purge, is presented as a method to release pent-up aggression and reduce crime rates throughout the rest of the year. Each film explores different facets of this concept, examining its societal impact and the motivations of those who participate in or oppose it. The films have been successful at the box office, generating substantial returns on relatively modest budgets, leading to the franchise’s continued expansion. The success lies not only in the thrilling premise but also in the films’ ability to tap into anxieties surrounding social inequality, political corruption, and the nature of violence.
The Films in Chronological Order
Understanding the order in which the films were released helps to track the narrative progression, although the story does not always follow a strictly linear timeline.
The Purge (2013)
The inaugural film introduces the concept of The Purge through the experiences of the Sandin family, who secure their home with advanced security systems to survive the night. However, when their son allows a fleeing stranger inside, they become targets of a violent gang seeking to exact their own form of justice. This film primarily focuses on the claustrophobic tension within a single home, establishing the basic rules and societal context of the Purge.
The Purge: Anarchy (2014)
Anarchy broadens the scope beyond a single household, following multiple characters as they navigate the dangers of the Purge on the streets of Los Angeles. We are introduced to a more diverse cast of characters, including a sergeant seeking revenge, a young couple whose car breaks down, and a mother and daughter trying to survive. This film delves deeper into the class disparity inherent in the Purge, highlighting how it disproportionately affects the poor and marginalized communities.
The Purge: Election Year (2016)
This installment follows Senator Charlie Roan, who is running for president on a platform of abolishing the Purge. She faces opposition from the New Founding Fathers of America (NFFA), the political party responsible for implementing the Purge, who see it as essential to their vision of a purified nation. Roan must survive the Purge night alongside her head of security, Leo Barnes (who previously appeared in Anarchy), as the NFFA attempts to assassinate her.
The First Purge (2018)
Serving as a prequel, The First Purge explains the origins of the event, depicting the experimental trial run on Staten Island. The NFFA sponsors a social experiment where participants are paid to stay within the designated zone during the night of legalized crime. However, the experiment spirals out of control as the NFFA manipulates events to justify the implementation of the Purge nationwide. This film provides crucial backstory on the political motivations behind the Purge and exposes the NFFA’s ruthlessness.
The Forever Purge (2021)
The latest film in the series depicts a scenario where, even after the designated Purge night ends, some individuals and groups continue to commit violence, believing that the Purge should never end. The story follows a group of characters, including immigrants, who must band together to survive as the United States descends into chaos. The Forever Purge explores themes of national identity, xenophobia, and the potential for societal breakdown when boundaries are disregarded.
Purge FAQs: Your Burning Questions Answered
Here are some frequently asked questions about The Purge franchise, providing further context and insights.
FAQ 1: Is the Purge series based on a true story?
No, The Purge series is a work of fiction. While it explores themes of violence, social inequality, and political manipulation that resonate with real-world issues, the concept of an annual legalized crime night is entirely fictional.
FAQ 2: Which Purge movie is considered the scariest?
Subjectivity plays a role, but many fans consider The Purge: Anarchy or The First Purge to be the scariest. Anarchy showcases the brutal realities of the Purge on a broader scale, while The First Purge explores the chilling origins and manipulation behind the event.
FAQ 3: Will there be another Purge movie?
As of the current date, there has been no official announcement regarding a sixth Purge film. However, given the franchise’s past success and the open ending of The Forever Purge, it is possible that another installment could be produced in the future.
FAQ 4: Who created The Purge franchise?
James DeMonaco is the creator, writer, and director (of the first three films) of The Purge franchise. He is the primary visionary behind the concept and its execution on screen.
FAQ 5: What is the NFFA and why are they important?
The New Founding Fathers of America (NFFA) are the fictional political party responsible for implementing The Purge. They are a far-right, authoritarian group who believe the Purge is necessary to cleanse society and maintain control. They are central antagonists throughout the franchise.
FAQ 6: What is the main purpose of the Purge according to the NFFA?
According to the NFFA, the main purpose of the Purge is to allow citizens to release pent-up aggression, thereby reducing crime rates throughout the rest of the year. They also claim it helps to control population growth by eliminating the poor and undesirable elements of society.
FAQ 7: How does the Purge affect different social classes?
The Purge disproportionately affects the lower social classes, as they lack the resources to adequately protect themselves. The wealthy can afford advanced security systems and private security, making them far less vulnerable than the poor. This disparity is a recurring theme throughout the franchise.
FAQ 8: Does the Purge television series tie into the movies?
Yes, the Purge television series exists within the same universe as the movies. While the characters and specific storylines are separate, the series explores different aspects of the Purge night and its impact on various communities. Certain characters are loosely referenced, but the shows are stand alone.
FAQ 9: In what order should I watch the Purge movies for the best viewing experience?
While you can watch them in release order (2013, 2014, 2016, 2018, 2021), you might consider watching The First Purge (2018) earlier, perhaps after The Purge (2013), to get a better understanding of the origins. However, release order is generally recommended for the intended narrative progression.
FAQ 10: What are some common criticisms of the Purge movies?
Common criticisms include the perceived implausibility of the premise, the reliance on excessive violence, and the sometimes-overly simplistic portrayal of complex social issues. Some critics argue that the films are more exploitative than thought-provoking.
FAQ 11: Besides murder, what other crimes are legal during the Purge?
During the Purge, all crimes are legal, including theft, arson, assault, and even more minor offenses. However, there are some exceptions, such as attacking government officials of a certain rank or using certain types of weapons.
FAQ 12: Are there any real-world political or social commentaries embedded in the Purge films?
Yes, the Purge films are often interpreted as commentaries on various real-world issues, including gun violence, social inequality, political corruption, and the dangers of unchecked capitalism. The films invite audiences to consider the potential consequences of societal divisions and the erosion of ethical boundaries. The socio-political undertones contribute significantly to the franchise’s enduring appeal and relevance.