The Purge franchise, a dystopian vision where all crime, including murder, is legal for twelve hours, has captivated and horrified audiences for over a decade. To date, there are five main Purge movies: The Purge (2013), The Purge: Anarchy (2014), The Purge: Election Year (2016), The First Purge (2018), and The Forever Purge (2021). This doesn’t include the spin-offs, which have expanded the universe beyond the silver screen.
Untangling the Purge Canon: The Five Main Films
The Purge movie series presents a provocative social commentary wrapped in a visceral action-horror package. Understanding the core narrative thread requires a closer look at each of the five films.
The Purge (2013): The Beginning
The inaugural film introduces the audience to the concept of the Purge Night, a yearly event sanctioned by the New Founding Fathers of America (NFFA) to supposedly reduce crime and unemployment. The story follows the Sandin family, who use high-tech security to protect themselves from the chaos outside. However, when their son lets in a wounded stranger, they become the targets of a group of Purge participants. The film, while low-budget, successfully establishes the world and the core themes of class warfare and societal breakdown.
The Purge: Anarchy (2014): Expanding the Scope
Anarchy broadens the scope beyond a single family and showcases the Purge’s impact on the wider community. We follow Eva Sanchez and her daughter Cali as they navigate the streets of Los Angeles during the Purge. They team up with Leo Barnes, a man with his own vengeful agenda, to survive the night. This installment provides a more direct look at the socio-economic disparities exacerbated by the Purge.
The Purge: Election Year (2016): Politics Enters the Fray
Election Year delves into the political ramifications of the Purge, following Senator Charlie Roan’s presidential campaign, which aims to abolish the annual event. The NFFA sees Roan as a threat to their power and uses the Purge to target her. Leo Barnes, now the head of Roan’s security detail, must protect her from assassins and other Purge participants. This film directly addresses the corruption and manipulation at the heart of the Purge’s existence.
The First Purge (2018): The Experiment Begins
The First Purge acts as a prequel, showing the very first “experiment” on Staten Island, New York. The NFFA offers financial incentives to residents to stay on the island during the Purge, further highlighting the exploitation of marginalized communities. This film reveals the insidious origins of the Purge and its intended use as a tool for population control and social engineering.
The Forever Purge (2021): The Purge Extends
The Forever Purge picks up after the abolition of the Purge, but the ideological fervor persists. A group of Purge loyalists, known as “Ever After Purgers,” continue the violence even after the designated twelve hours have ended. The film focuses on a Mexican couple, Adela and Juan, who are forced to fight for their survival against the endless chaos, blurring the lines between political commentary and action-packed thrills.
Diving Deeper: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Purge Franchise
These FAQs address common questions and provide a more comprehensive understanding of the Purge franchise.
1. Is the Purge series based on a true story?
No, the Purge series is not based on a true story. It is a fictional dystopian thriller created by James DeMonaco. While the concept of a government-sanctioned period of lawlessness is highly improbable, the films draw inspiration from societal anxieties about crime, poverty, and government control. The underlying themes resonate with real-world concerns, making the fictional premise feel unsettlingly plausible.
2. In what order should I watch the Purge movies?
For the best viewing experience and to understand the chronological progression of the story, watch the films in the following order:
- The First Purge (2018)
- The Purge (2013)
- The Purge: Anarchy (2014)
- The Purge: Election Year (2016)
- The Forever Purge (2021)
3. Are all the Purge movies connected?
Yes, all five Purge movies are connected within the same universe. While each film features different protagonists and storylines, they all contribute to the larger narrative of the Purge’s implementation, its consequences, and the fight against it. Characters from previous films sometimes make appearances in later installments, further solidifying the interconnectedness.
4. Who created the Purge?
The Purge was created by James DeMonaco, who wrote and directed the first three films in the series. He also served as a writer and producer on the later installments. DeMonaco’s vision is central to the franchise’s exploration of social and political themes.
5. What is the NFFA in the Purge movies?
The NFFA stands for the New Founding Fathers of America. They are a totalitarian political party that comes to power in the United States and establishes the Purge as a means to control the population and reduce crime and unemployment. They are portrayed as corrupt and manipulative, prioritizing their own power over the well-being of the citizenry.
6. What are the rules of the Purge?
The rules of the Purge, as presented in the films, are as follows:
- All crime, including murder, is legal for twelve hours.
- Government officials of ranking 10 or higher are exempt from being targeted.
- Specific weapons, such as explosives and weapons of mass destruction, are prohibited.
Violation of these rules results in immediate consequences.
7. Why was the Purge created in the Purge universe?
The NFFA claims that the Purge was created to allow citizens to release pent-up aggression, thereby reducing crime and unemployment. However, the films suggest that the Purge is actually a tool for population control, specifically targeting the poor and marginalized communities.
8. Is there a Purge TV series?
Yes, there is a Purge TV series that aired for two seasons (2018-2019). The series explores the events leading up to the Purge and its aftermath, focusing on different characters and storylines than the films. While it expands the Purge universe, it was not renewed for a third season.
9. Are the Purge movies scary?
The Purge movies blend elements of horror, action, and social commentary. While they contain violence and suspenseful moments, they are not typically considered outright horror films. The films aim to provoke thought about societal issues while providing entertainment. The “scary” aspect often stems from the unsettling plausibility of the premise and the potential for human cruelty.
10. What are some common themes in the Purge movies?
Common themes explored in the Purge movies include:
- Class warfare: The Purge disproportionately affects the poor and marginalized communities.
- Government corruption: The NFFA uses the Purge for its own political gain.
- Human nature: The films examine the darker aspects of human behavior when societal restraints are removed.
- The role of violence: The series questions whether violence can ever be a justifiable solution to societal problems.
11. Are there any plans for more Purge movies?
While there were initial plans for a sixth Purge movie, the project is currently in development hell. James DeMonaco has stated that he has a story idea, but its future remains uncertain. The success of previous films suggests that another installment is possible, but no concrete announcements have been made.
12. Where can I watch the Purge movies?
The Purge movies are available for purchase or rental on various digital platforms, including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. They are also frequently available for streaming on subscription services such as Hulu and Peacock, depending on regional availability and licensing agreements.