If you’re a fan of dystopian horror films, The Purge series is a must-watch. With its gripping concept of an annual 12-hour period where all crimes, including murder, are legal, this franchise has captured the imaginations of many. To get the full story, you need to watch The Purge movies in chronological order.
The series starts with “The First Purge,” which explains the origins of this terrifying event. From there, you move to “The Purge,” “The Purge: Anarchy,” and “The Purge: Election Year.” The latest installment, “The Forever Purge,” brings a fresh take, extending the chaos beyond the usual timeframe.
Understanding the sequence helps you see how society changes and adapts with each Purge. If you’re ready to start your binge, make sure to follow this timeline for the ultimate experience.
The Purge Movies In Release Order
| S.no | Movies | Release Date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Purge | May 31, 2013 |
| 2 | The Purge: Anarchy | July 18, 2014 |
| 3 | The Purge: Election Year | July 1, 2016 |
| 4 | The First Purge | July 4, 2018 |
| 5 | The Purge Television Series | September 4, 2018 |
| 6 | The Forever Purge | July 2, 2021 |
The Purge Movies in Chronological Order
Understanding the sequence of “The Purge” movies can help you follow the story from its beginnings to its later developments. Here’s a detailed look at each film and TV series in the order they occur within the universe.
1. The First Purge (2018)
“The First Purge” is a prequel that explains how the Purge began. Set in 2017, this film shows the events leading up to the very first night of legalized crime. The story focuses on Staten Island, where a controversial political experiment takes place. You learn about the origins of this brutal event and see how it impacts different members of the community.
IMDb Rating 5.2/10
2. The Purge (2013)
“The Purge” is set in 2022 and is the first movie released in the franchise. The movie follows the wealthy Sandin family as they try to survive Purge Night in their fortified home. This film introduces the concept of Purge Night, a 12-hour period when all crimes, including murder, are allowed. It also highlights the social and economic divides exploited during the Purge.
IMDb Rating 5.7/10
3. The Purge: Anarchy (2014)
“The Purge: Anarchy” shifts focus to the streets of Los Angeles in 2023. Unlike the first movie, which was confined to a single home, this film shows multiple characters navigating the chaos outside. You follow various people, including a man seeking revenge and a mother and daughter trying to survive the night. It expands the scope of the series, showing the widespread impact of the Purge.
IMDb Rating 6.4/10
4. The Purge Television Series (2018-2019)
The Purge TV series spans over two seasons, further exploring the world created in the films. The series dives into the lives of different characters experiencing Purge Night and the time leading up to and following these events. It offers a deeper look into the social and political underpinnings of the Purge.
IMDb Rating 6.6/10
5. The Purge: Election Year (2016)
“The Purge: Election Year” takes place in 2040 and follows Senator Charlie Roan, who wants to eliminate the Purge. Her campaign faces fierce opposition, and on Purge Night, she becomes a target. This movie connects directly to the themes of justice and political struggle, showing how some people fight against the annual event.
IMDb Rating 6/10
6. The Forever Purge (2021)
“The Forever Purge” is set after “Election Year,” moving the story into 2048. Despite attempts to end the Purge, the idea persists. This film depicts a group of individuals who decide to continue purging beyond the 12-hour window, threatening the social order. It shows how deeply the Purge has ingrained itself into society and the ongoing battle to stop it.
IMDb Rating 5.4/10
Main Characters and Cast
The Purge movies feature a variety of characters, from brave survivors to chilling antagonists. The recurring characters help link the films together, while some performances stand out for their impact on the series.
Recurring Characters
- James Sandin appears in the first film. Played by Ethan Hawke, he’s a security system salesman trying to protect his family during Purge Night.
- Leo Barnes, portrayed by Frank Grillo, is a central figure in “The Purge: Anarchy” and “The Purge: Election Year”. First introduced as a man seeking revenge, he becomes a key protector in the series.
- Charlene “Charlie” Roan is another important character. Played by Elizabeth Mitchell, she is a senator running for president in “The Purge: Election Year”.
- Nya and Dmitri are introduced in “The First Purge”. Nya, played by Lex Scott Davis, is an activist fighting the Purge, while Dmitri, portrayed by Y’lan Noel, is a gang leader protecting his community.
Notable Performances
- Ethan Hawke’s role as James Sandin is memorable for bringing a relatable, everyman quality to the start of the series. His performance sets the tone for the terror and moral struggles faced by others.
- Frank Grillo’s portrayal of Leo Barnes stands out for its action hero vibe. His character brings deeper layers of personal conflict and redemption, making him a fan favorite.
- Elizabeth Mitchell excels as Senator Roan, showing strength and determination in her quest against the Purge. Her political campaign adds a new dimension to the series, blending action with social commentary.
- Y’lan Noel charms audiences with his intense and complex performance as Dmitri. Despite being a gang leader, his protective instincts highlight the human side of those forced into criminal roles by the Purge.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the chronological order of The Purge movie series?
To watch The Purge movies in the order of events happening in the story, start with The First Purge, followed by The Purge, The Purge: Anarchy, The Purge: Election Year, The Forever Purge, and the TV series.
Can The Purge films be watched as standalone movies or do they need to be viewed sequentially?
While each Purge movie has a self-contained story, watching them in sequence helps understand references and connections between characters and events.
How does ‘The First Purge’ fit into the timeline of the other Purge movies?
The First Purge is a prequel, showing the origin of the annual event. It takes place before the events of all the other movies in the series.
Which of The Purge movies should be watched first for someone new to the franchise?
If you’re new to the franchise, start with the first film released, The Purge, to get introduced to the basic concept and primary characters.
Are there any narrative connections between ‘The Purge: Election Year’ and the other films in the series?
Yes, The Purge: Election Year continues the storylines and themes from earlier movies, focusing on the political consequences of The Purge.
How many movies are in The Purge series to date, and what are their release years?
There are five movies and one TV series. The movies are The Purge (2013), The Purge: Anarchy (2014), The Purge: Election Year (2016), The First Purge (2018), and The Forever Purge (2021). The TV series aired from 2018 to 2019.