The Purge Franchise Overview
The Purge is a horror action franchise created by James DeMonaco. The series includes five main theatrical films and one additional entry, with each installment expanding the dystopian universe. The franchise is produced by Blumhouse Productions and distributed by Universal Pictures. The core premise centers on a near-future United States where all crime, including murder, is legal for a 12-hour period annually.
The first film, The Purge, launched in 2013 and grossed over $89 million worldwide on a $3 million budget, according to Box Office Mojo. The franchise generated more than $570 million in global box office revenue across its theatrical releases. The series is rated R for strong bloody violence, language, and brief sexuality.
The Purge Movies in Release Order
The Purge (2013) introduced the concept of the annual Purge night. The Purge: Anarchy (2014) expanded the action to the streets of Los Angeles. The Purge: Election Year (2016) shifted the timeline to a presidential election year and explored political resistance. The First Purge (2018) served as a prequel set on Staten Island, produced by Blumhouse and distributed by Universal.
The Forever Purge (2021) continued the story from The Purge: Election Year and introduced a permanent Purge scenario. The franchise is listed on IMDb with a combined rating average across the entries, and the films are available on major streaming platforms and physical media. The series is a key part of the modern horror reboot trend, with each sequel increasing the scope and budget.
Key Details and Franchise Data
The Purge franchise is owned by Universal Pictures and produced by Blumhouse Productions, the company founded by Jason Blum. The films are written and often directed by James DeMonaco. The series is set in a dystopian United States where the New Founding Fathers of America (NFFA) institute the annual Purge as a solution to crime and unemployment.
The franchise includes one television series, The Purge, which aired on USA Network for one season. The films are available for streaming and purchase on platforms like Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV. The box office performance of each film is tracked by sources such as Box Office Mojo and The Numbers, with The Forever Purge earning over $139 million globally.