The Purge movies have become one of the most popular dystopian horror franchises in recent years. Highly praised for its intense and thought-provoking storylines, the series takes place in a dark, alternate-reality America where all crime is legal for 12 hours once a year. The first film of the franchise debuted in 2013 with a simple, survive the night concept. From there, the world of The Purge has expanded into five movies, a television series, and talks of a sixth entry starring Frank Grillo. The social and political commentary of the franchise has made it a hit with audiences, as have its action sequences and intense psychological horror.

While several installment release dates follow the chronological order, some were released later as prequels in order to flesh out the backstory of this world. This leaves room for audiences to choose between watching them in either the order they were released or as one full, chronologically coherent plot. What's the perfect Purge watch order? Read on to find out!

Update December 3, 2023: Fans of The Purge franchise will be glad to know this article was updated with even more details by Amanda Minchin, including where the films are streaming.

How to Watch The Purge Movies in Chronological Order

Following The Purge franchise chronologically is ideal for those wanting to watch the rise of the movement from its humble beginnings to its disastrous consequences. Figuring out the right order may seem daunting at first, but it is well worth the effort. Luckily, we've done all the hard work for you.

Those looking to view the franchise chronologically should watch it the following way:

• The First Purge
• The Purge (TV Series)
• The Purge
• The Purge: Anarchy
• The Purge: Election Year
• The Forever Purge

Here's how watching the series in its proper chronological order would look as one cohesive narrative.

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The First Purge (2018)

This prequel, The First Purge, explains the origin story of why and how the yearly event came to be. Set years before the release of the first, it tells of the New Founding Fathers of America, a political group who, in an effort to reduce the crime rate, conducted an experiment where crime was legal for 12 hours in Staten Island. Though no one is required to stay on Staten Island during this time, those who do will receive a $5,000 payment. This is billed as an effort to minimize crime and violence rates, though most people see it as an opportunity to profit from the chaos. The idea took off from there, inspiring agencies across the nation to implement their own versions.

Similar in concept to The Squid Game or The Stanford Prison Experiment, The First Purge introduces some unique elements regarding the experiment's societal issues. The movie was a solid origin story that explains how the experiment started and why everyone was so willing to go along with it.

Stream on Fubo

The Purge TV Series (2018-2019)

In 2018, the USA Network and Syfy launched The Purge, a 20-episode TV series based on the franchise's first installment. The Purge writer and director James DeMonaco returned to develop the story. This version takes place over the course of a single Purge night. The plot develops several characters and story lines, showing just how each is affected by the yearly event. The second season takes a different approach, following these characters in the aftermath of the Purge, showing their lives both before and after the event.

Related: The Purge: Every Movie in the Horror Franchise, Ranked

The series was well-received by fans but failed to grasp a more widespread, mainstream appeal. In the end, it only ran for two seasons before it was canceled. With so much more time to fill, it was not as intense as the movies, but it did provide a more drawn-out look at the futuristic universe alongside a deep dive into the event's repercussions. Viewers were also given a chance to delve deeper into the characters and learn more about their backgrounds beyond a two-hour runtime.

Stream on Hulu

The Purge (2013)

Titled simply The Purge, the first movie in the franchise stars Lena Headey and Ethan Hawke as an affluent couple who find themselves in the middle of a home invasion on Purge Night. They have purchased all that money can buy to keep themselves and their family safe, and yet they are also affected. This movie sets the stage for the rest of the franchise and introduces a world where morality during survival is tested.

The first story to introduce audiences to the concept, this simple yet intriguing plot propelled this movie into a box office hit. With masked home invasion movies like The Strangers becoming increasingly popular during this time, The Purge was able to stand out by introducing audiences to an alternate reality that was all too similar to our own. Its effective use of cinematography only further served to place audiences in the driver's seat.

Rent on AppleTV+

The Purge: Anarchy (2014)

The second installment, The Purge: Anarchy, is a fan-favorite for a reason. This three-time award-winning movie is similar to the first, but has more of an emphasis on the 'have-nots' of society. The story follows several people stranded on the street during the Purge. A group of unlikely heroes teams up to try to survive the night as a result. This film also saw the debut of Frank Grillo as Sergeant Barnes, who would go on to become a key character throughout the course of the series.

Overall, The Purge: Anarchy was well-received and seemed to satisfy audiences looking for more than a standard home invasion movie. The film also featured a compelling soundtrack and offered some unique takes on the franchise's world-building in regard to government malfeasance and class divide. An even more intense movie than its predecessor, it left viewers wanting more from writer and director James DeMonaco.

Rent on AppleTV+

The Purge: Election Year (2016)

In The Purge: Election Year, Frank Grillo reprises his character Leo Barnes as the head of security for a senator running for president. The movie focuses on her campaign to end the Purge, which pits the senator against powerful forces determined to keep the annual event alive. When they decide the senator needs to be eliminated before election day, Barnes and his team go on the run to keep them safe. How elected officials use the night to consolidate power and eliminate opponents proved an interesting tag for viewers.

Airing in tangent with the 2016 election, The Purge: Election Year had one of the best naturally occurring advertising campaigns in recent years. They took full advantage of the timing, with commercials that mimicked the then-omnipresent political ads of the Clinton/Trump campaign. As a result, this installment takes more of a political approach than its predecessors, while also serving as a social commentary on the power of organized religion and the influence of money in politics.

Rent on AppleTV+

The Forever Purge (2021)

The Forever Purge is the most recent installment of the franchise and also the last one, chronologically speaking. The film picks up where The Purge: Election Year left off. In this movie, Senator Roan is no longer in power, and the NFFA is back to conducting the annual Purge night like normal. However, what sets this event apart is that the violence doesn't stop once the night is over... which is a truly terrifying thought!

Related: The Forever Purge: Why It's the Most Realistic Entry in the Franchise

This movie brought in over $500 million at the box office, which was made more impressive due to being one of the first major box office hits following the year-long theater shutdown of the COVID-19 pandemic. Released over the 4th of July weekend, this film, along with F9: The Fast Saga, which was released a week prior, helped Universal Pictures dominate the market. Reviews seemed mixed between critics and fans, but many were still pleased with director Everardo Gout's work. There are heavy political overtones, as well as some successful horror elements among the overarching dread.

Stream on Max

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How to Watch The Purge Movies by Order of Release Date

Is it absolutely necessary to watch The Purge movies in chronological order? Absolutely not. For those who appreciate viewing The Purge movies in order of release date because that is how it was shown to audiences, they need not worry. Reliving the experience of seeing a new entry in a horror series is downright pulse-pounding, and we're here to help.

Those wanting to watch The Purge series in order of release date can use the following.

With the sixth installment said to be in production (bringing back James DeMonaco as director), fans will have to wait and see what's next. Will audiences get to see how other countries have fared? Or will they continue to follow the fires stoked by the 'forever' Purge? Only time will tell.

So, whether you're planning to binge the franchise all in one night or make a whole month out of it, remember - take some time for self-care in between... even if that self-care entails refilling the popcorn bucket. Be prepared for one hell of a wild ride into dystopian America and beyond.

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