As a long-time fan who’s seen every Purge film and episode more times than I can count, I can confidently say that each installment has its own unique charm and merit. However, if I were to rank them from worst to best based on my personal experience, here’s how it would shake out:
Since its debut a decade ago, the The Purge franchise has held a captivating appeal for audiences. James DeMonaco’s dystopian horror series, depicting a future America where an annual crime spree solves all major societal issues, continues to be a widely-watched film series not only due to its graphic violence, but also because of how disturbingly realistic many aspects of it remain.
Over the past decade, a surge in popularity has led to the creation of five “Purge” movies and two seasons of a TV series. A sixth film is currently in development, aiming to further the narrative. But which movie in this ongoing horror franchise stands out as the best? That’s what we’ll be determining here. This article ranks every installment of the “Purge” franchise (thus far) from least favorite to most favorite.
Ranking Every Installment in The Purge Franchise
6. The Purge (2018-2019)
There’s definitely value in expanding the concept of The Purge into TV form, and DeMonaco and company definitely squeeze every drop of that value out of the two seasons of this USA original series. The show gave the franchise the opportunity to both explore the time between Purges and dig deeper into the events of a single harrowing Purge night, and for major fans of the saga, it’s also a big expansion of the world surrounding each Purge. That said, something about the ambition and internal tension of the films is lost in this format, so it comes in last even if it is worth watching.
5. The Purge (2013)
As a gamer, I’d say this movie that sparked the series is a must-revisit, especially considering the trials our nation has faced over the past decade. It delivers as a nerve-wracking home invasion thriller and a chilling high-concept horror film, setting the stage for a universe that would grow more immense and terrifying with each passing installment. However, it doesn’t quite match the grandeur of later films or the diversity brought by the expanding Purge ensemble. But fear not, it stands the test of time, perhaps even surpassing your initial memories of it.
4. The Forever Purge (2021)
In “The Forever Purge,” the latest installment initially conceived as the final chapter, the filmmakers certainly aim high. The story envisions a prolonged Purge, continuing even after the signal sirens have stopped, creating a chaotic landscape where characters from diverse backgrounds struggle to flee a rapidly deteriorating nation. While there’s excitement in exploring this concept, especially with the expanded world-building, it doesn’t quite reach the peaks of the series at its finest moments.
3. The Purge: Anarchy (2014)
Following the success of the initial film, DeMonaco was granted the opportunity to make a more impactful effort with a larger budget and expansive scope, resulting in an entertainingly chaotic experience – aptly named Anarchy. This installment offers some of the most chilling imagery throughout the series, demonstrates that the series thrives when it goes all out, and introduces Frank Grillo as Leo Barnes, the most captivating character introduced to the franchise thus far. It represents the first time the franchise attempts a larger-scale Purge, and it does so effectively.
2. The First Purge (2018)
Delving into the origins of the Purge concept, the movie The First Purge concentrates on its first implementation as a social experiment on Staten Island, New York. It may seem counterintuitive to move towards a smaller setting after two larger films, but The First Purge manages to avoid feeling small in any way. Boasting a strong ensemble primarily composed of Black actors and intricately designed world-building within the initial event, this film delivers some of the most poignant social commentary that the franchise has ever offered. Additionally, giving all participants glowing contact lenses to add an extra layer of eeriness certainly contributed to its effectiveness.
1. The Purge: Election Year (2016)
The external factors significant to the broader U.S. administration have always played a role in “The Purge” series, however, in “Election Year”, these background elements moved into focus as a popular politician battled through the night to survive and ultimately win an election, with the aim of improving the nation. Frank Grillo assumes a more prominent role as Leo Barnes, while Elizabeth Mitchell delivers a compelling performance as presidential candidate Charlie Roan, a character I hope to see again in future installments. I don’t believe there is a poor film in the “Purge” franchise, but I do believe there is a standout one, and that is “Election Year”.
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2024-09-10 19:17