The First Purge

R

Released Jul 4, 2018

1 hr. 37 min.

Action

Mystery & Thriller

Horror

TRAILER

for The First Purge: Trailer 1

List

56%

174 Reviews

Tomatometer

27%

2,500+ Ratings

Audience Score

To push the crime rate below one percent for the rest of the year, the New Founding Fathers of America try a radical sociological experiment that allows citizens to vent their aggression for one night in an isolated community. The idea soon explodes across the nation when the violence of the oppressors meets the rage of the marginalized.

Read More

Read Less

Watch on Fandango at Home

Premiered Jan 16

Buy Now

Fandango at Home

Netflix

Prime Video

Apple TV

Watch The First Purge with a subscription on Netflix, rent on Fandango at Home, Prime Video, Apple TV, or buy on Fandango at Home, Prime Video, Apple TV.

Critics Consensus

The First Purge should satisfy fans of the franchise and filmgoers in the mood for violent vicarious thrills, even if its subtextual reach exceeds its grasp.

Read Critics Reviews

Dan R

One of my favourite genres of films are those that look into dystopian worlds and futures. Recently I realised I'd never seen all of the films within 'The Purge' franchise, so with that in mind I decided to check into the bloody and unforgiving universe that these films live in. In chronological order within the universe: 'The First Purge' (2018) This film sets out how the Founding Fathers took control of America and their implementation of the first Purge in the small, impoverished, area of Staten Island. The true reasons behind The Purge are revealed here and it's a lot darker than we'd ever expect. This information serves us well for the rest of the franchise. (8/10) 'The Purge' (2013) The original film feels a lot smaller in scale as it takes place within one household rather than a sprawling city scape. However, this is probably the best acted film within the franchise with Ethan Hawke putting in an exceptional performance. You'll probably never look at your neighbours the same way again after this. (8/10) 'The Purge: Anarchy' (2014) Anarchy by name and it's anarchy by nature as Frank Grillo's character heads out for revenge on Purge night, but gets caught up in something more visceral. This film drives the franchise forward and sets up characters and scenarios that'll appear later in this universe. (7/10) 'The Purge: Election Year' (2016) Grillo's character returns but this time as a secret service agent who's assigned the task of keeping a Presidential candidate alive during The Purge. The corruption of the Government is revealed as they change the rules of The Purge so they can remain in power. It's an intriguing look at how power corrupts absolutely. It's a bloody escapade of survival and redemption. (8/10) 'The Forever Purge' (2021) This film shows America in complete chaos after 8 Purge free years, but with The Purge now returning after an election win for the Founding Fathers. As The Purge ends people rebel and act against immigrants and the rich. 'The Forever Purge' really highlights societal issues going on presently in America. The film's strengths really stand in its strong cast and a visceral rip-roarer of a story. It's a great way to end the franchise even though it appears we'll now get further films. (8/10) Overall this is a great franchise which also spawned an Amazon Prime TV series. It's certainly a universe I'd like to see more of in the future. It's very raw in its vision, delivery and philosophy. Make it happen Hollywood.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

03/06/24

Full Review

Gaming U

Dimitri is a god. Only reason this movie gets 5 stars

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/20/24

Full Review

Audience Member

Horrible. Really bad. Boring. Honestly I couldn’t care less who lives or dies

Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars

01/23/24

Full Review

Kendrah S

The absolutely ridiculous "We mexicans leave messages for each other" cringe was the icing on the cake. The concept of The Purge could have so much potential if sequels keep getting greenlit, but they need to invest in good dialogue.

Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars

01/16/24

Full Review

Yash B

Leave it to the "Purge" franchise to take yet another good idea and make it mediocre. "The First Purge" decides to go the prequel route which could have been interesting, but it just gets boring and repetitive at a point. There is some solid action and even some thrills but the movie sadly is another entry that solidifies this franchise as wasted potential. I really don't see what makes these movies so popular, because they keep making more, which means people watch them. Overall, if you like these movies, maybe you'll like this one, but if you're like me and feel indifferent, this one probably won't win you over.

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

01/03/24

Full Review

Thomas M

The direction they went with this installment was terrible.

Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars

01/03/24

Full Review

Read all reviews

Post a rating

Gerard McMurray

Director

Y'lan Noel

Dmitri

Lex Scott Davis

Nya

Joivan Wade

Isaiah

Mugga

Dolores

Patch Darragh

Chief of Staff -- Arlo Sabian

Show Less Cast & Crew

Show More Cast & Crew

The First Purge: Official Clip - The Last Stand

2:39

The First Purge: Official Clip - I Got Your Sister

2:14

The First Purge: Official Clip - Viral Violence

1:36

The First Purge: Official Clip - A Dance With Death

3:03

The First Purge: Official Clip - Stairway To Hell

1:48

The First Purge: Official Clip - The Devil at the Door

2:22

The First Purge: Official Clip - Star Spangled Murder

1:50

The First Purge: Official Clip - Fire Fight

0:49

The First Purge: Official Clip - Drone Strike

1:37

The First Purge: Official Clip - Taking Back The Streets

3:01

View more videos

55%

48%

The Purge: Election Year

TRAILER

for The Purge: Election Year

49%

78%

The Forever Purge

TRAILER

for The Forever Purge

58%

56%

The Purge: Anarchy

54%

40%

The Belko Experiment

TRAILER

for The Belko Experiment

81%

67%

Overlord

TRAILER

for Overlord

Discover more movies and TV shows.

View More

An Oral History of the Purge Movies with Jason Blum and James DeMonaco

18 Rotten Movies We Loved from 2018

Terror Stalks the Outback in Wolf Creek Season 2 Teaser Debut

The First Purge: Behind the Scenes - Escalation

1:05

The First Purge: Behind the Scenes - Relevant

0:50

The First Purge: Behind the Scenes - Bringing the Chaos

1:16

The First Purge: Trailer 1

2:31

The First Purge: Teaser Trailer 'Announcement'

0:30

View more videos

View more photos

J. R. Jones

Chicago Reader

Unfortunately the characters are so poorly written that the political provocations hang in the air like birthday balloons.

Mar 4, 2020

Full Review

Mark Kermode

Kermode & Mayo's Film Review

It's efficiently done. It's quite grueling. And what I like about it is that central idea... It's solid.

Aug 28, 2018

Full Review

Simran Hans

Observer (UK)

The Purge films are B-movies, and so this ultraviolence mostly works, though its social commentary is served a little too rare to stomach easily.

Rated: 3/5

Jul 7, 2018

Full Review

Keith Garlington

Keith & the Movies

Despite its goofiness and inflated sense of relevance, “The First Purge” is serviceable throwaway entertainment....But it’s still not a movie to recommend. It’s more of the same in slightly (and I do mean slightly) different packaging.

Rated: 2/5

Aug 20, 2022

Full Review

Brian Eggert

Deep Focus Review

Placing its B-movie objectives above its political motivations, The First Purge misses an opportunity to be about something more.

Rated: 1.5/4

Mar 11, 2022

Full Review

Taylor Baker

Drink in the Movies

...a mindless continuation of what was once an enticing franchise.

Rated: 20/100

Aug 22, 2021

Full Review

Read all reviews

Synopsis

To push the crime rate below one percent for the rest of the year, the New Founding Fathers of America try a radical sociological experiment that allows citizens to vent their aggression for one night in an isolated community. The idea soon explodes across the nation when the violence of the oppressors meets the rage of the marginalized.

Director: Gerard McMurray
Executive Producer: James DeMonaco, Steven R. Molen, Jeanette Volturno, Couper Samuelson
Screenwriter: James DeMonaco
Distributor: Universal Pictures
Production Co: Blumhouse Productions, Platinum Dunes, Perfect World Pictures
Rating: R (Pervasive Language|Drug Use|Some Sexuality|Strong Disturbing Violence)
Genre: Action, Mystery & Thriller, Horror
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jul 4, 2018, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Sep 18, 2018
Box Office (Gross USA): $68.9M
Sound Mix: Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital
Aspect Ratio: Scope (2.35:1)

Most Popular at Home Now