The First Purge

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2:31

The First Purge

R

2018

1h 37m

Action

Mystery & Thriller

Horror

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

55%

Tomatometer

175 Reviews

28%

Popcornmeter

2,500+ Ratings

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.

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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.

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J. R. Jones

Chicago Reader

03/04/2020

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

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Mark Kermode

Kermode & Mayo's Film Review

08/28/2018

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

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Simran Hans

Observer (UK)

07/07/2018

3/5

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.

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Mike Massie

Gone With The Twins

11/08/2024

3/10

The entertainment value is about the same as before, failing to change up the formula to a worthwhile degree – even if the finale (disappointingly doused in CG blood effects and largely repetitive) is appropriately action-packed and bloodthirsty.

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Rolando Gallego

EscribiendoCine

09/11/2024

6/10

Although it is fiction, its disturbing resemblance to reality makes this installment a minor entry within the saga, although it still maintains its validity as social criticism. [Full review in Spanish]

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Aaron Charles

InSession Film

05/09/2024

C

It is a confused movie for a confusing time.

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Bryan Keegan

01/10/2025

I didn’t see this movie

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Blake- N

@PBSAniDom Apr 19

The First Purge tries to expand the franchise by showing how it all began, but it ends up feeling more forgettable than impactful. The concept of exploring the origins should have added depth, yet the film mostly sticks to familiar beats without offering much that’s new. There are a few engaging moments, and the setting has some potential, but the characters aren’t developed enough to leave a lasting impression. The film leans more on action than tension, which takes away from the unsettling tone that made earlier entries stand out. It’s not bad, just very average and easy to forget once it’s over. A 5/10 feels about right.

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Shawan L

@ShawanLLibang Mar 4

The First Purge feels like it showed up to the franchise with vibes only. It swings for "gritty origin story" and lands squarely on "straight‑to‑DVD chaos," with villains who look like they got lost on the way to a different movie and social commentary that tries so hard it pulls a muscle. It’s loud, empty, and somehow still forgettable.

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Damon G

@Dmoney420 Feb 22

Loved how it showed gangsters saving their projects loved this one best out of the whole franchise

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Robbie L.

@B-movies1981 Oct 26

This was a great start to the series. I liked the message it tried to get across. It makes me sad that in the world they survived turned into the world of the sequels. Knowing what comes next, makes it to where their fight was almost pointless.

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Mike H

@RT20287140 Aug 22

My favorite the purge movie!!

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Gerard McMurray

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Dmitri

Lex Scott Davis

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Patch Darragh

Chief of Staff -- Arlo Sabian

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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
Producer: Jason Blum, Michael Bay, Andrew Form, Brad Fuller, Sebastien K. Lemercier
Screenwriter: James DeMonaco
Distributor: Universal Pictures
Production Co: Platinum Dunes, Perfect World Pictures, Blumhouse Productions
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
Runtime: 1h 37m
Sound Mix: Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital
Aspect Ratio: Scope (2.35:1)