The Purge

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The Purge

R

2013

1h 25m

Mystery & Thriller

Horror

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

41%

Tomatometer

155 Reviews

36%

Popcornmeter

50,000+ Ratings

In an America ravaged by crime and overcrowded prisons, the government sanctions an annual 12-hour period during which all criminal activity -- including murder -- is legal. James Sandin and his family face the ultimate test when an intruder drags the vicious outside world into their home. James, Mary and their two children struggle to survive the night while trying not to turn into monsters like the ones they are striving to avoid.

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Critics Consensus

Half social allegory, half home-invasion thriller, The Purge attempts to make an intelligent point, but ultimately devolves into numbing violence and tired clichés.

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Sarah Marshall

Bitch Media

Feb 11, 2021

For all its willingness to serve the viewer generous dollops of violence, noise, and terror, The Purge is oddly lacking in energy.

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Candice Frederick

Reel Talk Online

Sep 7, 2017

C+

... though the film struggles to flesh out this rather Dystopian concept (something nearly every futuristic film has these days), it succeeds in its gripping suspense and romantic eye for violence.

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Larushka Ivan-Zadeh

metro.co.uk

Sep 5, 2017

3/5

An entertaining and deeply unsettling premonition of the state the US's obsession with guns may leave it in.

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JD Duran

InSession Film

Aug 20, 2024

C+

The big thing with this film is the same thing with every film in this genre; it's extremely predictable and the characters do things they would never do in real life.

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Patrick Cavanaugh

The Wolfman Cometh

Sep 20, 2023

2/5

Introduces an entirely fresh and interesting premise and universe, only to completely squander that potential with a generic home-invasion thriller.

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Brian Eggert

Deep Focus Review

Sep 6, 2022

1.5/4

Whereas DeMonaco tries to say something is deeply wrong with a society that needs to purge its violent impulses, it’s unsettling to sit in a crowd that completely misses the point.

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Anthony

Mar 31, 2024

Perhaps in 2013, it was a good movie but watching it with today's standards, this movie felt like it didn't have the same edge to it.

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Owen S

@RT91026554 1 hr ago

It was really good. I loved it. do not listen to the people who do not like this movie, I just wish the main character did not die...

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Cyrus L

@RT78903845 4 days ago

The characters have not a single brain cell, much like the writer himself.

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Axl R

@HeroponRiki Oct 25, 2026

The Purge explores existential human questions through a thrilling dystopian home-invasion story. It’s fast pacing combined with deep themes about humanity and government propaganda work together to create a truly unforgettable and unique experience. While some logical fallacies prevent it from being a true masterpiece, it still remains a work of significant creativity and modern context.

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Hoodiemelo 7

@Hoodiemelo7 Oct 23, 2026

War of the Worlds (2004) and The Purge know how to make insufferable kids I'll say that.

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Arch S

@TheManWithNoName Oct 22, 2026

It’s just a home invasion movie. The only good use of its potential was the opening credits. The other movies are better. No need to waste your time on this.

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James DeMonaco

Director

Ethan Hawke

James Sandin

Lena Headey

Mary Sandin

Adelaide Kane

Zoey Sandin

Max Burkholder

Charlie Sandin

Edwin Hodge

Bloody Stranger

The Purge: Official Clip - Home Invasion

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Synopsis

In an America ravaged by crime and overcrowded prisons, the government sanctions an annual 12-hour period during which all criminal activity -- including murder -- is legal. James Sandin and his family face the ultimate test when an intruder drags the vicious outside world into their home. James, Mary and their two children struggle to survive the night while trying not to turn into monsters like the ones they are striving to avoid.

Director: James DeMonaco
Producer: Jason Blum, Sebastien K. Lemercier, Michael Bay, Andrew Form, Brad Fuller
Screenwriter: James DeMonaco
Distributor: Universal Pictures
Production Co: Platinum Dunes, Blumhouse, Why Not Productions
Rating: R (Strong Disturbing Violence|Some Language)
Genre: Mystery & Thriller, Horror
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jun 7, 2013, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Sep 24, 2013
Runtime: 1h 25m
Sound Mix: SDDS, Dolby SRD, DTS

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