The Purge: Anarchy (2014)
One night per year, the government sanctions a 12-hour period in which citizens can commit any crime they wish -- including murder -- without fear of punishment or imprisonment. Leo, a sergeant who lost his son, plans a vigilante mission of revenge during the mayhem. However, instead of a death-dealing avenger, he becomes the unexpected protector of four innocent strangers who desperately need his help if they are to survive the night.
Details
Budget
$9,000,000
Rating
7/10 (6456 votes)
Status
Released
Production Companies
Why Not Productions, Platinum Dunes, Blumhouse Productions, 5150 Action
About The Purge: Anarchy
The 2014 horror-thriller "The Purge: Anarchy" expands on the concept introduced in its predecessor, moving the action from a contained home invasion to the streets of a dystopian America. For one night each year, all crime, including murder, is legal for a 12-hour period. This installment follows Leo, a sergeant driven by personal loss, as he ventures out with a mission of revenge. His path soon converges with a group of strangers, shifting his role from avenger to an unexpected protector in the urban chaos.
The film explores themes of survival and class division within its horror framework. With a runtime of 103 minutes, it features keywords such as 'dystopia,' 'revenge,' 'murder,' and 'survival horror,' underscoring its violent and cautionary nature. While the film holds a 7 out of 10 average vote from over 6,400 IMDb users, critical reception was mixed, with a 58% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a 50/100 score on Metacritic.
Why you might be searching for The Purge: Anarchy
People are often searching for details about specific moments or themes from the movie, such as the dangerous and unpredictable nature of the Purge night, or how characters navigate the chaotic streets. Queries also reflect interest in the film's satirical take on class division, particularly how the poor cope with the annual night of terror. Some searches also focus on character interactions or memorable lines of dialogue.
What reviewers are saying
One reviewer found that "The Purge: Anarchy" successfully delivered on the initial premise of the franchise, which they felt the first film had not fully explored.
Read the full reviewA review noted that this sequel offered an interesting perspective by focusing on how less affluent characters deal with the Purge night, though it criticized the acting and effectiveness of jump scares.
Read the full reviewAnother reviewer drew comparisons between the film's final act and the class-dividing futures depicted in works like 'Black Mirror,' 'Hostel,' and 'The Hunger Games,' despite finding the writing less engaging.
Read the full reviewOne opinion stated that the film failed to expand on the Purge's bigger picture, ultimately resulting in a chaotic display of violence without significant emotional depth or a clear story.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Common questions about finding and identifying movies
You can stream "The Purge: Anarchy" on Netflix. It is also available for rent or purchase on platforms like Amazon Video, Fandango at Home, and Apple TV Store. Physical copies on DVD and Blu-ray can be purchased from retailers such as Amazon and Barnes & Noble.
"The Purge: Anarchy" is not based on a true story. It is a fictional American action horror film set in a dystopian near-future where all crimes are legalized for a 12-hour period once a year.
In the ending of "The Purge: Anarchy," Leo enters a house to confront Warren Grass, the man who killed his son in a drunk driving accident. Despite earlier pleas from Eva and Cali to abandon his revenge, Leo chooses to forgive Warren and spares him. As Leo exits the house, he is shot by Big Daddy, who reveals that the New Founding Fathers of America (NFFA) secretly deploy death squads to increase Purge casualties among the lower class. Warren then kills Big Daddy, and just as Big Daddy's death squad approaches, sirens sound, signaling the end of the Purge and making Big Daddy's death legal. Warren then takes Leo, Eva, and Cali to the hospital.
Critics gave "The Purge: Anarchy" mixed reviews, with a 58% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, but many noted it was an improvement over its predecessor. Some viewers found it surprisingly enjoyable with action-packed twists, while others felt it still had flaws like horror movie tropes and annoying characters, despite its ambition and Frank Grillo's performance.