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
Expanding on the premise introduced in its predecessor, "The Purge: Anarchy" portrays a 12-hour period during which all crime, including murder, is legal. This 2014 thriller moves the action from a contained home invasion to a wider urban environment. A sergeant, motivated by personal loss, aims to enact revenge during this violent night but becomes the protector for a group of strangers. The narrative explores themes of survival and the moral compromises made during the annual Purge.
The film leans into horror and thriller elements, highlighted by keywords like "dystopia," "revenge," and "survival horror." It received a 58% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a 50/100 on Metacritic, with an IMDb rating of 6.4 from over 171,000 votes. Despite mixed critical reception, its premise resonates, depicting a society where violence is openly sanctioned and exploring its impact on both individuals and the broader community.
Why you might be searching for The Purge: Anarchy
People are often searching for "The Purge: Anarchy" based on its memorable dystopian premise, particularly the concept of a sanctioned period of lawlessness. Searches mention the "1 day of year can break the law" aspect. Other queries relate to specific violent scenarios, like a "man dressed in a hat and face painting speaking creole," or the film's general atmosphere of chaos and survival, including the presence of masked figures and weaponry.
What reviewers are saying
One reviewer found that while the first film squandered its promising concept, this sequel effectively delivers on the premise.
Read the full reviewA review noted that this installment provided an interesting perspective by showing how less affluent citizens cope with the night of terror, though it found the acting and scares unremarkable.
Read the full reviewAnother reviewer described the film as a "mess," arguing that despite attempting to broaden the scope of the Purge, it ultimately lacked emotional depth and a cohesive narrative, offering little more than bloodshed.
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 to rent or buy on Prime Video.
No, The Purge: Anarchy is not based on a true story. It is a fictional action horror film set in a dystopian future United States where all crimes are legal for 12 hours once a year.
At the end of The Purge: Anarchy, Leo confronts Warren Grass, the man who killed his son while driving drunk. Leo initially plans to kill Warren, but ultimately spares him. As Leo leaves, he is shot by Big Daddy, who reveals that the New Founding Fathers of America (NFFA) dispatch death squads to increase the Purge's body count, specifically targeting the lower class. Warren then kills Big Daddy, saving Leo, and the sirens mark the end of the Purge, making Big Daddy's death legal. Warren, Eva, Cali, and Leo head to the hospital.
The Purge: Anarchy received mixed reviews from critics, with a 58% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. It was generally considered an improvement over its predecessor, though some critics found its formula and screenplay cliché. Audiences gave it an average grade of "B" on CinemaScore.