🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: James DeMonaco
- Genre: Action, Horror, Sci-Fi, Thriller
- Release year: 2014
- Runtime (length): 1h 43min
- IMDb rating: 6.4/10 (167K votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 56%
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
A cop with a vendetta chaperones a struggling mom and her judgy daughter, plus a bickering couple, through a night of legalized chaos and unexpectedly decides *not* to be a murderer, because feelings.
🍿 The Purge: Anarchy: Detailed Plot Synopsis
Setting the Stage: The Eve of Anarchy
The film opens in Los Angeles just hours before the annual Purge. We are introduced to three separate groups: Eva and her daughter Cali, a couple named Shane and Liz on the verge of separation, and Sergeant Leo Barnes, a man with a personal vendetta to settle. These characters are each navigating the growing tension and fear as the Purge approaches, unaware that their paths are about to collide amidst the chaos.

Stranded and Vulnerable
As the Purge commences, Shane and Liz find themselves stranded when their car is sabotaged, making them easy targets for a gang of masked Purgers. Eva and Cali are attacked in their apartment, saved only by the intervention of Sergeant Barnes. These events force the groups together, relying on each other for survival as they navigate the dangerous streets of Los Angeles.

Navigating the Urban Wasteland
The group faces a series of harrowing encounters as they move through the city. They are pursued by various groups of Purgers, including organized hunters and government forces aiming to manipulate the Purge’s outcome. The journey tests their resilience and forces them to confront the brutal realities of the Purge and the social inequalities it exposes.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Sergeant (Leo Barnes) (Frank Grillo): A hardened sergeant initially seeking revenge during the Purge, who becomes a reluctant protector of others.
- Eva Sanchez (Carmen Ejogo): A struggling waitress trying to protect her daughter during the Purge after her father sacrifices himself.
- Cali (Zoë Soul): Eva’s daughter, who is vocal about her moral opinions and becomes a voice of reason during the Purge.
- Shane (Zach Gilford): A man stranded with his wife during the Purge, attempting to survive amidst relationship issues.
- Liz (Kiele Sanchez): A woman stranded with her husband during the Purge, who transforms after experiencing a great loss.
- Big Daddy (Jack Conley): A leader of a group of Purgers organizing and participating in the night’s violence, acting as a primary antagonist.
- Carmelo Johns (Michael Kenneth Williams): An anti-Purge revolutionary fighting against the New Founding Fathers and seeking to protect the vulnerable.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Carmelo Johns: “Fuck the New Founding Fathers! Fuck you! Fuck your money! And motherfuck the Purge!” – A rebellious act against the establishment that promotes the Purge.
- Big Daddy: “The Purge is no time or place to be a hero.” – Big Daddy’s cynical view on the Purge
💰Box Office
- Budget: $9,000,000
- Domestic Gross: $71,962,800
- Worldwide Gross: $111,928,365
💥 The Purge: Anarchy Reviews
Personal Review
Okay, I admit it, I was pleasantly surprised. ‘The Purge: Anarchy’ is way better than the first one. It actually explores the premise and it’s so much more than just a home invasion movie. The Sergeant was a total badass, and I was actually rooting for him and the others to survive. I loved how messed up and dark the whole thing felt.
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of action horror and dystopian thrillers”
- “Viewers interested in social commentary through genre films”
- “Those who enjoy films with high-stakes survival scenarios”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Intense violence and gore”
- “Strong language”
- “Mature themes including murder, social inequality, and political commentary”
Professional Reviews
- Variety: “Though burdened by heavy-handed social commentary and predictable horror tropes, ‘The Purge: Anarchy’ manages to deliver a visceral and suspenseful experience. Frank Grillo’s stoic performance adds a much-needed dose of intensity.
- The Hollywood Reporter: ” ‘The Purge: Anarchy’ expands upon the premise of the original, showcasing the chaos in the streets, but falls short on character development. Grillo’s presence elevates the action, but the film’s message is muddled.
- IGN: “More action-packed than its predecessor, ‘Anarchy’ takes the Purge to the streets with mixed results. While the social commentary lacks subtlety, the film provides a thrilling ride thanks to Frank Grillo and intense set pieces.
Audience Reactions
The action sequences are intense and well-choreographed, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats.: Fans appreciated the expanded scope and exploration of the Purge concept beyond a single house.
Frank Grillo’s performance as the Sergeant was a standout, praised for his intensity and screen presence.: Viewers found the film’s social commentary thought-provoking, sparking discussions about class and justice.
Overall Consensus: A step up from the original, ‘The Purge: Anarchy’ delivers intense action and social commentary, though it occasionally suffers from predictability and heavy-handedness. Frank Grillo’s performance is a highlight.
Awards
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “Director James DeMonaco has stated that the Purge films are meant to be social commentary on American society, particularly gun violence and class inequality.”
- “Frank Grillo performed many of his own stunts in the film, adding to the intensity and realism of his character.”
- “The film’s budget was only $9 million, a relatively small amount for a Hollywood action-horror movie. It grossed over $111 million worldwide.”
🖥️ How to Watch The Purge: Anarchy?
The Purge: Anarchy is available for streaming on platforms such as Prime Video and Apple TV, where it can be rented or purchased. Check local listings for television airings. Physical copies on Blu-ray and DVD can be purchased from major retailers such as Amazon and Walmart, providing various viewing options for fans.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed The Purge: Anarchy, you might like these similar films:
- Escape from New York (1981): Both films feature a protagonist navigating a dangerous, lawless urban environment, fighting for survival against violent factions.
- Assault on Precinct 13 (1976): A group of individuals must band together to defend themselves against overwhelming forces in a confined location.
- Doomsday (2008): Features a team venturing into a quarantined, lawless area to retrieve something vital, facing brutal gangs and a descent into societal collapse.
- The Warriors (1979): Like The Purge: Anarchy, this movie is about a group of people trying to traverse a dangerous urban landscape filled with hostile gangs and individuals.
🛒 The Purge: Anarchy Related Products
- The Purge: 4-Movie Collection [Blu-ray]: The Purge complete movies in bluray format. Limited edition box set featuring all films in the chilling franchise. Perfect for collectors and horror fans.
- The Purge Board Game: A strategy board game based on the Purge universe, where players must make difficult decisions to survive the night. It’s a test of strategy, alliances, and morality.
- The Purge: Anarchy Movie Poster: A high-quality print of the official movie poster. Great for decorating fan caves, home theaters, or any space that needs a touch of dystopian horror.
- The Purge Inspired Mask: A creepy mask inspired by the Purge universe. Unique design, scary, great for cosplay or Halloween.
🎧 Soundtrack
The Purge: Anarchy features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
The Purge is a dystopian action horror franchise set in a near-future America where, for twelve hours each year, all crime, including murder, is legal. It explores the social, political, and economic implications of this concept.
The Purge: Anarchy is the second film in the franchise. It takes place one year after the events of the first movie, showcasing the broader effects of the Purge on society beyond a single home invasion.
Many viewers consider The Purge: Anarchy to be a superior film compared to the first installment. It expands upon the original’s premise by exploring the Purge on a city-wide scale, offering a broader perspective on its societal impact and featuring more action-oriented sequences.
🔥 Bonus Content
The Purge: Anarchy (2014) KILL COUNT
Ever wondered how many people get killed in The Purge: Anarchy? This video counts them all, giving you a gruesome insight into the film’s violent world.
Film Theory: How To WIN The Purge
If you were trapped in the Purge, what would you do to survive? This video explores that question, offering some clever and surprising strategies.
How To Beat The Purge Anarchy
If you’re ever faced with the Purge, you’ll want to watch this video first. It offers some great tips on how to stay alive and avoid becoming a victim.
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