The Purge franchise overview
The Purge is a horror franchise built around an annual 12-hour period when most crimes, including murder, are legal. Across the series it explores class, power, and moral collapse through escalating violence and societal breakdown. The core lineup includes the original The Purge (2013), The Purge: Anarchy (2014), The Purge: Election Year (2016), The First Purge (2018), and The Forever Purge (2021). There are also short films and related media, while the planned direction of the universe has shifted after Disney’s acquisition of 20th Century Studios. This guide explains where each movie is currently available to watch or buy in the U.S.
Quick availability at a glance
The table below summarizes where you can legally stream or purchase each Purge movie in the United States as of mid-2025. Platforms and licenses are subject to change, so it is best to check the service directly before you click play.
| Movie | Streaming (subscription) | Digital rental / purchase | Physical media |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Purge (2013) | Hulu, Max (varies) | Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, Vudu | DVD, Blu-ray |
| The Purge: Anarchy (2014) | Hulu, Max (varies) | Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, Vudu | DVD, Blu-ray |
| The Purge: Election Year (2016) | Hulu, Max (varies) | Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, Vudu | DVD, Blu-ray |
| The First Purge (2018) | Hulu, Peacock (rotates) | Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, Vudu | DVD, Blu-ray |
| The Forever Purge (2021) | Hulu | Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, Vudu | Blu-ray (DVD limited) |
The Purge (2013)
The inaugural film introduces the rules and high concept of the annual Purge. It focuses on a seemingly perfect suburban family that finds their carefully planned night threatened when strangers beg for refuge. The movie established the aesthetic and underlying critique of inequality in the franchise. For most viewers, The Purge streams on Hulu and has appeared on Max; it remains available for digital rental or purchase on leading platforms.
Fast facts
- Director: James DeMonaco
- Run time: 83 minutes
- Release year: 2013
- Where to stream: Hulu (core subscription), Max (rotates in/out)
- Where to buy: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, Vudu
The Purge: Anarchy (2014)
A significant step up in action and political satire, Anarchy follows several characters on the streets of Los Angeles during the Purge. It leans harder into social commentary and has some of the most intense set pieces in the series. It is broadly available on Hulu and has rotated onto Max, with digital copies widely sold across storefronts.
Fast facts
- Director: James DeMonaco
- Run time: 107 minutes
- Release year: 2014
- Where to stream: Hulu, Max (rotates)
- Where to buy: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, Vudu
The Purge: Election Year (2016)
This chapter pushes the political allegory further, trapping political figures inside the violence of the night. It features stronger action sequences and more overt commentary on power. In practice, you can usually stream it on Hulu and Max depending on regional rotation, and it is sold digitally by all major retailers.
Fast facts
- Director: James DeMonaco
- Run time: 124 minutes
- Release year: 2016
- Where to stream: Hulu, Max (rotates)
- Where to buy: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, Vudu
The First Purge (2018)
A prequel/soft reboot that roots the Purge in government experiments and propaganda, The First Purge explores how the event came to be accepted. It has a grittier look and different pacing. Availability swings between Hulu and Peacock, so checking your local catalog is recommended. All digital storefronts carry it for rent or purchase.
Fast facts
- Director: Gerard McMurray
- Run time: 125 minutes
- Release year: 2018
- Where to stream: Hulu, Peacock (rotates)
- Where to buy: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, Vudu
The Forever Purge (2021)
The latest mainline entry moves beyond the single night and imagines a permanent Purge after a second American civil war. It also expands the lore with references to the wider Purge universe. Currently it lives on Hulu as a core subscriber benefit and is sold in digital formats everywhere else.
Fast facts
- Director: Everardo Valerio Gout
- Run time: 141 minutes
- Release year: 2021
- Where to stream: Hulu (core subscription)
- Where to buy: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, Vudu
How licensing and regional availability work
Streaming rights for the Purge movies rotate among services based on licensing windows. That is why a movie might be on Hulu one month and move to Max or Peacock later. If a platform is listed as rotates, it does not mean the film is always there; it depends on the current license. Digital buy/rent options are more stable and typically available across all major storefronts.
Which version to choose and when it matters
For most viewers, choosing where to watch depends on whether you want to save money or own a copy. If you already subscribe to Hulu, start there for convenience. If you prefer an ad-free experience or broader catalog access, renting or buying digitally is straightforward. Physical media fans may prefer Blu-ray for best picture quality and special features. The right choice depends on your TV setup, internet access, and whether you value access flexibility or permanent ownership.
Comparing ways to watch
| Method | Cost model | Access stability | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subscription streaming (Hulu/Max) | Monthly fee | Variable (licenses change) | Viewers who already subscribe |
| Digital rental | One-time fee, 48-hour window | High (stable as long as store exists) | Occasional viewers who want flexibility |
| Digital purchase | Higher one-time fee | High (permanent access) | Frequent viewers and collectors |
| Physical media | Upfront purchase | Permanent with no account needed | Audiovisual quality seekers and collectors |
Short verdict at a glance
To watch all the Purge movies quickly: start with Hulu for the broadest current access, then rent or buy specific titles on Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, or Google Play if you want permanent access or a particular movie is not on subscription. For collectors, Blu-ray remains the highest-quality option.
Alternatives, extras, and what’s next
Beyond the main features, some shorter films and marketing tie-ins exist in the Purge universe, though they are not core to following the main continuity. Future films are currently in development limbo as the studio recalibrates the brand after recent corporate shifts. If availability changes, check your local catalog or digital storefronts; rental and purchase options tend to remain reliable long after a title leaves streaming.
FAQ
Reader questions
Do I need more than one streaming service to watch every Purge movie?
Yes, because each service rotates titles. Subscribers often need to use Hulu plus another platform (such as Max or Peacock) depending on regional windows. Digital purchase avoids this issue entirely.
Can I buy the movies on disc instead of streaming?
Yes. All five main films are available on DVD and Blu-ray, and physical editions include standard and special editions depending on the title.
Are any Purge movies coming to new streaming services soon?
Licensing shifts over time, and after Disney’s acquisition of 20th Century Studios, long term streaming homes can change. Check your platform’s catalog regularly for newly added titles. Digital rental and purchase options remain broadly available and are the most stable way to ensure access.