purge parents guide

3 min read 01-03-2025

The Purge franchise has earned a reputation for its graphic violence and disturbing content. This parents guide will help you decide if the movies are appropriate for your children. We'll cover each film individually, detailing the violence, language, and other mature themes present. Knowing this information beforehand can help you make an informed decision about whether or not your kids should watch.

What is The Purge?

The Purge films depict a dystopian future in America where, for 12 hours once a year, all crime—including murder—is legal. The premise explores themes of class warfare, social inequality, and the darker aspects of human nature. While the premise itself might sound intriguing to some teens, the execution is far from family-friendly.

Purge Movie Breakdown and Parents Guide:

Each Purge movie contains different levels of intensity, so we'll break them down individually. This guide focuses on the main plot points and doesn't delve into minor details to avoid spoilers.

The Purge (2013):

Violence: Extremely graphic violence, including stabbings, shootings, and brutal murders. The film doesn't shy away from showing the aftermath of the violence.
Language: Strong language, including frequent use of profanity and offensive terms.
Mature Themes: The film explores themes of classism, social inequality, and the breakdown of societal order. These themes are presented through intense and disturbing scenarios.
Overall: Definitely not appropriate for children or younger teens. Mature audiences might find it disturbing as well. Parental guidance is strongly advised. Rated R.

The Purge: Anarchy (2014):

Violence: Even more graphic and intense violence than the first film. The violence is more widespread and chaotic.
Language: Strong language, similar to the first film.
Mature Themes: Expands on the social commentary themes of the first film, with a greater emphasis on the consequences of unchecked violence.
Overall: Even more violent and disturbing than the first film. Absolutely not for children or teens. Rated R.

The Purge: Election Year (2016):

Violence: Continues the trend of graphic violence, although perhaps slightly less frequent than Anarchy.
Language: Strong language remains present.
Mature Themes: Political themes are more prominent, exploring the implications of the Purge on the political landscape.
Overall: Still extremely violent and not suitable for children or young teens. Rated R.

The First Purge (2018):

Violence: While still violent, it's arguably less graphic than the previous films, though still disturbing.
Language: Strong language is used throughout.
Mature Themes: Explores the origins of the Purge and the political motivations behind its creation.
Overall: Less graphic than the other films, but still unsuitable for young viewers due to its violence and mature themes. Rated R.

The Forever Purge (2021):

Violence: Features intense and graphic violence, continuing the series' trend.
Language: Strong language persists.
Mature Themes: Focuses on the societal breakdown and the consequences of the Purge's escalation.
Overall: The violence and mature themes make this unsuitable for young audiences. Rated R.

Things to Consider When Deciding if Your Child Can Watch:

Your Child's Maturity Level: Even among teens, maturity levels vary greatly. Consider your child's sensitivity to violence and disturbing content.
Your Family Values: The films explore dark themes that might conflict with your family's values.
Watch it First: Before letting your child watch, watch it yourself to determine its suitability.

Conclusion:

The Purge movies are not suitable for children or most teenagers. The graphic violence, strong language, and disturbing themes make them inappropriate for young audiences. This guide provides a helpful overview but ultimately, the decision of whether or not to let your children watch rests with you. Use this information to make an informed choice based on your family's values and your child's maturity level. Remember to always check the film's rating and read reviews before making a decision.