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The First Purge 2018
Action thrillerCrime thrillerHorror thriller
A 2018 American dystopian action horror film, The First Purge functions as a prequel to the Purge series and marks the fourth film in the franchise. Written by James DeMonaco and directed by Gerard McMurray, this entry represents the first installment not helmed by DeMonaco. The movie features Y'lan Noel, Lex Scott Davis, Joivan Wade, and Steve Harris in leading roles.
The story explores how the annual "Purge" began—a 12-hour time frame when all criminal activity becomes legal to lower overall crime rates. This concept originated from a political group known as the New Founding Fathers of America, who tested it on Staten Island with financial incentives for participants. However, the NFFA ensured results through whatever methods were required.
Released on July 4, 2018 by Universal Pictures, The First Purge earned over $137 million globally, making it the top-grossing film in the series. Despite this success, critics gave it mixed reviews similar to previous films. The fifth movie, The Forever Purge, followed on July 2, 2021.
Cast
- Y'lan NoelDmitri Cimber
- Lex Scott DavisNya Charms
- Joivan WadeIsaiah Charms
- MuggaDolores
- Patch DarraghArlo Sabian/Chief of Staff
- Marisa TomeiDr. May Updale/The Architect
- Lauren VélezLuisa
- Kristen SolisSelina
- Rotimi PaulSkeletor
- Mo McRae7 & 7
- Jermel HowardLorenzo
- SiyaBlaise
- Christian RobinsonCapital A
- Steve HarrisFreddy
- Derek BascoTaz
- DK BowserSharpie
- Mitchell EdwardsKels
- Maria RiveraAnna
- Chyna LayneElsa
- Ian BlackmanNFFA President Bracken
- Melonie DiazJuani
- Naszir NanceTerence
- Peter JohnsonPastor Carl Almory
- Levy TranRoenick
- Kevin CarriganGeneral Smiley
- Desiignera member of Kels' crew
- Qurrat Ann Kadwaninews reporter #3
Crew
- Director
- Gerard McMurray
- Writer
- James DeMonaco
- Producer
- Jason Blum, Michael Bay, Andrew Form, Brad Fuller, Sébastien K. Lemercier
- Cinematography
- Anastas Michos
- Editing
- Jim Page
- Music
- Kevin Lax
Details
- Production
- Blumhouse Atomic, Man in a Tree Productions, Perfect World Pictures, Platinum Dunes, Universal Pictures
- Distributor
- Universal Pictures
- Budget
- $13 million
- Box office
- $137.1 million





