When The Hunger Games first hit theaters in 2012, it was an immediate box office hit. It launched the acting career of Jennifer Lawrence and skyrocketed her to stardom. It explored themes of rebellion, sacrifice, and the fight for freedom that made our teen and tween brains work overtime. And while a great deal has changed since the initial film release, “it’s a franchise that grows with you and gets richer with time,” as Mashable’s Elena Cavender pointed out.
Now, a new Hunger Games film is on its way, giving us all a chance to revisit the film franchise and the books that created it. Based on a 2020 book of the same name, The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes hits theaters Nov. 17, so you have plenty of time to catch up on the franchise, relive the excitement, or dive in for the very first time.
We’ve broken down everything you need to know to revisit The Hunger Games. But first, check out a sneak peek at the new film.
How many Hunger Games books and films are there?
There are a total of four books in the Hunger Games saga: The Hunger Games, Catching Fire, Mockingjay, and The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes. When the books were adapted for film, Director Francis Lawrence split Mockingjay into two films, which he now regrets, making a total of five films instead of four.
“In truth, we got more on the screen out of the book than we would’ve in any of the other movies because you’re getting close to four hours of screen time for the final book. But, I see and understand how it frustrated people,” Lawrence told People, regarding the splitting up of Mockingjay.
When does The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes come out?
The Hunger Games prequel film, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes opens nationwide in theaters on Nov. 17. An origin story following 18-year-old Coriolanus Snow, the new film gives viewers insight into how he became the evil president we meet in the Hunger Games series. Technically, you don’t need to watch the other films first, as this film is set 64 years prior to the first in the series. However, it certainly wouldn’t hurt to touch up on your knowledge of Panem before heading to theaters.
How to watch and read every Hunger Games
The Hunger Games films left Hulu in July 2023 and haven’t found a new streaming home, yet. That means you’re mostly out of luck if you’re hoping to stream the Hunger Games films on your favorite platforms. Currently, the only way to watch is to purchase or rent the films through video-on-demand services like Amazon, Vudu, iTunes, and Apple TV. Below, we’ve broken down the best ways to watch each of the films at the time of writing, as well as the best ways to read each of the four books.
The Hunger Games (2012)
Set in the post-apocalyptic nation of Panem, The Hunger Games introduces audiences to teenage Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence). Katniss volunteers to fill in for her younger sister, Prim, and compete in the Hunger Games to fight for her life, ultimately sparking a revolution. You can rent the first film in the franchise for only $1.74 at Amazon (reg. $3.99), which gives you 30 days to start watching and 48 hours to finish once you start. For those who prefer to own it as part of their digital collection, it’ll cost you just $7.74 at Amazon (save $2.25 compared to other digital retailers).
The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (2013)
Seeds of rebellion are growing in Panem in Catching Fire and as Katniss and Peeta travel through the districts on their victory tour, they can sense it. President Snow hosts another Hunger Games, but this time with a diabolical twist that finds Katniss once again fighting to survive. You can purchase the digital version of the film at Amazon for just $7.74 (reg. $9.99) or rent it for only $1.74 (reg. $3.99).
The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1 (2014)
The third book in Collins’ original trilogy was split into two separate films. Mockingjay — Part 1 follows Katniss as she adjusts to her new life in the rebellious and mysterious District 13. As a symbol of the revolution, she struggles to find her place amongst the other rebels. Meanwhile, Peeta is being held captive by the Capitol, which prompts a rescue mission. In order to watch the events unfold, you can purchase The Hunger Games: Mockingjay — Part 1 at Amazon for only $7.74 (reg. $9.99) or rent it for only $1.54.
The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2 (2015)
Katniss and Peeta join the revolution in Mockingjay — Part 2, the fourth and final film in the original Hunger Games franchise. It features the final showdown between Katniss and President Snow. Katniss and Peeta want to liberate the people of Panem; President Snow declares war. You can watch the film by purchasing a digital version at Amazon for $7.74 (reg. $9.99) or renting it for just $1.54 (reg. $3.99).
The Hunger Games
You really don’t know The Hunger Games until you’ve read the books. Revisit Panem from the source material by snagging a copy of the book by Suzanne Collins. You can go the digital route and get the Kindle version for $9.99, the audiobook version for $5.95, or the paperback for only $7.64.
Catching Fire
To revisit the second installment of the Hunger Games book series, Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins is also available at Amazon as a digital Kindle version for $14.99, an audiobook for just $5.95, or a paperback for only $8.26.
Mockingjay
While the director who adapted Mockingjay split it into two films, you’ll only have to read a single book to get the whole story. Snag a digital copy for $9.99, the audiobook for $5.95, or the paperback for $10.39 at Amazon.
The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes
Released in 2020, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes is the newest book in the Hunger Games series, yet the first chronologically. As a prequel, it takes place 64 years prior to The Hunger Games, so you can technically read it first or last. Purchase a digital version for $10.99, listen to the audiobook version for $5.95, or snag the paperback version for $10.99 at Amazon.
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