Last updated on July 21, 2025
Whether you’ve read the books, caught a glimpse of Jennifer Lawrence running through the forest in a trailer, or recently watched the latest prequel in theaters, one thing’s clear — The Hunger Games is one of the most gripping dystopian franchises of the past 15 years.
With five films already released and another one on the way, a big question arises: What’s the best order to watch The Hunger Games movies?
Should you go for chronological order to follow the story from the very beginning, or stick with the release order like audiences originally experienced it in theaters? Let’s break it down so you can plan the perfect weekend movie marathon.
How Many Hunger Games Movies Are There in Total?
So far, five Hunger Games films have been released, all based on Suzanne Collins’ bestselling novels. In 2023, the first prequel—The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes—hit theaters, diving into the origins of Panem’s dark history. A second prequel, Sunrise on the Reaping, is slated to debut in November 2026.
Unlike many franchises, The Hunger Games remains refreshingly focused: there are no TV spin-offs, animated specials, or extra series—just the books and the movies. Short, sharp, and powerful.
Chronological Story Order
If you want to experience the Hunger Games saga from its earliest days to the dramatic conclusion of Katniss’ revolution, watch the films in this order:
1. The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes (2023)
The first movie in chronological order. Set 64 years before Katniss Everdeen enters the arena, this prequel follows a young Coriolanus Snow—decades before he becomes the tyrannical president of Panem. At this point, the Hunger Games are still in their infancy, more brutal and experimental than ever. The film dives deep into themes of manipulation, ambition, and the early sparks of rebellion that will shape a darker future.
2. Sunrise on the Reaping (2026) – Upcoming
The second prequel in the series, Sunrise on the Reaping, is set to release in November 2026 and takes place during the 50th Hunger Games—also known as the Second Quarter Quell. This is the same Games won by Haymitch Abernathy, Katniss’ future mentor. Fans can expect more backstory on how the Capitol’s cruelty evolves and how previous victors were shaped by the horrors of the arena. This installment is expected to further explore the early cracks in Panem’s system that eventually lead to full-scale revolution.
3. The Hunger Games (2012)
Katniss Everdeen volunteers to take her sister’s place in the deadly Hunger Games, marking the true beginning of her journey—and the audience’s introduction to the dystopian world of Panem. Through her eyes, viewers discover the brutality of the Capitol, the stark inequality between the districts, and the oppressive rules that govern this society. This intense, emotionally charged film not only launches Katniss’ transformation from survivor to symbol, but also showcases the birth of a reluctant heroine. It’s a masterfully crafted story of resilience, defiance, and the stirrings of rebellion.
4. Catching Fire (2013)
In the second installment, the stakes are even higher as Katniss and Peeta’s victory sparks unrest and hope across Panem. The Capitol, threatened by her growing influence, devises a new level of cruelty—forcing past victors into a brutal new tournament called the Quarter Quell. Catching Fire takes the story beyond survival, exploring the emotional and psychological toll of becoming a revolutionary icon, while the districts inch closer to open rebellion. The film deepens the world-building, ramps up the tension, and sets the stage for the revolution to come.
5. Mockingjay – Part One (2014)
Katniss Everdeen becomes the official symbol of the rebellion. The Games are over; in their place, the stakes have shifted to all-out war, propaganda, and strategic battles against the Capitol. This film dives deeper into the emotional and psychological struggles of its characters, spotlighting the cost of uprising and the complexities of resistance. With the Capitol growing more ruthless, Mockingjay – Part One explores how hope, propaganda, and sacrifice can turn one person into a movement.
6. Mockingjay – Part Two (2015)
The explosive conclusion of the saga. As the war spills into the very streets of the Capitol, Katniss and her allies face their toughest decisions yet—ones that go beyond mere survival and demand answers about morality, justice, and the future of Panem. The finale offers no easy endings; instead, it delivers a powerful and realistic resolution, staying true to the story’s intense themes and the evolution of its heroine.
Complete Chronological Order to Watch The Hunger Games Movies
- The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes (2023)
- Sunrise on the Reaping (2026) (upcoming)
- The Hunger Games (2012)
- Catching Fire (2013)
- Mockingjay – Part One (2014)
- Mockingjay – Part Two (2015)
This is the recommended timeline to fully experience the rise of Panem, the origins and transformation of its central figures, and Katniss’ unforgettable journey from tribute to revolutionary icon.
Theatrical Release Order
If you want to experience The Hunger Games movies just as audiences did when they first hit theaters, watch them in this order:
The Hunger Games (2012)
Catching Fire (2013)
Mockingjay – Part One (2014)
Mockingjay – Part Two (2015)
The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes (2023)
Sunrise on the Reaping (2026 – upcoming)
What’s Next for the Franchise?
Suzanne Collins is still expanding the world of Panem: Sunrise on the Reaping, the latest installment, isn’t even out yet—the book arrives in March 2025, with the film adaptation following in November 2026. This prequel dives into the story of Haymitch Abernathy, Katniss’s mentor, 24 years before the original trilogy, during the infamous 50th Hunger Games—the Second Quarter Quell. It’s a chance to explore the roots of rebellion, propaganda, and the psychological scars left by the Games.
The ongoing success of these prequels suggests Collins isn’t done with Panem. While no official announcements have been made about further books or films, the franchise’s popularity and the rich lore leave the door open for more stories. For now, fans have a complete marathon’s worth of movies—with Sunrise on the Reaping set to add the next crucial chapter to the saga, deepening our understanding of the world and its characters.
