The Definitive Answer: How Many Hunger Games Movies Are There, And The Shocking New Film Coming In 2026
The Hunger Games franchise has exploded from a beloved young adult book series into a multi-billion dollar cinematic phenomenon, and the official count of films is constantly evolving. As of today, December 10, 2025, there are five full-length *The Hunger Games* movies that have been officially released, spanning the original Katniss Everdeen saga and the first prequel film. However, the story of Panem is far from over, as a sixth major film adaptation has already been confirmed and is currently in active development, promising to expand the dystopian world even further.
The total film count is set to reach six, with the newest installment, *The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping*, slated for a 2026 release. This makes the franchise a significant six-film series, with four films focusing on the original trilogy and two films dedicated to exploring the history and origin stories of Panem's most pivotal figures, including a deep dive into the infamous Quarter Quell events and the early life of a young Coriolanus Snow.
The Complete List of All 5 Released Hunger Games Movies
The cinematic journey through the world of Panem, created by author Suzanne Collins, currently consists of five feature films. While the first four films follow the chronological narrative of Katniss Everdeen's life and the rebellion against the Capitol, the fifth film is a prequel, offering a look back at the dystopian society's history. Here is the complete biography and profile of every released *Hunger Games* movie, listed in order of their theatrical release date.
1. The Hunger Games (2012)
- Release Date: March 23, 2012
- Source Material: *The Hunger Games* (2008)
- Key Cast: Jennifer Lawrence (Katniss Everdeen), Josh Hutcherson (Peeta Mellark), Liam Hemsworth (Gale Hawthorne), Woody Harrelson (Haymitch Abernathy), Elizabeth Banks (Effie Trinket), Donald Sutherland (President Snow), Stanley Tucci (Caesar Flickerman).
- Synopsis: The film introduces the nation of Panem and the annual tradition of the brutal Hunger Games. Katniss Everdeen volunteers as tribute for District 12 in place of her younger sister, Primrose Everdeen, beginning her journey that will ignite a revolution.
2. The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (2013)
- Release Date: November 22, 2013
- Source Material: *Catching Fire* (2009)
- Key Cast: Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Woody Harrelson, Elizabeth Banks, Sam Claflin (Finnick Odair), Jena Malone (Johanna Mason), Philip Seymour Hoffman (Plutarch Heavensbee).
- Synopsis: Following their controversial victory, Katniss and Peeta are forced to embark on a Victory Tour while President Snow attempts to quell the growing rebellion. The 75th Hunger Games, the Third Quarter Quell, forces former victors back into the arena, leading to a shocking twist that shatters the Games forever.
3. The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1 (2014)
- Release Date: November 21, 2014
- Source Material: *Mockingjay* (2010)
- Key Cast: Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Woody Harrelson, Julianne Moore (President Alma Coin), Philip Seymour Hoffman.
- Synopsis: Katniss, now the symbolic leader known as the Mockingjay, finds herself in the underground District 13. Under the leadership of President Coin, she agrees to become the face of the rebellion, creating propaganda 'propos' to unite the Districts against the Capitol while attempting to rescue Peeta, who has been captured and tortured.
4. The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2 (2015)
- Release Date: November 20, 2015
- Source Material: *Mockingjay* (2010)
- Key Cast: Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Woody Harrelson, Donald Sutherland, Julianne Moore.
- Synopsis: The final chapter of the original saga sees the all-out war between the Districts and the Capitol. Katniss leads a squad of rebels on a mission to assassinate President Snow, navigating a city transformed into a deadly arena filled with Capitol traps and 'pods.' The film concludes the epic story of the rebellion and the fate of Panem.
5. The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes (2023)
- Release Date: November 17, 2023
- Source Material: *The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes* (2020)
- Key Cast: Tom Blyth (Coriolanus Snow), Rachel Zegler (Lucy Gray Baird), Viola Davis (Dr. Volumnia Gaul), Peter Dinklage (Casca Highbottom).
- Synopsis: A critical prequel set 64 years before Katniss Everdeen's story, this film explores the origin of the Games and the fall of the young Coriolanus Snow. It follows him as a mentor to District 12 tribute Lucy Gray Baird during the 10th annual Hunger Games, detailing the events that shaped him into the tyrannical President Snow of the original trilogy.
The Future of Panem: The Confirmed 6th Hunger Games Movie
The most exciting and up-to-date information for fans of the dystopian franchise is the official confirmation of a sixth film, ensuring the series' topical authority remains high well into the future. This announcement came shortly after the successful release of the first prequel, proving the audience's continued fascination with Panem's dark history.
The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping (2026)
The sixth film will be an adaptation of Suzanne Collins' forthcoming novel, *Sunrise on the Reaping*, which is set for a book release in 2025. The movie adaptation is already fast-tracked by Lionsgate.
- Projected Release Date: November 20, 2026
- Source Material: *Sunrise on the Reaping* (2025)
- Plot Focus: This film will serve as a prequel to the original trilogy but a sequel to *The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes*. It will focus on the pivotal 50th Hunger Games, also known as the Second Quarter Quell. This is the Games that Haymitch Abernathy, the future mentor to Katniss and Peeta, participated in and won.
- Significance: The Second Quarter Quell was notorious for having double the number of tributes—48 in total—making it one of the most brutal and strategically complex Games in Panem's history. The film is expected to delve into Haymitch’s traumatic past, his relationship with the Capitol, and how he became the cynical, yet brilliant, mentor fans know.
Watching The Hunger Games in Chronological vs. Release Order
With the addition of prequel films like *The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes* and the upcoming *Sunrise on the Reaping*, viewers now have two distinct ways to experience the full narrative of the Panem universe. Choosing between the release order and the chronological order can drastically change your viewing experience and understanding of the characters and the world.
The Recommended Chronological Viewing Order
For viewers who want to experience the story of Panem's rise and fall in the order the events actually occurred, this is the definitive list. This order provides a deeper understanding of Coriolanus Snow's transformation and the history of the Games before meeting Katniss Everdeen.
- *The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes* (The 10th Hunger Games)
- *The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping* (The 50th Hunger Games - Haymitch's Story) - (Upcoming 2026)
- *The Hunger Games* (The 74th Hunger Games - Katniss's Story Begins)
- *The Hunger Games: Catching Fire* (The 75th Hunger Games / Third Quarter Quell)
- *The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1*
- *The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2*
The Original Release Order (The Fan's First Experience)
For those who prefer the traditional viewing experience, seeing the films as the franchise originally unfolded, the release order is the way to go. This sequence preserves the mystery of President Snow's past and the shocking reveals of the prequels.
- *The Hunger Games* (2012)
- *The Hunger Games: Catching Fire* (2013)
- *The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1* (2014)
- *The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2* (2015)
- *The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes* (2023)
- *The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping* (2026)
The Box Office Legacy of The Hunger Games Franchise
The films have been a massive financial success for Lionsgate, cementing their status as a major dystopian franchise. The original quadrilogy, starring Jennifer Lawrence, grossed billions worldwide. The first four films alone accumulated approximately $2.97 billion at the global box office, with *Catching Fire* being the highest-grossing film of the original series, earning over $865 million. The 2023 prequel, *The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes*, proved the franchise’s enduring appeal, setting the stage for the next chapter. The anticipation for *Sunrise on the Reaping* in 2026 suggests the film series will continue its legacy as one of the most successful young adult adaptations in cinematic history.
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