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.
Last year, a new Hunger Games film hit the box office, 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 premiered in theaters in November 2023. It earned about $338 million worldwide and was met with largely positive reviews. Mashable's own Belen Edwards called it "well worth the wait."
Whether you want 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 watch all of the The Hunger Games movies online in 2024. But first, check out a preview of the newest film, due to start streaming on May 14.
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.
Is The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes streaming?
The Hunger Games prequel film, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes opened nationwide in theaters back in November. As of May 14, it will be available to stream at home exclusively on Starz. It's also available now at digital on-demand retailers (like Prime Video or Fandango at Home) for rent or purchase.
How to watch and read every Hunger Games
The Hunger Games films left Hulu in July 2023, but have found a temporary new streaming home in Netflix. Once that temporary stay is over, your only option will be to purchase or rent the films through video-on-demand services like Amazon, Fandango at Home, and Apple TV. That is, until they find a new streaming home. The good news is you can purchase the five-film collection at Prime Video if you want to avoid the streaming shuffle. You can buy a bundle with all five films for $39.99.
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 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 at Amazon ($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 $7.99 at Amazon (save $5 compared to other digital retailers). It's also available to stream on Netflix through May 31. A Netflix subscription starts at just $6.99 per month (with ads).
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 $7.99 (reg. $12.99) or rent it for only $3.99. The film is also currently available to stream on Netflix through May 31.
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 Prime Video for only $7.99 (reg. $12.99) or rent it for only $3.99. It's also available to stream on Netflix through May 31, where subscriptions start at $6.99 per month.
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 $7.99 (reg. $12.99) or renting it for just $2.99 (reg. $3.99). If you prefer streaming, head on over to Netflix while the film is still part of the streamer's library. It leaves Netflix on — you guessed it — May 31.
The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes (2023)
An origin story and prequel following 18-year-old Coriolanus Snow, the new film gives viewers insight into how he became the evil president we met in the original Hunger Games movies. 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 streaming it.
In order to watch Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, you can either rent or purchase it at Prime Video for $2.99 (reg. $3.99) or $9.99 (reg. $19.99) or stream it exclusively on Starz, beginning May 14. Starz typically costs $9.99 per month, but for a limited time, the streamer is offering a special 50% off deal for your first month. Sign up for just $4.99 to watch the latest Hunger Games flick, then cancel at any time.
Want to Read The Hunger Games?
You really don't know The Hunger Games until you've read the books. Discover the source material by snagging a copy of the first book by Suzanne Collins. You can go the digital route and get the Kindle version for $9.99, the audiobook for free with an Audible membership ($14.95 per month), or the paperback for only $8.99.
Read 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 free with an Audible membership ($14.95 per month), or a paperback for only $8.67.
Read 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 $14.99, the audiobook for free with an Audible membership ($14.95 per month), or the paperback for $10.53 at Amazon.
Read 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 free with an Audible subscription ($14.95 per month), or snag the paperback version for $11.65 at Amazon.
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