The Ultimate Guide: How Many Hunger Games Films Are There And The Shocking Future Of Panem's Saga

As of December 18, 2025, the official count of released *The Hunger Games* films stands at five, spanning the original tetralogy starring Jennifer Lawrence and the critically acclaimed prequel from 2023. This powerful dystopian franchise, based on the novels by Suzanne Collins, has captivated global audiences for over a decade, exploring themes of class warfare, media manipulation, and the cost of rebellion in the fictional nation of Panem. The story began with the iconic introduction of Katniss Everdeen, the "Girl on Fire," and has since expanded its universe backward in time to explore the dark origins of the brutal annual event. The good news for fans is that the cinematic journey is far from over. Following the massive success of the first prequel, Lionsgate has officially greenlit a sixth film, *The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping*, based on the latest 2025 novel. This upcoming installment promises to delve further into the dark history of the Games, solidifying the franchise's status as one of the most enduring and profitable young-adult adaptations of all time, with a worldwide gross exceeding $3.3 billion to date.

The Complete List of The Hunger Games Films (2012–2023)

The *Hunger Games* film series currently consists of five feature-length movies. The first four films chronicle the story of Katniss Everdeen, while the fifth film is a prequel set decades before her time. The films are best watched in chronological release order to appreciate the development of the franchise, or chronologically by story timeline to understand the history of Panem and its tyrannical ruler, President Snow.

Films in Release Order (The Definitive Count of 5):

• *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)

Films in Chronological Story Order:

1. *The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes* (Set 64 years before the first film, focusing on a young Coriolanus Snow).
2. *The Hunger Games* (The 74th Hunger Games, introducing Katniss Everdeen).
3. *The Hunger Games: Catching Fire* (The 75th Hunger Games / Third Quarter Quell).
4. *The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1* (The start of the Second Rebellion).
5. *The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2* (The final battle and fall of the Capitol).

A Deep Dive into the Five Released Films: Box Office and Critical Score Breakdown

The franchise is notable for its consistent performance, both critically and commercially. The original trilogy of books was adapted into four films, splitting the final novel, *Mockingjay*, into two parts—a common trend in successful young adult adaptations. The 2023 prequel marked a successful return to the world of Panem after an eight-year hiatus.

Film Title	Release Year	Rotten Tomatoes (Critics)	Worldwide Box Office (Approx.)
*The Hunger Games*	2012	84%	$694 Million
*The Hunger Games: Catching Fire*	2013	90% (Highest Rated)	$865 Million
*The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1*	2014	70%	$755 Million
*The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2*	2015	70%	$659 Million
*The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes*	2023	64% (Highest Audience Score)	$337 Million

The clear critical darling of the series remains *Catching Fire*, which is often praised for its compelling narrative, increased stakes, and stunning visual spectacle. The prequel, *The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes*, while receiving a mixed critic score, holds the distinction of having the highest audience score in the franchise, indicating a strong connection with the dedicated fanbase and a successful revitalization of the series.

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The Shocking Future: The Sixth Hunger Games Film is Confirmed

The question of "how many *Hunger Games* films are there" is set to change in the near future with the official announcement of the sixth installment, *The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping*.

Details on The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping

The new prequel film will be an adaptation of Suzanne Collins' latest novel, which was released earlier this year in March 2025. The movie is already in development and is scheduled to have a theatrical release on a date steeped in franchise history: November 20, 2026.

What is the Plot of the Sixth Film?

*Sunrise on the Reaping* is set 40 years after *The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes* and 24 years before the events of the original *The Hunger Games* film. It focuses on the 50th Hunger Games, also known as the Second Quarter Quell. This particular Games is a pivotal, dark moment in Panem’s history, as it was the Games won by Haymitch Abernathy, Katniss and Peeta's future mentor from District 12. The film will explore the events leading up to and during the 50th Games, which, as a Quarter Quell, featured a shocking twist: twice the usual number of tributes, meaning 48 children were entered into the arena. The narrative will likely focus on a teenage Haymitch and the toll the Games took on his young mind, giving fans a deeper look into the cynical, yet heroic, man he becomes.

Returning Creative Team

In a move that ensures continuity and quality, Francis Lawrence, the director who helmed every *Hunger Games* film since *Catching Fire*, is confirmed to return for *Sunrise on the Reaping*. This consistency in the creative vision is a major reason why the franchise has maintained such a strong sense of world-building and tone across all its cinematic entries. The script will be penned by Billy Ray, who also worked on the first prequel.

Topical Authority and Key Entities of The Hunger Games Franchise

To fully grasp the depth of the *Hunger Games* universe, it is essential to understand the key entities, characters, and concepts that define the dystopian world of Panem. These elements provide the topical authority necessary for any comprehensive discussion of the films.

Key Characters and Figures:

• Katniss Everdeen: The protagonist of the original four films, known as the "Mockingjay."
• Peeta Mellark: Katniss's co-tribute and eventual love interest from District 12.
• Coriolanus Snow: The main antagonist of the original series and the central figure of the first prequel, detailing his rise to power.
• Haymitch Abernathy: The lone victor from District 12 until Katniss and Peeta, whose story is the focus of the upcoming sixth film.
• Gale Hawthorne: Katniss's childhood friend and hunting partner.
• Lucy Gray Baird: The tribute from District 12 in the 10th Hunger Games and a key figure in Snow's past.
• President Alma Coin: The leader of the rebellion in District 13.

Core Concepts and Locations:

• Panem: The dystopian nation located in a post-apocalyptic North America.
• The Capitol: The technologically advanced, wealthy, and oppressive ruling city.
• District 12: The poorest district, specializing in coal mining, and the home of Katniss and Peeta.
• The Quarter Quell: A special, more brutal edition of the Hunger Games that occurs every 25 years.
• The Reaping: The annual ceremony where tributes are selected from each district.
• Dystopian Future: The genre that defines the political and societal structure of the franchise.
• Francis Lawrence: The director responsible for the majority of the film adaptations.
• Suzanne Collins: The author and creator of the entire literary universe.

The continuing expansion of the saga, with a sixth film confirmed for a 2026 release, proves that the world of Panem remains a fertile ground for exploring complex political themes and compelling character arcs. While there are currently five films available to stream and watch, the anticipation for *Sunrise on the Reaping* ensures that the total number of *Hunger Games* films will soon officially be six, continuing the legacy of this billion-dollar franchise.