The Definitive List: How Many Hunger Games Movies Are There (And The Shocking New Prequel Arriving In 2026)

As of today, December 10, 2025, there are five full-length The Hunger Games movies that have been officially released, but the saga is far from over. The total count is set to climb to six with the highly-anticipated prequel, The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, which is already deep in development for a 2026 release. This enduring dystopian franchise, based on the best-selling novels by Suzanne Collins, has captivated audiences globally, exploring themes of survival, political corruption, and the cost of revolution in the totalitarian nation of Panem.

The recent success of The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes has reignited the world's obsession with the brutal games and the sinister Capitol, leading to the rapid announcement of the next installment. To fully appreciate the story of Katniss Everdeen, President Snow, and the legendary victors like Haymitch Abernathy, you need a complete guide to all the films—both the ones you can stream right now and the fresh, new chapter that will explore the darkest Quarter Quell in history.

The Complete List of All 6 Hunger Games Movies (Released and Upcoming)

The Hunger Games film series has been a cinematic powerhouse since its debut in 2012. The franchise is known for its high production values and faithful adaptation of the source material. Here is the definitive list of all the movies, including the confirmed future installment, organized by their theatrical release date.

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• 1. The Hunger Games (2012): The film that started it all, introducing us to Katniss Everdeen and the 74th Hunger Games.
• 2. The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (2013): The sequel, featuring the 75th Hunger Games, also known as the Third Quarter Quell.
• 3. The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1 (2014): The first half of the finale, focusing on the rising rebellion in District 13.
• 4. The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2 (2015): The epic conclusion to Katniss’s story and the war against the Capitol.
• 5. The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes (2023): A prequel set 64 years before the original, focusing on a young Coriolanus Snow and the 10th Hunger Games.
• 6. The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping (Upcoming - November 20, 2026): The newly announced prequel centered on the 50th Hunger Games.

The Essential Chronological Viewing Order for Panem's History

While the films were released out of order to tell the main story first, the true history of Panem and the evolution of the Hunger Games is best understood by watching them in chronological order. This sequence allows you to trace the rise of President Snow and understand the brutal legacy that leads to Katniss Everdeen's revolution. This is the order you should follow to become a true topical authority on the Panem universe:

1. The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes (2023): The earliest event, set during the 10th Hunger Games.
2. The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping (2026): Set 24 years before Katniss’s games, this covers the 50th Hunger Games (Second Quarter Quell) and the victory of Haymitch Abernathy.
3. The Hunger Games (2012): The 74th Hunger Games.
4. The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (2013): The 75th Hunger Games (Third Quarter Quell).
5. The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1 (2014)
6. The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2 (2015)

Watching the films in this chronological order provides a richer context for the cruelty of the Capitol and the motivations of key characters like Coriolanus Snow and the mentors from District 12.

The Shocking New Prequel: Sunrise on the Reaping (2026)

The biggest news for fans of the franchise is the confirmed sixth film, The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping. This movie will adapt Suzanne Collins's newest novel, which was released in March 2025.

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The film is scheduled to be released on November 20, 2026.

The Protagonist: Haymitch Abernathy's Darkest Victory

The new prequel will center on Haymitch Abernathy, the cynical and often drunk mentor to Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark.

The story takes place during the 50th Hunger Games, known as the Second Quarter Quell.

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This Quarter Quell was particularly brutal because, as a special anniversary event, it required each of the 12 Districts to send four tributes (two boys and two girls), doubling the number of participants from 24 to 48.

Haymitch was only 16 years old when he was reaped from District 12. His victory was a masterpiece of cunning, as he used the arena's force field to his advantage, a move that enraged the Capitol and led to a swift, brutal punishment for his family and loved ones.

Key Cast and Production Details for the Sixth Film

The continuity of the film series is strong, with veteran director Francis Lawrence—who directed every Hunger Games film since Catching Fire—returning to helm Sunrise on the Reaping.

The screenplay is being written by Billy Ray.

While the full cast is yet to be finalized or officially confirmed, early reports and rumors for the key roles include:

• Haymitch Abernathy: Reportedly played by Joseph Zada.
• Maysilee Donner: The other female tribute from District 12 in the 50th Games, rumored to be played by Mckenna Grace.
• Plutarch Heavensbee: Rumors suggest Jesse Plemons may take on the role of the future Head Gamemaker.
• Effie Trinket: There are also reports that Elle Fanning could be cast as a younger version of the iconic Capitol escort.

The return of Francis Lawrence ensures a consistent vision and tone for the new prequel, connecting the events of the 10th Games (*Songbirds & Snakes*) to the 74th Games (*The Hunger Games*).

The Enduring Legacy of the Hunger Games Franchise

The six films—five released and one upcoming—have successfully established The Hunger Games as one of the most significant young adult franchises of the 21st century. The series is a masterclass in world-building, centered around the totalitarian government of the Capitol and its grip over the 13 Districts of Panem.

The main films, starring Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss Everdeen, alongside Josh Hutcherson as Peeta Mellark and Liam Hemsworth as Gale Hawthorne, grossed billions worldwide and cemented the Mockingjay as a global symbol of rebellion. The success of the prequel, The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes, which starred Tom Blyth as a young Coriolanus Snow and Rachel Zegler as Lucy Gray Baird, proved that the franchise's topical authority extends far beyond the original trilogy.

The upcoming focus on Haymitch Abernathy will complete the narrative circle, providing fans with a complete picture of the mentors, the games, and the political machinations that shaped the world of Panem. Whether you are a fan of the original trilogy, the new prequels, or the entire dystopian genre, there is a wealth of content to explore in this six-movie saga.