Revisit All the Hunger Games Movies Before the Prequel

Published on 1/12/2023 at 12:30 PM

Based on the bestselling book series by Suzanne Collins, the Hunger Games movies were some of the biggest hits of the 2010s. Set in a dystopian nation formed from a postapocalyptic North America, the series follows teenager Katniss Everdeen as she navigates a deadly "game" and becomes a reluctant and unintentional symbol of a growing rebellion.

Now, we're getting a closer look at Panem in the decades before Katniss's story. In 2020, Collins published "The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes," a prequel novel tracing the early years of Hunger Games antagonist President Snow. This prequel is set for its own movie adaptation coming out this year, so it's the perfect time to revisit the original series of movies!

How Many Hunger Games Movies Are There?

Although there are only three books in the Hunger Games book series, there are actually four movies. "The Hunger Games" and "Catching Fire" each were adapted into their own movies, but the third and final book, "Mockingjay," was divided into two movies, released a year apart. The split in the final book followed a trend at the time of popular book-to-movie adaptations splitting their final books into two movies, including other YA faves like Harry Potter and Divergent.

Are the Hunger Games Movies Available to Stream?

If you're hoping to stream the Hunger Games movies on any of your favorite streaming platforms, you're mostly out of luck. None of the major streaming platforms — Netflix, Hulu, Prime Video, HBO Max — currently has the movies available, although some of them have had them in the past. Right now, the only way to watch is to buy or rent through services like Vudu, iTunes, or Amazon.

Before "The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes" arrives, revisit what happens in each of the four Hunger Games movies in order. Here's a quick overview to refresh your memory!

"The Hunger Games"

The post-apocalyptic nation of Panem holds an annual televised battle to the death among randomly selected teenage "tributes" from each of its 12 districts, punishment for a long-ago rebellion against the decadent, totalitarian Capitol. Katniss, an experienced hunter from the mining District 12, volunteers as tribute to replace her little sister, Prim. When she enters the arena, along with fellow District 12 tribute Peeta and competitors from across the country, she quickly learns to apply her skills to earn sympathy from spectators and to survive. She bonds with some of the other tributes and battles others, all leading up to a decision that could shatter Panem as everyone knows it.

"The Hunger Games: Catching Fire"

In the year following their shocking dual victory, Katniss and Peeta must journey across Panem on their victors' tour, but the Capitol has not forgotten how they broke the rules and forced the Capitol's hand. When the milestone 75th Hunger Games is announced, it's clear that President Snow is out for revenge: the tributes will be chosen from among past victors, forcing Katniss and Peeta back into the arena. This time, they're joined by an array of previous champions, all with their own stories and their own motivations to play the Capitol's games — or not. As they go deeper into the arena and struggle to find a way out again, the District 12 duo and their new allies find themselves part of a much bigger game.

"The Hunger Games: Mockingjay — Part 1"

Splitting the final book in the trilogy in two, "Mockingjay — Part 1" picks up immediately after the earth-shattering ending of the 75th Hunger Games. Katniss arrives in the rebel stronghold in District 13, a district that everyone in Panem was told had been destroyed in a rebellion decades ago. She struggles to find her place among the rebels, who aren't sure whether to use her as a propaganda piece, a fighter, or something else altogether. Although she's reunited with her loved ones from back home, one thing is missing: Peeta. He's being held captive and tortured by the Capitol, along with a few other victors captured from the arena. A daring rescue mission is launched, but the results aren't what anyone expects.

"The Hunger Games: Mockingjay — Part 2"

Most of Panem has turned against the Capitol, and the rebels are pressing forward. Katniss and her allies agree to more dangerous missions than ever, made more complicated by the lingering effects of Peeta's torture in the Capitol. President Snow makes his final stand, costing many lives on both sides. One final, devastating choice determines the outcome of the war — and hits close to home for Katniss — but when the dust settles, the survivors have more decisions to make to determine the future of Panem.