It has been just about ten years since the first The Hunger Games film hit theaters. The popular series is based on the novels by Suzanne Collins and was adapted into four feature-length films. The first film, The Hunger Games introduces our characters and sets the stage for the rest of the series. The sequel Catching Fire was more successful than the first and introduces new characters while diving deeper into the relationship between Katniss and Peeta, and Katniss and the Capitol. The third book was split into two films: Mockingjay Part 1 and Mockingjay Part 2, which wrap up the series.

In 2020, Collins released the prequel novel to the series that focuses on President Snow’s character. The storyline for The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes takes place more than 60 years before Katniss and Peeta’s Hunger Games and tells the story of when Coriolanus Snow was forced to mentor a young girl from District 12. While all the movies were successful, here’s how we would rank every movie in The Hunger Games franchise.

5 The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1 (2014)

The third film of the franchise, Mockingjay Part 1 picks up moments after Catching Fire ends. Katniss learns that District 12 has been destroyed by the Capitol and that District 13 has been operational despite being blown up years ago. Katniss, Gale, her family, and a few others from District 12 were able to escape before the bombs were dropped and evacuated to District 13. President Coin (Julianne Moore), the leader of 13, uses Katniss as her "Mockingjay," which is the symbol of the rebellion. Katniss agrees, but her main focus is to rescue Peeta and the other victors who were kidnapped by the Capitol after she blew up the forcefield surrounding the area in the previous film.

Why It Comes Last

Mockingjay Part 1 was a good film in itself, but it was almost boring compared to the other films in the franchise. This film is necessary, though, as it helps set up the required background to allow the final film not to be rushed. While the decision to split the final novel into two parts allows the finale to really pack a punch, this also means that there are very few action sequences here compared to the rest of the franchise.

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4 The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2 (2015)

In the final film of the original series, Katniss and the rebels from District 13 reach the Capitol and prepare for the last fight against President Snow. Peeta has been rescued, but the Capitol has brainwashed him to kill Katniss. When President Coin forces Peeta to join the elite group sent to disarm some of the traps set in the Capitol so that the rebel army can advance, Katniss begins to question Coin's ability to lead. Determined to seek out President Snow and kill him, Katniss continues to battle through the death traps to get to him.

Why It Ranks Lower

Understandably, Mockingjay Part 2 received mixed reviews. As a film, it seemed to lack a storyline amid the action. Where Mockingjay Part 1 needed some action scenes, Part 2 needed some of the story of the first. The majority of the film is spent showing the characters out-running CGI monsters. The issues faced by these final two installments suggest that splitting the book into two movies was perhaps not the best idea. Even the director of both movies, Francis Lawrence eventually voiced his regret over the decision. However, the film was a successful end to the beloved franchise with a good character arc for our star-crossed lovers.

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3 The Hunger Games (2012)

Katniss Everdeen volunteers to take her sister's place after her name is drawn for the annual Hunger Games. These games pit one male and one female from each of the 12 districts together in a fight to the death. This symbolizes the Capitol's control over the districts in a form of revenge for the rebellion years ago. The male tribute from Katniss' District, Peeta Mellark, is someone she has some history with. The pair is taken to fight against the other districts in the 74th Annual Hunger Games.

Why It Stands in the Middle of the Pack

As it goes for most films, the original movie in the franchise is highly regarded even though we feel it ranks slightly lower than the sequel. Fans were happy to see The Hunger Games' efforts to stay close to the novel. While most felt Peeta and Katniss' backstories lacked a good explanation in the film, the movie was overall well received.

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2 The Hunger Games: The Ballad Of Songbirds And Snakes (2023)

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A decade after the release of the last book from The Hunger Games trilogy, Suzanne Collins surprised the world with a fourth release. This time, a prequel, told from the point of view of none other than President Snow. So, of course, a movie followed just three years later. The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes stars Rachel Zegler as Lucy Gray, the young, unknown first victor from District 12, and Tom Blyth as Coriolanus Snow. The reviews were generally positive, and the great plot and acting were accompanied by a beautiful soundtrack.

Why It's in Second Place

The latest Hunger Games movie made a great impression on the viewers, as it provided the perfect backstory for the man who would become the main villain of the trilogy. His resentment of the districts, how he became so hungry for power, and of course, the irony of ultimately being defeated by a young girl from District 12 after making a name for himself at the expense of Lucy Gray. The tone of this story is arguably even darker than the original trilogy as we see a young man developing into the villainous, bloodthirsty ruler that we know from Katniss' story.

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1 The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (2013)

Catching Fire picks up a year after the ending of the first film. In the sequel, Katniss and Peeta have been declared dual winners of the Hunger Games and are sent back to live in District 12 as "victors." They are now wealthy and under the care of the Capitol thanks to their victory. However, Katniss and Peeta are forced back into the limelight to attend the Victory Tour where they have to visit all the districts. President Snow warns Katniss that she has to control her actions as her defiance in the Hunger Games has caused some rioting in the lower districts. Her efforts fail, and she and Peeta find themselves back in the Hunger Games for the Quarter Quell, where past victors will be fighting each other.

Why It's the Best

This film helped to show a more personal side of Katniss. She showed compassion for her sister and Rue in the first film, but it's in this one that we see just how far Katniss' heart extends. With a new director, Francis Lawrence, introduced here, it became clear that he was the right person for this job. Catching Fire is expertly executed and undoubtedly the franchise's best work. From its action and visuals to its emotional impact, the movie has it all.

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