The Hunger Games franchise, with its books and film adaptations, earned widespread acclaim from viewers and critics alike. Its gripping narrative and compelling characters struck a chord, leading to the explosive popularity of the books and subsequent film adaptations. The success of movies like The Hunger Games can be attributed to its enthralling action, suspense, and social commentary, which resonated with audiences of all ages.
Now, with a new movie on the horizon, fans are eagerly anticipating the next instalment in the franchise. The announcement of a new film has reignited the enthusiasm surrounding The Hunger Games, sparking discussions and speculation about what lies ahead for the beloved characters and the dystopian world they inhabit. So if you are looking for movies like The Hunger Games to watch while the Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes comes out, we have curated a list of 20 incredible movies you’ll enjoy!
List of Movies Like The Hunger Games
- Divergent
- Snowpiercer
- Maze Runner
- Harry Potter Series
- The Truman Show
- Battle Royal
- Ready Player One
- The Dark City
- The Condemned
- Super 8
- Hanna
- Red Sparrow
- Dune
- The Percy Jackson Series
- The Host
- Journey 2: The Mysterious Island
- Alita: Battle Angel
- The Hunt
- Ender’s Game
- The Island
1. Divergent (2014)
In a future society divided into factions based on personality traits, Tris Prior (Shailene Woodley) discovers she is “Divergent,” possessing multiple traits. As she navigates the initiation process, Tris uncovers a plot to eliminate all Divergents. Similar to movies like The Hunger Games, Divergent explores a young protagonist defying societal norms and challenging an oppressive system.
Hunger Games fans will enjoy Divergent‘s dystopian world. Like Katniss, Tris shares quality of rebellion in a time of societal control to fight for freedom. With gripping narratives and intense stakes, Divergent trilogy is the perfect movie series similar to movies like The Hunger Games.
2. Snowpiercer (2013)
Snowpiercer is set aboard a massive train that perpetually circles a frozen Earth, carrying the last remnants of humanity. The train is divided into social classes, and a rebellion brews among the oppressed passengers in the tail section. Similar to movies like The Hunger Games, Snowpiercer examines class divisions, inequality, and the fight for justice.
A visually stunning and tense narrative, the movie questions the morality of a segregated society. The film’s superb direction features actors like Chris Evans, Tilda Swinton, Ed Harris and more. Snowpiercer’s profound social commentary makes it a must-watch.
3. Maze Runner (2014)
In a post-apocalyptic world, a group of teenagers is trapped in a deadly maze called the Glade. As they navigate the maze’s challenges and encounter mysterious threats, they must uncover the truth about their existence. Maze Runner shares similarities with movies like The Hunger Games in its focus on young protagonists in a dangerous setting and their struggle for survival and freedom.
It offers a compelling mix of action, suspense, and mystery. Audiences should watch it for its thrilling plot twists, strong character dynamics, and the exploration of themes such as friendship, sacrifice, and the pursuit of truth.
4. Harry Potter Series (2001)
The Harry Potter series follows the journey of a young wizard named Harry Potter as he discovers his magical heritage, attends Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, and battles against the dark wizard Lord Voldemort. While distinct in genre (fantasy), Harry Potter shares similarities with The Hunger Games in terms of young protagonists defying authority and facing immense challenges.
Both series explore themes of friendship, courage, and the fight against oppressive forces. Harry Potter captivates viewers with its enchanting world-building, compelling characters, and a story that spans loyalty, love, and the triumph of good over evil.
5. The Truman Show (1998)
The Truman Show revolves around Truman Burbank, a man who unknowingly lives his entire life in a constructed reality television show. Truman gradually becomes suspicious of his surroundings and embarks on a journey to uncover the truth. While different in concept, The Truman Show shares a thematic similarity with The Hunger Games.
Both films question the boundaries of reality, the power of media, and the individual’s struggle for autonomy in a controlled environment. The Truman Show is a thought-provoking film that offers social commentary on media manipulation, personal freedom, and the pursuit of authenticity.
6. Battle Royale (2000)
Battle Royale is a Japanese film set in a dystopian future where a class of students is chosen each year to participate in a deadly battle on a deserted island. They are forced to fight to the death until only one survivor remains.
Like The Hunger Games, Battle Royale explores the dark side of human nature, the struggle for survival, and the moral dilemmas faced by the characters. It offers intense action, emotional depth, and a critique of societal norms. Viewers should watch it for its raw and unflinching portrayal of violence and its examination of the human capacity for both cruelty and compassion.
7. Ready Player One (2018)
Set in a future world where people escape their desolate reality by immersing themselves in a virtual reality game called the Oasis, Ready Player One follows Wade Watts as he joins a high-stakes treasure hunt within the game. Similar to The Hunger Games, Ready Player One explores the theme of escapism and the power of collective action against a powerful corporation.
It is a visually stunning film filled with nostalgic references, thrilling challenges, and a celebration of pop culture. Viewers should watch it for its immersive world-building, thrilling adventure, and commentary on the balance between virtual and real-life experiences.
8. The Dark City (1998)
The Dark City is a neo-noir science fiction film set in a city where the inhabitants have their memories altered each night by mysterious beings known as the “Strangers.” One man, John Murdoch, awakens with his memories intact and must uncover the truth about the city and his own identity. Similar to The Hunger Games, The Dark Matter explores themes of control, manipulation, and the search for personal freedom.
It offers a visually stunning and atmospheric setting, a mind-bending narrative, and thought-provoking philosophical questions. Viewers should watch it for its unique blend of genres, intriguing mystery, and striking visuals.
9. The Condemned (2007)
The Condemned follows a group of death row inmates who are chosen to participate in a brutal reality TV show where they must fight each other to the death for a chance at freedom. Like The Hunger Games, it explores the exploitation of individuals for entertainment and the moral dilemmas faced by the characters.
The film offers intense action, ethical quandaries, and commentary on the voyeuristic nature of reality television. Viewers should watch it for its high-octane thrills, exploration of the human spirit under extreme circumstances, and its critique of society’s appetite for violence.
10. Super 8 (2011)
Set in the late 1970s, Super 8 follows a group of young friends who witness a train crash and subsequently discover a mysterious extraterrestrial presence. While not sharing direct similarities with The Hunger Games, Super 8 offers a compelling coming-of-age story, a blend of sci-fi and mystery, and a focus on friendship and resilience in the face of extraordinary events.
Directed by J.J. Abrams and produced by Steven Spielberg, the film captures a nostalgic tone reminiscent of classic ’80s adventure films. Viewers should watch it for its heartfelt storytelling, excellent ensemble cast, and homage to Spielbergian filmmaking.
11. Hanna (2011)
Hanna tells the story of a young girl who has been trained from birth to become a highly skilled assassin by her ex-CIA father. As she embarks on a dangerous journey across Europe, she becomes the target of a relentless CIA agent. While Hanna is distinct from The Hunger Games in terms of plot and setting, it shares similarities in its exploration of a young protagonist’s fight for survival and independence against powerful forces.
The film offers intense action sequences, a compelling central performance by Saoirse Ronan, and a unique blend of thriller and coming-of-age elements. Viewers should watch it for its stylish direction, captivating storytelling, and its examination of identity and the human capacity for resilience.
12. Red Sparrow (2018)
Red Sparrow follows a Russian ballerina who is recruited into a secret intelligence program known as the “Sparrow School,” where she is trained in the art of seduction and espionage. While differing in tone and setting, Red Sparrow shares similarities with The Hunger Games in terms of a young female protagonist navigating a dangerous and manipulative environment.
Both films explore themes of survival, agency, and the lengths one will go to protect themselves and their loved ones. Red Sparrow offers a gripping espionage thriller, stunning visuals, and strong performances, particularly by Jennifer Lawrence. Viewers should watch it for its complex plot, intense spy craft, and its exploration of the blurred lines between loyalty and betrayal.
13. Dune (2021)
Dune is a science fiction epic set in a distant future where noble families battle for control over the desert planet Arrakis, which is the only source of a valuable resource known as “spice.” The story follows the young nobleman Paul Atreides as he becomes entangled in political intrigue and leads a rebellion against the oppressive forces that control the planet.
Dune shares similarities with The Hunger Games in terms of the protagonist’s journey from an ordinary individual to a figure of resistance against a powerful regime. Viewers should watch it for its grand scale, immersive world-building, and thought-provoking themes.
14. The Percy Jackson Series (2010)
Based on the popular book series, The Percy Jackson movies follow the adventures of a young demigod named Percy Jackson, who discovers he is the son of Poseidon and embarks on quests in a world filled with Greek mythology. While different in genre and tone, The Percy Jackson films share similarities with The Hunger Games in terms of a young protagonist thrust into a dangerous world and facing extraordinary challenges.
The Percy Jackson movies offer entertaining and action-packed adventures, witty humor, and a fascinating reimagining of Greek mythology. Viewers should watch them for their charismatic characters, fantastical quests, and a blend of mythology and modernity.
15. The Host (2013)
Based on a novel by Stephenie Meyer, The Host is set in a future where Earth has been invaded by parasitic aliens that take over human bodies. The story follows a young woman named Melanie, who resists the alien takeover and forms a bond with the alien consciousness within her.
While distinct from The Hunger Games in terms of genre and premise, The Host shares similarities in exploring themes of resistance, individuality, and the struggle against an oppressive force. The film offers a blend of science fiction, romance, and philosophical questions about identity and humanity. Viewers should watch it for its emotional depth, intriguing concept, and the exploration of the complexities of love and loyalty in a dystopian world.
16. Journey 2: The Mysterious Island (2012)
Journey 2: The Mysterious Island follows Sean Anderson as he embarks on a mission to find his missing grandfather on a mythical island. Together with a group of explorers, they encounter extraordinary creatures and face various challenges to survive. While not directly similar to The Hunger Games, Journey 2 shares a sense of adventure and the theme of young protagonists navigating a dangerous environment.
The film offers a fun and visually stunning journey filled with excitement, humor, and breathtaking landscapes. Viewers should watch it for its family-friendly entertainment, thrilling escapades, and a touch of fantasy that sparks the imagination.
17. Alita: Battle Angel (2019)
In a dystopian future, Alita, a cyborg with no memory of her past, becomes embroiled in a struggle against powerful forces. She discovers her extraordinary abilities and fights for justice in a world filled with corruption. Alita: Battle Angel shares similarities with The Hunger Games in terms of a young protagonist challenging oppressive systems and finding inner strength.
The film combines stunning visuals, exhilarating action sequences, and a compelling story that explores themes of identity, love, and self-discovery. Viewers should watch it for its impressive world-building, groundbreaking visual effects, and the captivating performance of Rosa Salazar as Alita.
18. The Hunt (2020)
The Hunt revolves around a group of strangers who wake up in a remote location and become the targets of a deadly hunting game. The film delves into themes of survival, manipulation, and societal divisions. While different in tone, The Hunt shares a similarity with The Hunger Games in its examination of the dark side of human nature and the moral complexities of a deadly competition.
It offers a satirical commentary on political and social divisions, backed by a sharp script and intense performances. Viewers should watch it for its thought-provoking nature, dark humor, and its exploration of power dynamics and societal prejudices.
1
19. Ender’s Game (2013)
Ender’s Game is set in a future where Earth is preparing for an imminent alien invasion. The story follows Ender Wiggin, a gifted young boy recruited to train at a military academy in a battle simulation. As Ender rises through the ranks, he faces moral dilemmas and grapples with the pressures of leadership.
Similar to The Hunger Games, Ender’s Game explores the themes of young protagonists thrust into high-stakes competitions, the burden of responsibility, and the consequences of war. The film offers a visually striking sci-fi setting, compelling performances, and a thought-provoking examination of ethics and the complexities of warfare. Viewers should watch it for its intriguing premise, strategic battles, and moral exploration.
20. The Island (2005)
The Island is set in a future where clones are created for organ harvesting. Lincoln Six Echo and Jordan Two Delta, two clones, discover the truth about their existence and attempt to escape their controlled environment. While not directly comparable to The Hunger Games, The Island shares a thematic similarity in its exploration of the manipulation and dehumanization of individuals by a powerful entity.
The film offers an exciting mix of action, suspense, and ethical questions surrounding the nature of identity and freedom. Viewers should watch it for its thrilling chase sequences, the chemistry between Ewan McGregor and Scarlett Johansson, and its philosophical undertones about the value of life and individuality.
Honourable Mentions
Here are a few movies like The Hunger Games that didn’t make this list, but you can check them out nonetheless:
- The 5th Wave
- Tron Legacy
- Love and Monsters