The Hunger Games franchise, based on the bestselling novels by Suzanne Collins, captivated audiences with its thrilling portrayal of a dystopian future where young tributes are forced to fight to the death in a televised spectacle. The movies, led by Jennifer Lawrence as the fierce and determined Katniss Everdeen, became a cultural phenomenon.
If you’re a fan of The Hunger Games and are craving more movies with similar themes, characters, and excitement, look no further. We’ve compiled a list of the 20 best movies that capture the spirit of The Hunger Games in various ways. From dystopian sci-fi adventures to gripping survival stories to tales of rebellion against oppressive regimes, these films will satisfy your hunger for more edge-of-your-seat entertainment.
1. Divergent (2014)
Divergent is perhaps the most similar movie franchise to The Hunger Games. Based on the novels by Veronica Roth, the film is set in a dystopian Chicago where society is divided into five factions based on personality traits. The story follows Tris Prior (Shailene Woodley), who discovers she is “Divergent” and doesn’t fit into any one faction. Like Katniss, Tris must navigate a dangerous world while uncovering secrets that threaten to unravel the very fabric of her society. With a strong female lead, a captivating dystopian setting, and themes of defiance against an oppressive system, Divergent is a must-watch for any Hunger Games fan.
2. The Maze Runner (2014)
The Maze Runner, based on the book series by James Dashner, shares several key similarities with The Hunger Games. The story revolves around a group of young people trapped in a mysterious place known as the Glade, surrounded by a giant, ever-changing maze. The protagonist, Thomas (Dylan O’Brien), must work with his fellow Gladers to solve the maze’s secrets and escape. Like The Hunger Games, The Maze Runner features a cast of young actors, a high-stakes survival scenario, and a rebellion against the powers that be. The fast-paced action and intriguing mystery make this movie a thrilling ride from start to finish.
3. Battle Royale (2000)
Battle Royale is a Japanese thriller that predates The Hunger Games but shares a strikingly similar premise. In a dystopian future, a group of high school students are forced by the government to fight to the death on a remote island until only one remains. The movie is more graphic and violent than The Hunger Games, but it explores many of the same themes, such as the loss of innocence, the brutality of authoritarian regimes, and the psychological toll of being forced to kill or be killed. Battle Royale is a gripping and thought-provoking film that is sure to leave a lasting impact.
4. The Condemned (2007)
The Condemned stars “Stone Cold” Steve Austin as Jack Conrad, a prisoner who is purchased by a wealthy TV producer to compete on a controversial reality show. Conrad and nine other death row inmates are taken to a remote island where they must fight each other to the death while the world watches live. Though the setting is different from The Hunger Games, the movie shares the theme of a televised deathmatch orchestrated for the entertainment of the masses. With intense action sequences and a compelling lead performance by Austin, The Condemned is a solid choice for fans of survival thrillers.
5. The Running Man (1987)
Based on the novel by Stephen King (writing as Richard Bachman), The Running Man is set in a dystopian future where a totalitarian government pacifies the masses with a deadly televised game show. Arnold Schwarzenegger stars as Ben Richards, a wrongly convicted prisoner who is forced to compete on the show, where “runners” must evade armed mercenaries and survive a gauntlet of lethal obstacles. The movie’s satirical take on reality television and its portrayal of a society obsessed with violent entertainment make it a fitting companion to The Hunger Games. Plus, Schwarzenegger delivers his signature blend of action hero charisma and one-liners.
6. Logan’s Run (1976)
Logan’s Run is a classic sci-fi movie set in a dystopian future where people are only allowed to live until the age of 30. Those who try to escape their fate are hunted down by “Sandmen” like Logan 5 (Michael York). When Logan’s own time is up, he goes on the run with a young woman named Jessica, seeking the legendary sanctuary known as Sanctuary. Though the specifics differ from The Hunger Games, Logan’s Run shares themes of youth rebellion against a system that sees them as disposable. The movie’s visually striking depiction of a hedonistic future society and its exciting chase sequences make it a sci-fi adventure worth revisiting.
7. Ender’s Game (2013)
Based on the acclaimed novel by Orson Scott Card, Ender’s Game is set in a future where Earth has barely survived an invasion by an insectoid alien race. To prepare for the next attack, the most promising children are recruited into a military training program to become the next generation of commanders. The story focuses on Andrew “Ender” Wiggin (Asa Butterfield), a brilliant young strategist who may be humanity’s last hope. Like The Hunger Games, Ender’s Game explores the idea of children being molded into weapons and the psychological toll of warfare. With stunning visuals and a strong cast that includes Harrison Ford and Viola Davis, Ender’s Game is a thought-provoking sci-fi film that asks difficult questions about the cost of survival.
8. The Giver (2014)
The Giver, based on the beloved novel by Lois Lowry, takes place in a seemingly utopian society where all emotions, memories, and individuality have been eradicated. Jonas (Brenton Thwaites) is chosen to become the new Receiver of Memory, learning the truth about his world from the previous Receiver (Jeff Bridges). As Jonas uncovers the dark secrets behind his society’s tranquility, he must decide whether to embrace his new role or challenge the status quo. Like The Hunger Games, The Giver features a young protagonist who rebels against a controlling system and fights for freedom and truth. The movie’s stellar cast, which also includes Meryl Streep and Taylor Swift, brings the story to life with powerful performances.
9. Snowpiercer (2013)
Directed by Bong Joon-ho (Parasite), Snowpiercer is set in a post-apocalyptic future where the remnants of humanity live aboard a perpetually moving train that circles the globe. The train is divided into strict social classes, with the wealthy elite living in luxury at the front and the poor confined to squalor in the tail. When a rebellion led by Curtis (Chris Evans) and Gilliam (John Hurt) seeks to overthrow the system, a brutal battle ensues. Snowpiercer shares with The Hunger Games a vivid depiction of class inequality and the struggle of the oppressed against their oppressors. The movie’s inventive setting, stunning visuals, and intense action make it a one-of-a-kind sci-fi thriller.
10. V for Vendetta (2005)
Set in a dystopian future Britain ruled by a fascist government, V for Vendetta follows Evey (Natalie Portman), a young woman who becomes entangled with a mysterious masked vigilante known as V (Hugo Weaving). As V wages a one-man war against the totalitarian regime, Evey must decide whether to join his cause or remain a passive observer. Like The Hunger Games, V for Vendetta is a powerful story of rebellion against tyranny and the fight for freedom in the face of overwhelming odds. The movie’s iconic imagery, memorable performances, and thought-provoking themes have made it a modern classic of dystopian cinema.
11. Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)
Though set in a post-apocalyptic wasteland rather than a dystopian future, Mad Max: Fury Road shares with The Hunger Games a story of rebellion against a cruel and oppressive ruler. Imperator Furiosa (Charlize Theron) seeks to liberate the five wives of the tyrannical Immortan Joe, enlisting the help of haunted road warrior Max Rockatansky (Tom Hardy). The movie is essentially one long, jaw-dropping chase sequence, with Furiosa and Max battling Joe’s army of fanatical War Boys across the desert. Fury Road‘s feminist themes, breathtaking action, and masterful filmmaking have made it a modern action classic and a must-see for any fan of rebellious heroes.
12. The Purge (2013)
The Purge is set in a near-future America where, for one night each year, all crime (including murder) is legal. The story follows the Sandin family, who find themselves under siege when they offer shelter to a wounded man fleeing a gang of masked killers. As the night unfolds, the family must confront the dark realities of their society and their own moral choices. Like The Hunger Games, The Purge is a chilling commentary on a world where violence is not only condoned but encouraged as a means of social control. The movie’s tense, claustrophobic atmosphere and provocative premise make it a gripping thriller with a sharp satirical edge.
13. Equilibrium (2002)
In the dystopian future of Equilibrium, emotions have been outlawed, and citizens are required to take daily injections of a mood-suppressing drug. Christian Bale stars as John Preston, a high-ranking enforcer who begins to question the system when he accidentally misses a dose and experiences feelings for the first time. As Preston uncovers the truth behind his emotionless society, he becomes a rebel leader fighting to overthrow the oppressive regime. Equilibrium shares with The Hunger Games a story of a hero who defies a totalitarian government and inspires others to join the cause. The movie’s inventive action scenes, which showcase a fictional martial art called Gun Kata, are a particular highlight.
14. The Island (2005)
The Island, directed by Michael Bay, takes place in a seemingly idyllic facility where the residents hope to one day be chosen to go to “The Island,” the last uncontaminated place on Earth. However, when Lincoln Six Echo (Ewan McGregor) and Jordan Two Delta (Scarlett Johansson) discover the truth – that they are actually clones created for organ harvesting and giving birth – they escape and set out to expose the facility’s dark secrets. Like The Hunger Games, The Island features a rebellion against a system that treats human life as disposable and a race against time to reveal the truth to the world. Bay’s signature explosive action and the strong lead performances make this a thrilling sci-fi adventure.
15. In Time (2011)
In a future where time has become the ultimate currency and people stop aging at 25, the wealthy can live forever while the poor struggle to survive. Will Salas (Justin Timberlake) is a young man from the ghetto who suddenly finds himself with a windfall of time. When he’s falsely accused of murder, Will goes on the run with a beautiful hostage (Amanda Seyfried), and together they set out to bring down the corrupt system. In Time shares with The Hunger Games a story of class inequality and a hero who fights against a system that values some lives over others. The movie’s clever premise, sleek visual style, and engaging performances make it a thought-provoking and entertaining sci-fi thriller.
16. The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes (2023)
Of course, no list of movies like The Hunger Games would be complete without mentioning the upcoming prequel, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes. Set 64 years before the events of the original trilogy, the movie follows a young Coriolanus Snow (Tom Blyth), long before he becomes the tyrannical President of Panem. As a mentor in the 10th Hunger Games, Snow sees a chance to change his fortunes when he’s assigned to mentor the female tribute from impoverished District 12. The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes promises to expand the world of The Hunger Games and provide new insights into the characters and events that shaped the dystopian future. Fans of the franchise won’t want to miss this eagerly anticipated prequel.
17. The 5th Wave (2016)
Based on the young adult novel by Rick Yancey, The 5th Wave is set in the aftermath of an alien invasion that has decimated Earth. Cassie Sullivan (Chloë Grace Moretz) is a teenage girl who survives the initial attacks and sets out to rescue her younger brother from a military training camp. Along the way, she meets a mysterious young man named Evan Walker (Alex Roe) who may be her only hope of staying alive. Like The Hunger Games, The 5th Wave features a strong female protagonist who must navigate a dangerous world and protect those she loves. The movie’s blend of sci-fi action, romance, and suspense make it an entertaining entry in the YA dystopian genre.
18. Mortal Engines (2018)
Based on the novel by Philip Reeve, Mortal Engines is set in a post-apocalyptic future where cities have become giant vehicles that roam the Earth, preying on smaller towns for resources. The story follows Hester Shaw (Hera Hilmar), a young woman seeking revenge against Thaddeus Valentine (Hugo Weaving), the powerful leader of the mobile city of London. With the help of a mysterious outcast named Tom (Robert Sheehan), Hester sets out to stop Valentine’s plan to use an ancient weapon to destroy the world. Mortal Engines shares with The Hunger Games a visually stunning dystopian world, a rebellious heroine, and themes of power, corruption, and the fight for survival.
19. Alita: Battle Angel (2019)
Based on the Japanese manga series by Yukito Kishiro, Alita: Battle Angel is set in a post-apocalyptic future where a cyborg girl named Alita (Rosa Salazar) is found in a scrapyard by a compassionate doctor (Christoph Waltz). As Alita learns about her past and her incredible fighting abilities, she becomes embroiled in a conflict with powerful forces that threaten the future of her world. Like The Hunger Games, Alita: Battle Angel features a young female protagonist who must fight against oppressive systems and discover her true potential. The movie’s stunning visual effects, thrilling action sequences, and heartfelt performances make it a standout in the sci-fi action genre.
20. The Darkest Minds (2018)
Based on the young adult novel by Alexandra Bracken, The Darkest Minds is set in a near-future where a pandemic has killed most of the world’s children and left the survivors with mysterious powers. Ruby Daly (Amandla Stenberg) is a teenage girl with telekinetic abilities who escapes from a government internment camp and joins a group of fellow powered teens on the run. As they search for a safe haven, Ruby and her friends must evade the authorities and confront the dark forces that seek to control them. Like The Hunger Games, The Darkest Minds features a dystopian world, a rebellious young heroine, and themes of oppression, resistance, and the power of youth. The movie’s talented young cast, engaging characters, and mix of sci-fi action and coming-of-age drama make it a solid entry in the YA dystopian genre.
Whether you’re in the mood for dystopian sci-fi, satirical horror, or adrenaline-fueled action, these 20 movies like The Hunger Games offer a variety of thrills centered on survival, rebellion, and the perils of media spectacle. So grab some popcorn, queue up your favorite streaming service, and let the games begin!
