Ever found yourself lost in the dystopian world of Panem, unsure of where to begin your journey through the Hunger Games saga? Don't worry, you're not alone and we're here to set the record straight on the ultimate viewing order!

With the release of "The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes" on November 17, 2023, a prequel set 64 years before Katniss Everdeen's fight for survival, the question of chronological viewing order has become more pressing than ever. Should you dive into the origins of Coriolanus Snow before witnessing Katniss's rebellion, or stick to the order in which the films were released? The answer depends on your preference, but were here to lay out the options and help you decide.

Aspect	Details
Franchise	The Hunger Games
Author	Suzanne Collins
First Book Release	2008
Total Books Sold	Over 100 million copies
First Film Release	2012
Total Films (Released)	5
Box Office Revenue (Films)	$3.3 billion (worldwide)
Prequel Release Date	The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes: November 17, 2023
Upcoming Prequel Movie	Sunrise on the Reaping: set to be released in 2026
Setting of Sunrise on the Reaping	40 years after 'The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes and 25 years before The Hunger Games
Authentic Website for Reference	Lionsgate

So, how many "Hunger Games" movies are there? As of now, there are five films that have already graced the silver screen, captivating audiences with their thrilling portrayal of Suzanne Collins' dystopian world. But the saga isn't over yet! A sixth movie is on the horizon, promising to delve even deeper into the lore of Panem.

Lets break down the release dates. The initial quartet of films "The Hunger Games" (2012), "Catching Fire" (2013), "Mockingjay Part 1" (2014), and "Mockingjay Part 2" (2015) unfolded year after year, immersing viewers in Katniss's journey from reluctant tribute to symbol of rebellion. These four movies meticulously trace Katniss's storyline, chronicling her harrowing experience in the 74th Hunger Games and the subsequent uprising against the Capitol. But before Katniss, there was another story to be told.

Then came "The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes," a prequel that rewinds the clock 64 years, offering a glimpse into the formative years of Coriolanus Snow. This film provides crucial context, revealing the events and influences that shaped Snow into the tyrannical president we know from the original series.

For those eager to experience the "Hunger Games" in chronological order, the strategy is simple: begin with "The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes." This sets the stage, introducing a young Coriolanus Coryo and the world of the 10th Hunger Games. From there, you can seamlessly transition into Katniss's story, watching her rise to prominence in the 74th Hunger Games and beyond.

Of course, there's also the option of sticking to the release order. This approach allows you to experience the story as it unfolded for audiences initially, preserving the intended pacing and reveals. It's a valid choice, especially for those who appreciate the gradual expansion of the "Hunger Games" universe.

Regardless of the order you choose, prepare to be immersed in the dark and compelling world of Panem. "The Hunger Games" is more than just a series of films; it's a reflection on society, power, and the human spirit. The franchise has generated $3.3 billion at the worldwide box office, and the hunger games movie viewing guide and worksheets can add an element of fun to government and economics classes. This movie can be used as a review of the basic principles of government and economics, and the viewing guide is designed to help insure that students are paying attention and thinking about the information presented in the film.

Based on the book series of the same name, the movies ultimately did a solid job at bringing it to life. The first movie is particularly held in high regard out of the four installments that released between 2012 and 2015. It follows Katniss Everdeen, a resilient teenager forced to volunteer as tribute for her little sister Prim Everdeen in the 74th Hunger Games. Along with her, Peeta Mellark was selected as tribute from her district.

The Hunger Games is an exceptionally dark movie where the audience literally watches as children kill each other in a bloody maniacal fashion. The movie portrays society as wanting this sort of killing, which implies the same thing for real human society, including the people who might watch the movie or read the book series on which its based. In the Hunger Games dystopian future, Panem is the name that has been given to what once was the United States of America. Divided into 13 districts, the citizens of Panem are under the Capitol's control.

And the survival game begins The Hunger Games (books + movie order). If youre a fan of the Hunger Games franchise, the odds are in your favor right now! Since the 2008 release of Hunger Games, author Suzanne Collins international bestselling dystopian YA series has sold more than 100 million copies and served as the basis of five blockbuster films.

Book two, Catching Fire, picks up where the last scene in book one left off. Katniss and Peeta are now honored citizens, living in luxury with their families in victors village in district 12. With the nation of Panem in a full scale war, Katniss confronts President Snow in the final showdown.

In a 2023 interview with Variety, franchise producer Nina Jacobson and director Francis Lawrence (who directed every Hunger Games movie bar the first), confirmed that there were no plans for any further adaptations at that time. However, with the announcement of "Sunrise on the Reaping", an upcoming prequel movie that takes place 40 years after the events of The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes and 25 years before The Hunger Games, that has since changed. The film is based on Suzanne Collins book of the same name, which is set to be released in 2025, and the movie in 2026.

Here's a possible way to explore the world of Panem:

The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes (2023): Discover the origins of Coriolanus Snow and the 10th Hunger Games.
The Hunger Games (2012): Witness Katniss Everdeen's courageous act of volunteering as tribute.
Catching Fire (2013): Experience the escalating rebellion and the Quarter Quell.
Mockingjay Part 1 (2014): Follow Katniss as she becomes the symbol of the revolution.
Mockingjay Part 2 (2015): Witness the final showdown between Katniss and President Snow.
Sunrise on the Reaping (2026): Explore the events 25 years before Katniss Everdeen entered the arena.

Whether you choose to follow the chronological timeline or stick to the original release order, the "Hunger Games" saga is sure to captivate you. So grab your popcorn, settle in, and prepare to be transported to the unforgettable world of Panem.

For educators, there are resources such as the 15-page movie guide with activity worksheets for the film "The Hunger Games" (2012), which can be a great introduction to use with a dystopian unit. Additionally, study guides for "The Hunger Games" (2012 film) contain a biography of director Gary Ross, literature essays, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and analysis. These materials can enhance students' understanding and engagement with the film's themes and messages.

The Hunger Games are over, but the revolution has only just begun! On November 20, Lionsgate's "The Hunger Games" invites audiences to revisit this world. The first book and movie follows Katnis Everdeen who volunteers as a tribute for her little sister Prim Everdeen in the 74th Hunger Games.

Enjoy your journey through Panem, and may the odds be ever in your favor!