When The Hunger Games hit theatres in 2012, it sparked a global fascination with dystopian fiction, revolution, and survival games. With Katniss Everdeen’s defiance, intense action, and high-stakes storytelling, it set the bar for teen dystopias.
If you’re searching for movies like The Hunger Games — filled with rebellion, corrupt governments, survival games, and complex heroes — you’re in for a treat. This guide brings you the best post-apocalyptic, young adult, and sci-fi thrillers that capture that same edge-of-your-seat feeling.
What Makes a Movie Like The Hunger Games?
Before we dive into the list, here’s what defines the genre and what fans typically look for in movies like The Hunger Games:
- Dystopian or post-apocalyptic setting
- Oppressive regimes or class divisions
- A strong, often female, protagonist
- Themes of rebellion, survival, and sacrifice
- Romantic subplots under high pressure
Many of the best titles on this list are based on YA novels, just like The Hunger Games, and offer the same mix of action, emotion, and social commentary.
Comparison Table: Best Movies Like The Hunger Games
| Movie Title | Dystopian World | Strong Female Lead | Based on the Book | Survival Game Theme |
| Divergent | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ⚠️ Partial |
| The Maze Runner | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Battle Royale | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| The Giver | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ⚠️ Psychological |
| Alita: Battle Angel | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ⚠️ Sci-fi Action |
| The 5th Wave | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ⚠️ Alien Invasion |
| The Darkest Minds | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ⚠️ Superpowers Focus |
Top 15 Movies Like The Hunger Games
Here’s a curated list of the top dystopian and YA thrillers that fans of The Hunger Games should watch next.
1. Divergent (2014)
If The Hunger Games had a sister film, this is it.
- Plot: In a society divided by virtues, Tris discovers she doesn’t fit into just one, making her a threat.
- Why It’s Similar: A rebellious female lead, a divided society, and deadly challenges.
- Streaming: Prime Video, Apple TV
2. The Maze Runner (2014)
A fast-paced survival thriller with a mystery twist.
- Plot: A group of boys trapped in a maze must survive and escape, only to uncover a larger dystopia.
- Why It’s Similar: Memory loss, secret organisations, and youth-led resistance.
- Streaming: Hulu, Disney+
3. Ender’s Game (2013)
Sci-fi meets military strategy — with young minds at the centre.
- Plot: A brilliant boy is trained in a space academy to lead a war against alien invaders.
- Why It’s Similar: Young protagonist, authoritarian training, and high-stakes moral decisions.
- Streaming: Netflix, Prime Video
4. The Giver (2014)
A more cerebral and philosophical take on dystopia.
- Plot: In a world without pain or emotion, one boy learns the dark truth behind utopia.
- Why It’s Similar: Strict social control, repressed truths, and awakening.
- Streaming: Peacock, Prime Video
5. Battle Royale (2000)
The original survival game film that inspired The Hunger Games.
- Plot: Japanese teens are forced to kill each other until one remains.
- Why It’s Similar: Teens fighting to the death, brutal commentary on society.
- Streaming: Tubi, Vudu
6. Alita: Battle Angel (2019)
A visually stunning cyberpunk dystopia.
- Plot: A cyborg girl awakens in a dystopian future and learns about her powerful past.
- Why It’s Similar: Strong female lead, rebellion against oppressive powers.
- Streaming: Disney+, Prime Video
7. Ready Player One (2018)
A high-octane blend of virtual reality and corporate oppression.
- Plot: In a bleak future, most of humanity escapes into the OASIS — a VR world hiding massive secrets.
- Why It’s Similar: Youth-driven resistance, corrupt elites, survival quests.
- Streaming: HBO Max
8. The 5th Wave (2016)
Alien invasions with a dystopian twist.
- Plot: A teenage girl navigates a world ravaged by alien “waves” that wipe out humanity.
- Why It’s Similar: Survival, dystopia, and a resilient female protagonist.
- Streaming: Netflix, Hulu
9. The Host (2013)
From the author of Twilight, a story of invasion and dual identity.
- Plot: Aliens take over human bodies — but one girl resists from within.
- Why It’s Similar: Post-apocalyptic love story, internal rebellion.
- Streaming: Peacock, Apple TV
10. V for Vendetta (2005)
A darker, more mature take on government oppression and personal freedom.
- Plot: In totalitarian Britain, a masked vigilante inspires revolution, and a young woman finds her purpose.
- Why It’s Similar: Rebellion, symbolism, a powerful female arc.
- Streaming: Netflix, Prime Video
11. I Am Number Four (2011)
Alien powers meet small-town secrecy and survival.
- Plot: A teen with mysterious powers hides on Earth from alien hunters.
- Why It’s Similar: Special powers, covert resistance, teen-led action.
- Streaming: Hulu, Apple TV
12. City of Ember (2008)
A forgotten underground world, on the verge of collapse.
- Plot: In a decaying underground city, two teens uncover the truth and search for a way out.
- Why It’s Similar: Dystopian decay, young heroes, secret pasts.
- Streaming: Prime Video
13. Percy Jackson & The Olympians (2023)
Greek mythology meets teen rebellion in a fantasy package.
- Plot: A demigod must prevent a war among the gods and survive intense challenges.
- Why It’s Similar: Strong youth hero, oppressive powers, quests for justice.
- Streaming: Disney+
14. The Darkest Minds (2018)
A YA rebellion story with superpowers and government fear.
- Plot: Teens with abilities are hunted by the government — until they fight back.
- Why It’s Similar: Powers, dystopia, escape from control.
- Streaming: Hulu, Prime Video
15. Children of Men (2006)
A gritty, emotional dystopia where humanity is on the brink of extinction.
- Plot: In a future where humans can no longer reproduce, one woman becomes humanity’s last hope.
- Why It’s Similar: Government collapse, hope in bleakness, survival of the few.
- Streaming: Netflix, Prime Video
Comparison Table: Movies Like The Hunger Games
| Movie | Dystopia | Strong Female Lead | Based on the Book | Survival Theme |
| Divergent | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| The Maze Runner | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Battle Royale | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
| The Giver | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ⚠️ |
| Alita | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ |
| V for Vendetta | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ⚠️ |
Why We Crave More Movies Like The Hunger Games
The emotional stakes in movies like The Hunger Games go far beyond action. They reflect real-world fears: authoritarianism, climate crisis, and the loss of individual freedom. Watching teens challenge powerful systems offers hope and thrills.
Plus, these stories give us relatable heroes, especially for younger audiences, fighting for justice in impossible circumstances.
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Final Thoughts
There’s something deeply compelling about movies like The Hunger Games — the survival, rebellion, and raw humanity. Whether it’s the thrill of a game or the quiet strength of a reluctant hero, these stories stick with you.
So if you’re ready to dive into more dystopian adventures, start with the movies above. You’ll find unforgettable characters, rich world-building, and the same rebellious spirit that made Katniss Everdeen iconic.
FAQs
What should I watch after The Hunger Games series?
Try Divergent, The Maze Runner, or Battle Royale — they offer similar dystopian action and themes.
Is Battle Royale similar to The Hunger Games?
Yes. It involves students forced into deadly combat by the government, and many fans consider it the original inspiration.
Are there any new movies like The Hunger Games in 2025?
Yes — upcoming dystopian releases include Uglies (Netflix) and The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes (prequel).
Are all Hunger Games-style movies based on books?
Most are! Popular examples include Divergent, The Giver, and The 5th Wave.
Is The Hunger Games appropriate for kids or teens?
It’s rated PG-13 and deals with serious themes like death and revolution, so it’s best for teens and older.
