Hunger Games Movies Ranked Worst to Best
5. MOCKINGJAY PART 1
As the only Hunger Games movie without a Hunger Games event taking place, this placement was quite easy considering that its the biggest appeal of the franchise. The whole movie takes place in the bunker which doesn’t make for many appealing visuals. That makes it all feel like it’s just buying time for the big ending and doesn't make the wait very enjoyable. At least “The Hanging Tree” sequences are impactful but the silver linings don’t outweigh the downsides like the script and acting as well.
4. MOCKINGJAY PART 2
Whereas Mockingjay part 1 consisted of almost no action, part 2 has possibly too much. The invasion of the capital takes up a lot of the runtime and while usually I wouldn’t complain about that it was just missing something. That statement is even more factual once they killed off the heart of the last few movies in Finnick. With Peeta brainwashed and Katniss looking tired of all the crap it just felt like we were crawling to the end. Luckily, the end is a poignant conclusion for those two. The killing of Coin before then is also a nice subversion and warm poetic justice for murdering Prim.
3. THE HUNGER GAMES
Most folks would have this at 1 or 2 and that’s fair as it is the original. Yet, I see this as more of a New Hope vs Empire strikes back thing along with the prequel having some more creavity. Here, we get introduced to the messed up world of Panem and District 12 that holds one of the most routable heroes in Katniss Everdeen in great fashion. The film doesn't have the flair that the other movies but that actually works in its benefit. It allows for a grounded movie that truly showcases the terrifying idea of kids fighting each other to the death for amusement of the upper class. That creates such a tense and distressing time once the games begin that you can’t look away from.
2. SONGBIRDS & SNAKES
I was cautiously optimistic going into a prequel surrounding President Snow for there 10th annual hunger games but what followed was a neat character-driven story. Cornelius is hard person to care for in the OG series but here he makes for a surprisingly good protagonist with Lucy Grey (Rachel Zegler). A shout out as well to Viola Davis for her hammy gamester portrayal. The first two acts do a good job of establishing the setting for the time period they’re in even if the arena with the games is to be desired. If only it weren’t for the lengthy third act this might be neck and neck with Catching Fire.
CATCHING FIRE
Catching Fire to me is the clear winner of the five. It wouldn’t be a stretch to call it one of the best Sci-Fi movies of the 21st century. Everything a sequel should have is exhibited front and center. Bigger stakes? Check. Better action sequences? Check. Bigger budget? Check. You get the point. The new and old characters then all get significant character development that connects us to their stories way more than before. For example, Finnick is a great red herring in this film full of risks and great twists. He really shines once the games begin in the best arena they have put together on screen. Jennifer Lawrence probably gives her best performance too to add some extra emotion to what transpires. In conclusion, this is the best Hunger Games picture.
