What to Watch If You Love The Hunger Games

With its strong-willed heroine, high-stakes competitions, and richly imagined world, The Hunger Games series was a box-office smash. If you're feeling Panem withdrawal, this list is full of suggestions of what to watch after The Hunger Games. There are plenty of movies and TV shows that are similar to the series, featuring heroic characters making life-or-death choices. Here, you'll find shows and movies like The Hunger Games that range from Battle Royale to Gladiator to The Maze Runner.

What programs will you find on this list of the top shows and movies like The Hunger Games? In Divergent, Beatrice "Tris" Prior fights against the oppressive class system that divides a future Chicago. The Running Man features a futuristic setting as well, and focuses on a deadly television show. And not all of these shows are fiction - just look at how the reality TV  show Survivor pits people against each other for a cash prize. Other good shows and movies for fans of The Hunger Games include Hanna, Lord of the Flies, and Surviving the Game. If you can't get enough of The Hunger Games, take a moment to scroll through some Hunger Games memes poking fun at the franchise. 

Do you have any recommendations for The Hunger Games fans? Give the best projects a thumbs up and please add any good films or series that are missing.

 


  • Dylan O'Brien stars in a well received adaptation of The Maze Runner, a series of YA dystopian society novels. 

    The Maze Runner film series consists of science-fiction dystopian action adventure films based on The Maze Runner novels by the American author James Dashner. Produced by Ellen Goldsmith-Vein and distributed by 20th Century Fox, the films star Dylan O'Brien, Kaya Scodelario, Thomas Brodie-Sangster, Ki Hong Lee, Dexter Darden and Patricia Clarkson. Wes Ball directed the first two films and is set to direct the third film.
  • Divergent Franchise
    Photo: flickr / CC0

    For fans of the young adult dystopian novel, the Divergent adapatations are a spot-on watch. 

    The Divergent Series is a feature film series based on the Divergent novels by the American author Veronica Roth. Distributed by Summit Entertainment and Lionsgate Films, the series consists of four science fiction films set in a dystopian society. They have been produced by Lucy Fisher, Pouya Shabazian, and Douglas Wick and star Shailene Woodley and Theo James as lead characters Beatrice Prior (Tris) and Tobias Eaton (Four), respectively. The supporting cast includes Ansel Elgort, Zoë Kravitz and Miles Teller. The first film in the series was directed by Neil Burger, while the second and third films were directed by Robert Schwentke.
  • The 100
    Photo: The 100
    3
    74 votes

    The 100 is perfect for fans of survival and drama. 

    In a post-apocalyptic world teetering on the brink of collapse, The 100 delves into the heart-pounding struggles of humanity's last survivors. This gripping sci-fi drama, lauded for its engrossing storylines and dynamic characters, has garnered a passionate fanbase since its debut. Among the ensemble cast, Clarke (Eliza Taylor) and Bellamy (Bob Morley) lead their people through unforeseen challenges, as they navigate the treacherous terrain of Earth, forging alliances and facing moral dilemmas. The series' exploration of complex themes and ethical quandaries, coupled with its riveting action sequences, has earned it multiple award nominations, further solidifying its status as a must-watch TV show.

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  • Squid Game
    Photo: Netflix
    4
    34 votes
    In the realm of television, there occasionally emerges a show that transcends borders and becomes a global phenomenon. Squid Game is a prime example of this, with its gripping narrative centered around a deadly competition that unfolds within a dystopian society. The South Korean thriller, directed by Hwang Dong-hyuk, has captivated audiences worldwide, earning critical acclaim and several award nominations. Through its intricate storytelling and compelling character development, particularly that of Seong Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae) and Cho Sang-woo (Park Hae-soo), Squid Game delves into themes of morality, social inequality, and survival, all while maintaining an air of suspense that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.

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  • I Am Number Four
    Photo: Wikimedia Commons / CC-BY

    People who liked The Hunger Games should check out I Am Number Four, a movie based on the young adult science fiction novels.

    In I Am Number Four, John Smith (Alex Pettyfer) is no ordinary teenager. He's an alien from the planet Lorien, hiding on Earth from extraterrestrial predators who've already destroyed his home world. Disguised as a high school student in Paradise, Ohio, John is protected by his guardian Henri (Timothy Olyphant). As he grapples with typical adolescent struggles and newfound powers, John finds himself pursued by relentless enemies. This 2011 Sci-Fi thriller, directed by D.J. Caruso, presents a gripping tale of survival and identity, where danger lurks at every corner and trust can be as alien as the stars.

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  • Alice in Borderland
    Photo: Alice in Borderland
    In a realm where survival hinges on strategy and wit, Alice in Borderland thrusts its viewers into a high-stakes alternate reality. The suspenseful drama series, adapted from the popular manga by Haro Aso, has garnered critical acclaim for its gripping narrative and visual prowess. With Ryohei Arisu (Kento Yamazaki) at the center of this otherworldly chaos, the show unravels the character's desperate attempts to return to normalcy while navigating life-threatening games. Alongside fellow participants, they are compelled to confront their deepest fears and darkest secrets. This psychological thriller has earned accolades for its ensemble cast, including a nomination for Best Newcomer at the 2020 Tokyo Drama Awards.

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