The Hunger Games

PG-13

Released Mar 23, 2012

2h 22m

Sci-Fi

Action

Adventure

List

84%

Tomatometer

318 Reviews

81%

Audience Score

250,000+ Ratings

In what was once North America, the Capitol of Panem maintains its hold on its 12 districts by forcing them each to select a boy and a girl, called Tributes, to compete in a nationally televised event called the Hunger Games. Every citizen must watch as the youths fight to the death until only one remains. District 12 Tribute Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) has little to rely on, other than her hunting skills and sharp instincts, in an arena where she must weigh survival against love.

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Critics Consensus

Thrilling and superbly acted, The Hunger Games captures the dramatic violence, raw emotion, and ambitious scope of its source novel.

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Julie and Brandy

Autostraddle

[Rue's] presence gave the heart to the whole movie.

Aug 31, 2021

Full Review

J. Hoberman

ARTINFO.com

The Hunger Games is undeniably progressive in making its protagonist so plucky, independent, and self-actualizing a young woman.

Feb 25, 2019

Full Review

David Thomson

The New Republic

The film shows precious little hunger and no sense of game.

Jun 17, 2013

Full Review

Elisa Guimarães

Collider

What sets The Hunger Games apart is its bleak world-building and materialist system of oppression, which adds depth and realism to the story.

Jan 29, 2024

Full Review

Iván Kazi

EscribiendoCine

The Hunger Games is insipid. [Full review in Spanish]

Rated: 4/10

Jun 14, 2023

Full Review

Sean Axmaker

Stream on Demand

I confess that for all my issues with the film (and there are many), I more impressed at how much it got right.

Mar 4, 2023

Full Review

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Audience Member

The Hunger Games is a fascinating case study in how a film can be both captivating and unsettling. The initial build-up is expertly crafted, drawing you into the dystopian world with eerie echoes of ancient Rome and unsettling parallels to modern-day America. However, the exploration of these themes feels somewhat superficial, scratching only the surface of the darker implications. The acting is a mixed bag – some performances shine, while others feel wooden. The cinematography is jarring, with an avant-garde approach that's more distracting than innovative. The costume design is...interesting, veering wildly from brilliant to baffling. Despite these quirks, the film's confidence in its narrative is admirable. It commits to its premise with gusto, even if it doesn't always succeed. Overall, The Hunger Games is a flawed yet thought-provoking experience that will leave you uncomfortable – but perhaps not entirely convinced.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

08/04/24

Full Review

Audience Member

A strong start to a solid series

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

07/29/24

Full Review

Mateusz T

Slow-paced and emotional, two words to overally describe the movie. But it's in a good way. The director knows which story he wants to tell, and focuses on it. Actors are also doing a really good job helping in it. The movie is very constant, and holds your attention. Pretty good start for a bigger franchise.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

07/20/24

Full Review

Sammy B

I loved this movie, but parts of it definitely do drag at times. This may also be in part to my having seen this movie too many times to count! I still recommend this to all movie fans.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

06/28/24

Full Review

William O

Bro I couldn't look away once. I definitely watching all the other movies.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

06/21/24

Full Review

Wilson X

Not bad, but too slow at times

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

06/20/24

Full Review

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Gary Ross

Director

Jennifer Lawrence

Katniss Everdeen

Josh Hutcherson

Peeta Mellark

Liam Hemsworth

Gale Hawthorne

Woody Harrelson

Haymitch Abernathy

Elizabeth Banks

Effie Trinket

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The Hunger Games: Official Clip - Cornucopia Bloodbath

2:19

The Hunger Games: Official Clip - Rule Change

2:06

The Hunger Games: Official Clip - They Don't Own Me

1:33

The Hunger Games: Official Clip - The Kiss

2:32

The Hunger Games: Official Clip - Rue's Death

3:01

The Hunger Games: Official Clip - Star-Crossed Lovers

2:00

The Hunger Games: Official Clip - Tracker Jackers

3:03

The Hunger Games: Official Clip - Hope

1:04

The Hunger Games: Official Clip - Shooting the Apple

2:04

The Hunger Games: Official Clip - Get People to Like You

2:37

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Synopsis

In what was once North America, the Capitol of Panem maintains its hold on its 12 districts by forcing them each to select a boy and a girl, called Tributes, to compete in a nationally televised event called the Hunger Games. Every citizen must watch as the youths fight to the death until only one remains. District 12 Tribute Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) has little to rely on, other than her hunting skills and sharp instincts, in an arena where she must weigh survival against love.

Director: Gary Ross
Producer: Nina Jacobson, Jon Kilik
Screenwriter: Gary Ross, Suzanne Collins, Billy Ray
Distributor: Lionsgate Films
Production Co: Color Force
Rating: PG-13 (Disturbing Images|All Involving Teens|Intense Violent Thematic Mat.)
Genre: Sci-Fi, Action, Adventure
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Mar 23, 2012, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Sep 9, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA): $408.0M
Runtime: 2h 22m

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