Must-Watch movies similar to "The Hunger Games": Action-Packed dystopian thriller

If you loved The Hunger Games, you'll adore these movies that share a similar spirit. Dive into these thrilling adventures and embark on unforgettable journeys!

By Khushi Srivastava

Updated on Jul 09, 2023 | 04:23 AM IST | 5.4M

Movies like hunger games

In the dystopian world of The Hunger Games, brave teenagers, including protagonist Katniss Everdeen, are thrown into a dangerous competition orchestrated by the government. This event, known as the Hunger Games, forces young representatives from each district to fight each other until only one survivor remains. The victor gains fame but is constantly at risk of being forced into future battles.

Suzanne Collins' book series inspired four successful movies, with the final installment split into two parts. Similar to the Harry Potter franchise, The Hunger Games attracted a wide audience, despite its darker and more deadly nature. This success led to the emergence of other young adult franchises with comparable themes. Additionally, there are several older movies that are like The Hunger Games and its counterparts.

1. The Percy Jackson Series (2010 – 2013)

Genre: Adventure/Fantasy
Star Cast: Walker Scobell, Leah Jeffries, Aryan Simhadri, Threnody Tsai, Jason Gray-Stanford
Director: Chris Columbus
Writer: Rick Riordan
Run time: 1h 59m
Year of release: 2010-2013
OTT Platform: Hotstar
IMDb rating: 6.6/10

Step into the thrilling worlds of young adult novels where young heroes embark on extraordinary journeys. In "The Hunger Games," Katniss undertakes intense training for a deadly competition, while in "Percy Jackson," our hero discovers his demigod lineage and must swiftly adapt to the realm of myths at Camp Half-Blood. Both tales captivate readers with their fast-paced narratives and the heroes' quests to survive and fulfill prophecies. And now, with the upcoming Percy Jackson TV series, fans can eagerly anticipate a faithful adaptation that addresses previous concerns and brings these beloved stories to life.

2. Mortal Engines (2018)

Genre: Action/Sci-fi
Star Cast: Hera Hilmar, Robert Sheehan, Hugo Weaving, Jihae, Ronan Raftery, Leila George, Patrick Malahide, Stephen Lang.
Director: Christian Rivers
Writer: Fran Walsh, Philippa Boyens, and Peter Jackson
Run time: 2h 8m
Year of release: 2018
OTT Platform: Netflix
IMDb rating: 6.1/10

Mortal Engines is a young adult novel set in a post-apocalyptic world where giant cities roam across the land, fighting for resources and survival. It offers an alternative vision of what could have happened in Katniss's reality. With a strong female protagonist, it matches similarities with The Hunger Games but goes beyond with its incredibly imaginative portrayal of the future. Instead of just oppressive regimes, it introduces moving cities and a visually striking futuristic world, taking the horrors to a whole new level.

3. Red Sparrow (2018)

Genre: Thriller/Thriller
Star Cast: Jennifer Lawrence, Joel Edgerton, Matthias Schoenaerts, Charlotte Rampling, Mary-Louise Parker, Ciarán Hinds, Joely Richardson, Bill Camp.
Director: Francis Lawrence
Writer: Francis Lawrence
Run time: 2h 20m
Year of release: 2018
OTT Platform: Hotstar
IMDb rating: 6.6/10

Attention Jennifer Lawrence fans! There's a must-see film that showcases her career evolution and taps into her action training as Katniss Everdeen. Brace yourself as Lawrence takes on the role of a lethal Russian spy, honed to perfection in every aspect of warfare. This captivating character is a far cry from her Hunger Games days, revealing a mature and deadlier side. While there are few similarities to movies like The Hunger Games, this adult-oriented gem is a must-watch for fans craving something new from Lawrence.

4. The Road (2009)

Genre: Sci-fi/Drama
Star Cast: Viggo Mortensen, Kodi Smit-McPhee, Robert Duvall, Guy Pearce, Molly Parker, Michael Kenneth Williams, Garret Dillahunt, Charlize Theron.
Director: John Hillcoat
Writer: John Hillcoat
Run time: 1h 59m
Year of release: 2009
OTT Platform: Hotstar
IMDb rating: 7.2/10

In the haunting post-apocalyptic film, "The Road," based on a gripping best-selling novel, a father and his young son embark on a perilous journey across a desolate landscape. In a world devastated by an unimaginable catastrophe, they scavenge for supplies and evade cannibalistic gangs. This emotionally charged movie delves into the bond between a father and his child, showcasing the sacrifices he makes to protect his family. With echoes of movies like "The Hunger Games," "The Road" delivers a gripping and poignant exploration of survival and love amidst chaos.

5. Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)

Genre: Action/Adventure
Star Cast: Tom Hardy, Charlize Theron, Nicholas Hoult, Hugh Keays-Byrne, Josh Helman, Nathan Jones, Zoë Kravitz, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley.
Director: George Miller
Writer: George Miller
Run time: 2 hours
Year of release: 2015
OTT Platform: Amazon Prime
IMDb rating: 8.1/10

While Mad Max may differ from teen-friendly films like The Hunger Games, both share similarities in their dystopian future settings. Survival is the core motivation in Mad Max: Fury Road, as the main characters strive to escape Immortan Joe's army. Similarly, The Hunger Games revolves around Katniss' desperate fight for survival against President Snow's oppressive regime.

6. Ender's Game (2013)

Genre: Sci-fi/Action
Star Cast: Harrison Ford, Asa Butterfield, Hailee Steinfeld, Abigail Breslin, Ben Kingsley.
Director: Gavin Hood
Writer: Gavin Hood
Run time: 1h 54m
Year of release: 2013
OTT Platform: NA
IMDb rating: 6.6/10

In "Ender's Game," a child is thrust into training for an imminent alien invasion, mirroring Katniss Everdeen's reluctant preparation for a battle she never desired. Both stories explore the struggle of young protagonists forced into a fight they didn't choose. Ender showcases his strategic prowess, training alongside fellow cadets his age, setting the stage for an epic confrontation that could change the world. This sci-fi spectacle captures the same grandeur and intensity found in movies like "The Hunger Games," but with a unique twist.

7. Circle (2015)

Genre: Thriller/Sci-fi
Star Cast: Allegra Masters, Aimee McKay, Ashley Key, Autumn Federici, Bill Lewis, Brent Stiefel, Cameron Cruz, Carter Jenkins.
Director: Aaron Hann, Mario Miscione
Writer: Aaron Hann, Mario Miscione
Run time: 1h 27m
Year of release: 2015
OTT Platform: Netflix
IMDb rating: 6/10

If you enjoyed movies like The Hunger Games, you'll find Circle equally gripping. While it doesn't revolve around children fighting for survival, its brutal plot creates a unique parallel. Picture 50 people trapped in a room, facing certain death if they leave or each minute that passes. They form alliances and strategize, reminiscent of the Games. With only one survivor in mind, tension runs high as they selectively eliminate one another. Prepare for a suspenseful, one-room drama!

8. Lord Of The Flies (1963)

Genre: Adventure/Drama
Star Cast: James Aubrey, Tom Chapin, Hugh Edwards, Roger Elwin, Tom Gaman
Director: Peter Brook
Writer: William Golding
Run time: 1h 32m
Year of release: 1963
OTT Platform: NA
IMDb rating: 6.9/10

Although there is no direct competition, it's evident that Suzanne Collins drew inspiration from the iconic novel "Lord of the Flies" by William Golding. In both stories, a group of children finds themselves stranded on an island and must establish a society. As the narrative unfolds, we witness the intense interactions among the children, which the Hunger Games also delves into extensively. The accelerated maturity imposed on these young individuals eventually leads to dramatic and violent tensions.

9. The Truman Show (1998)

Genre: Sci-fi/Drama
Star Cast: Jim Carrey, Laura Linney, Noah Emmerich, Natascha McElhone, Holland Taylor, Brian Delate, Blair Slater, Peter Krause.
Director: Peter Weir
Writer: Peter Weir
Run time: 1h 43m
Year of release: 1998
OTT Platform: Amazon Prime
IMDb rating: 8.2/10

While movies like The Hunger Games cater to a teen audience, Truman Show, led by Jim Carrey, offers a unique twist. It may lack the teen overlap, but it compensates with an eerie 1984-like setting. Despite aiming for a sunny, positive atmosphere, the film keeps you on edge. Witnessing Truman's obliviousness to the fact that everyone around him is acting, while the entire world watches his every move, parallels the disturbing process of the reaping. Just like the hosts and sponsors who cheerfully promote a show with deadly consequences, Truman's reality is a captivating blend of suspense and deception.

10. Hanna (2011)

Genre: Action/Thriller
Star Cast: Saoirse Ronan, Eric Bana, Vicky Krieps, Cate Blanchett, Paris Arrowsmith, John Macmillan, Tim Beckmann, Paul Birchard..
Director: Joe Wright
Writer: Seth Lochhead
Run time: 1h 51m
Year of release: 2011
OTT Platform: NA
IMDb rating: 6.8/10

Hanna is more than just a typical teen drama like The Hunger Games. The movie centers around Hanna Heller, a 15-year-old girl with incredible combat skills. Unlike Katniss, whose prowess is revealed later, Hanna has been trained as an assassin since she was two by a former CIA operative. While the plot differs from the dystopian nature of Hunger Games, the characters share certain similarities.

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