Hunger Games Book Series Timeline and Publication Order
The Hunger Games book chronology begins with the original trilogy by Suzanne Collins, published by Scholastic Press. The first novel, The Hunger Games, launched the series in 2008, followed by Catching Fire in 2009 and Mockingjay in 2010. The prequel novel, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, was released in 2020, and its sequel, Sunrise on the Reaping, came out in 2025, expanding the official timeline before the original trilogy. Scholastic remains the primary publisher, with the books consistently ranking among the best-selling Young Adult fiction titles in the United States.
The Hunger Games chronology in print order is: The Hunger Games, Catching Fire, Mockingjay, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, and Sunrise on the Reaping. The prequel novels are set decades before the original trilogy, focusing on young Coriolanus Snow and the early history of the Hunger Games. The books have been translated into more than 40 languages, and the series has sold over 100 million copies worldwide. Scholastic reports that the franchise remains one of its highest-performing intellectual properties, driving steady sales across new editions and special releases.
Hunger Games Film Releases and Box Office Performance
The Hunger Games film chronology follows the release order of the movies, which began in 2012 with The Hunger Games directed by Gary Ross. Lionsgate produced the series, with the first film starring Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss Everdeen and earning approximately $694 million globally. The Hunger Games: Catching Fire followed in 2013, directed by Francis Lawrence, and grossed over $865 million worldwide, making it one of the highest-grossing films of that year. The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1 and Part 2 completed the original film series in 2014 and 2015, respectively.
The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, a prequel film, was released in 2023, directed by Francis Lawrence and starring Rachel Zegler and Tom Blyth. The film earned approximately $159 million in its opening weekend in the United States and Canada, with a global total surpassing $400 million. Lionsgate reported that the prequel film helped sustain franchise visibility ahead of future projects. The Hunger Games chronology in film terms spans from 2012 to 2023, with Lionsgate continuing to develop additional content tied to the Panem universe.
Franchise Ownership, Production Companies, and Future Projects
The Hunger Games franchise is owned by Lionsgate, with production handled by Lionsgate Studios and Color Force. Nina Jacobson and Jon Kilik have served as key producers across the film series, and the franchise is classified as one of the highest-grossing young adult adaptations in box office history. Scholastic holds the publishing rights to the books, while Lionsgate controls film, television, and licensing adaptations. The Hunger Games chronology now includes plans for a television series adaptation, with Lionsgate and Suzanne Collins' production companies involved in development.
The Hunger Games franchise has expanded into merchandise, theme park experiences, and digital content, with Lionsgate licensing the property to third-party partners. The Hunger Games: The Exhibition, a touring immersive experience, has visited major cities in the United States and internationally. Lionsgate's parent company, Lions Gate Entertainment Corp., continues to report franchise revenue in its financial disclosures, citing the series as a durable asset. For more details on the franchise's financial performance, see the Lionsgate investor relations page Lionsgate Investor Relations, and for the Scholastic publishing timeline, visit