is one of the most popular dystopian young adult book series, which was later adapted to the screen. And the movie adaptations of turned actors like Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, and Liam Hemsworth into household names. Jennifer Lawrence especially became an international sensation after her portrayal of ' heroine, Katniss Everdeen.
Lawrence and her co-stars cemented their careers with the release of and and . The franchise also had established actors like Donald Sutherland and Julianne Moore in starring roles, earning them recognition among a younger demographic. Once movie series ended, some of the actors went on to star in critically acclaimed shows and movies, while others won several accolades.
Sam Claflin is a British actor who gained international recognition thanks to his portrayal of Finnick Odair in film series. Claflin first appeared as Finnick in . Finnick is the victor from District 4, who has to compete again in the 75th Hunger Games against other victors, including Katniss and Peeta.
However, he eventually helps Katniss escape the arena and takes part in the revolution against The Capitol.
Before , Sam Claflin's first film role was in , where he gave life to Philip Swift. He later starred in popular films like , and , as well as in , where Claflin portrayed Enola and Sherlock Holmes's older brother, Mycroft. In 2023, Sam Claflin starred in as Billy Dunne, a role that earned Claflin his first Golden Globe Awards nomination in the Best Actor – Miniseries or Television Film category.
Willow Shields earned popularity for her role as Primrose Everdeen, Katniss's younger sister, in film series. Primrose is only 12 at the beginning, and she almost gets chosen to compete in the 74th Hunger Games. However, Katniss volunteers in her place, and Prim eventually becomes a skilled healer. During the preparations for the rebellion in District 13, Prim becomes a nurse, and President Coin sends Prim to aid survivors during the final battle at The Capitol, which results in
Willow Shields made her theatrical film debut in. While working on franchise, Shields also appeared in an episode of . In 2015, she joined the dance competition , competing in the 20th Season alongside her dance partner, Mark Ballas. On television, Willow Shields starred in Netflix's drama series as Serena Baker. In 2023, Shields starred in the film alongside Bruce Willis.
Stanley Tucci gave life to film series. Caesar is the host of the Hunger Games and also interviews the tributes before and after the arena. He's a popular figure within The Capitol, as his commentary and narration make the Games more engaging and entertaining.
Stanley Tucci is a talented actor and has been in many films and television series before and after his role in . He rose to prominence with films like , , which he also wrote, directed, and produced, and other popular movies like and . After , Tucci continued his prolific career in films like and and in television shows like , and .
Stanley Tucci is currently working on the British thriller , an adaptation of the novel by the same name.
Julianne Moore joined the franchise in, portraying District 13 President Alma Coin. President Coin is one of the leaders of the rebellion against the Capitol, though Coin's actions and stern personality earn Katniss's distrust.
Julianne Moore is an incredibly talented and prolific actress. Before , Moore had roles in critically acclaimed films like , , and . She won her first Academy Award for Best Actress in 2015 for the critically acclaimed film. Julianne Moore has continued to star in other popular and acclaimed films after , including and 2023's .
While Donald Sutherland's character in was far from popular, his portrayal of President Coriolanus Snow left a lasting impression. President Snow is the main antagonist in the films, the one keeping the Districts under the control of The Capitol. He is also responsible for the rise in popularity of the Hunger Games, something that's expanded on in the
.
Donald Sutherland was already an established and highly regarded actor before . After his role in the dystopian film saga, Sutherland had roles in films like and 2023's . On television, Donald Sutherland starred in some acclaimed shows, including , , and . Sutherland currently has a recurring role as Judge Isaac Parker in the Paramount+ series .
Woody Harrelson played in film series. Haymitch is tasked with mentoring the tributes from his own district after winning the Games, something that takes a toll on him. He mentors Katniss and Peeta and takes part in the eventual revolution against The Capitol.
Woody Harrelson has an extensive and prolific career as an actor, which includes roles in films like and , television series like , and the critically acclaimed HBO anthology crime drama . Harrelson currently stars in the adult animated sitcom and the satirical political drama .
Elizabeth Banks portrays Effie Trinket in franchise. Effie is the chaperone of the tributes from District 12, even though she is from The Capitol. She assists during the Reaping Ceremony and helps Katniss and Peeta with the preparations before the 74th Hunger Games.
In the movies, Effie's role was expanded from the books, in part thanks to Elizabeth Banks' incredible performance.
Elizabeth Banks is a prolific actress, writer, director, and producer. She's starred in films like, , and the film series. Banks also worked as a director for , as well as in 2019's and the critically acclaimed horror-comedy film .
Liam Hemsworth began his acting career in his home country, Australia, and earned recognition for his role as Josh Taylor in the Australian soap opera
. In film series, Hemsworth gives life to Gale Hawthorne, Katniss's best friend and eventual love interest. Gale is a citizen of District 12 and actively participates in the revolution against The Capitol, something that eventually strains his relationship with Katniss.
Before , Liam Hemsworth earned his first starring role as Will Blakelee in alongside Miley Cyrus. After , Hemsworth went on to star in films such as , , and . He is set to star in the action thriller film , which is scheduled to be released on February 16, 2024. Liam Hemsworth is also taking on the role of Geralt of Rivia in the fourth season of
after .
Josh Hutcherson began his career with roles in films like and before giving life to Peeta Mellark in film series. Peeta is the boy tribute from District 12 who has to compete alongside Katniss in the 74th Hunger Games after his name is called in the Reaping. Katniss and Peeta have a complex relationship that plays out throughout the film series, and the love triangle between Katniss, Peeta, and Gale is one of the main reasons
became so popular.
After, Josh Hutcherson had roles in films like and . Hutcherson also starred in the television series as Josh Futturman for three seasons, a janitor who has to save the world. In 2023, Josh Hutcherson starred in the , a film adaptation of the video game series of the same name.
Jennifer Lawrence earned acclaim for her starring role as Katniss Everdeen, the teen girl tribute from District 12. Katniss volunteers herself for the Hunger Games once her sister's name gets called on Reaping Day. Throughout the rest of the series, Katniss goes on to become the face of the revolution.
The first movie was released in 2012. That same year, Jennifer Lawrence starred in the critically acclaimed film , giving life to Tiffany Maxwell. For her role as Tiffany, Lawrence won her first Academy Award for Best Actress. The star continued working in popular and critically acclaimed films, such as
, , and . In 2023, Jennifer Lawrence starred in the comedy , a movie that earned her a nomination for Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Comedy or Musical at the 81st Golden Globe Awards.
The Hunger Games franchise shows a dystopian future where teens are forced to battle to the death for the amusement of the wealthy. Everything changes when Katniss Everdeen volunteers in place of her sister, Primrose.
Created by Suzanne Collins
First Film The Hunger Games
Latest Film
Cast Jennifer Lawrence ,
, Liam Hemsworth , Woody Harrelson , Elizabeth Banks , Amandla Stenberg , Rachel Zegler , Tom Blyth , Viola Davis