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The hit book-turned-film franchise The Hunger Games may hit a little too close to home for some in 2020. But others find comfort in rewatching movies like those in this action-adventure series, especially given the hero’s story arc. Here’s where fans of The Hunger Games films can watch them this year.

‘The Hunger Games’ premiered in 2012

Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss Everdeen in 'The Hunger Games'
Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss Everdeen in ‘The Hunger Games’ | Lionsgate (via Tubi)

The first film, The Hunger Games, debuted in March 2012 in the U.S. It starred then relatively unknown actor Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss Everdeen, a teenager living in a post-apocalyptic world. Katniss makes history when she volunteers in his sister’s place to compete in the titular annual contest.

The film, which also features performances by actors Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Woody Harrelson, Elizabeth Banks, Donald Sutherland, and many more, was an overnight success. It grossed nearly $700 million at the box office worldwide and received a positive reception from fans and critics alike.

It was followed by 3 installments

Willow Shields as Primrose Everdeen and Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss Everdeen in 'The Hunger Games: Catching Fire'
Willow Shields as Primrose Everdeen and Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss Everdeen in ‘The Hunger Games: Catching Fire’ | Lionsgate via Tubi

The Hunger Games was based on the first book in a series of three written by author Suzanne Collins. Taking a page out of the Harry Potter playbook, distributor Lionsgate Films opted to make one movie for each novel, save for the last one, which was split into two installments.

Thus came The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1, and The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2 in consecutive years. These films continue to follow Katniss as she competes in the games once again, and then as she leads a rebellion against the fascist Capitol and its leaders.

The ‘Hunger Games’ movies are available for free

Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss Everdeen and Josh Hutcherson as Peeta Mellark in 'The Hunger Games: Mockingjay -- Part 1'
Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss Everdeen and Josh Hutcherson as Peeta Mellark in ‘The Hunger Games: Mockingjay — Part 1’ | Lionsgate via Tubi

Unfortunately for Netflix devotees, The Hunger Games and its sequels are not available to stream on the service. However, there are other ways to watch: Fans can rent or buy the movies from Amazon Prime, YouTube, iTunes, or another service, typically cost about $4 per rental.

For Hulu users, The Hunger Games, Catching Fire, and Mockingjay — Part 1 are available, but only for those paying for Live TV. There’s an alternative that doesn’t require any subscription at all: All four films are on Tubi, an ad-supported streaming service. So those who don’t mind commercials can watch them at any time.

Is there another ‘Hunger Games’ film on the way?

The franchise came to its seeming conclusion five years ago. But then Collins, who also served as a produced on the films, announced a prequel novel, titled The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes. The book, released nearly 10 years after Mockingjay, follows Sutherland’s Coriolanus Snow as a teenager, decades before the events of The Hunger Games.

Ahead of the novel’s debut in April 2020, it was reported that Lionsgate had indeed secured the rights to adapt The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes for the big screen. Of course, it will be years before the movie becomes a reality, so for now, the four installments available will have to do.

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