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The Hunger Games: Catching Fire

The Hunger Games: Catching Fire

Remember who the enemy is.

2013146 minPG-13Midcredits score: 95th percentile of all films
Director
Francis Lawrence
Starring
Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Woody Harrelson

After surviving the Hunger Games, Katniss and Peeta struggle with the consequences of their victory as unrest spreads across Panem. Forced back into the spotlight, they become symbols of hope and resistance while the Capitol prepares a new and deadly challenge that will change the future of the nation forever.

Where to watch

Where can I watch The Hunger Games: Catching Fire?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists The Hunger Games: Catching Fire streaming on Hulu, Lionsgate+ via Prime Video and Tubi (free) and to rent or buy on Apple TV and Prime Video.

Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about The Hunger Games: Catching Fire?

The Hunger Games: Catching Fire earns 10 badges, led by Modern classic and Top 5% of films.

Show 2 more
  • Rank
  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office
  • Cast

Reception

Is The Hunger Games: Catching Fire worth watching?

The Hunger Games: Catching Fire's Midcredits score is the 95th percentile of all films, from 3.4M ratings across 6 sources. 82% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

95th percentile

Better received than 95% of films

97th percentile among Action95th percentile among 2010s
Acclaim (how much people like it)94th
Approval (how many liked it)92nd

77 /100

94th percentile of all films

98th percentile among Action94th percentile among 2010s

Critics 76 · Audience 77

Critics and audiences broadly agree.

Rating distribution

Most people land high, with a thin tail of low scores from those it didn't reach.

82% liked it

92nd percentile of all films

95th percentile among Action93rd percentile among 2010s
82% rated it 7–1018% rated it 1–6

Awards

0 Oscars won · 0 Oscar noms · 24 wins / 68 noms overall

  • NominatedGolden Globes· Best Original Song - Motion Picture

99th percentile

3.4M ratings across platforms

99th percentile among Action99th percentile among 2010s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Down 8% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$130M
Opening weekend$158M
Domestic gross$425M
Worldwide gross$865M

Returned 6.7× its budget — 99th percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

Both camps agree the sequel is a polished, darker middle chapter that successfully bridges survival spectacle and revolutionary politics, but critics and detractors alike note the first hour drags when re-establishing familiar territory.

Fans praised

  • stronger political and thematic depth than the first film
  • improved direction and cinematography, shedding the shaky-cam
  • expanded world-building and compelling new characters

Detractors panned

  • overlong build-up with a sluggish first half
  • rote retread of the first film's structure with little innovation
  • glossy action that avoids the brutality of human-on-human combat

What stands out

ActingDivisive82

Jennifer Lawrence anchors the film with layered vulnerability and strength

CinematographyDivisive80

clean IMAX visuals and vibrant Capitol design

AtmosphereDivisive80

bleak mood and crisp class divide

Effects and spectacleDivisive75

clock-arena gimmicks and CGI creatures

CharactersDivisive70

new victors like Finnick and Johanna energize the ensemble

Plot and storyDivisive65

political scheming and the Quarter Quell twist escalate stakes

TensionDivisive65

arena traps create intermittent suspense

PacingDivisive55

glacial first hour before the arena picks up

Preferred by

Women vs men

Preferred by Women

Women scored it 11 points higher than men.

No notable difference between the other groups: each pair ranks it within 10 percentile points.

  • Under-30s vs over-30s 8 points apart
  • Critics vs users 1 point apart
  • US vs non-US 3 points apart

Watch experience

What is The Hunger Games: Catching Fire like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Tense and gripping: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you are ready for heavy feelings, and you want something tense that holds you to the end.

It is intense, never lets up and leaves you thinking. Skip it when you want an easy night.

ToneFeelDemandwhat the answer rests onexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

Room for heavy feelings.

What it feels like

Tense and gripping.

The answer rests on this: Moods
DreadTenseHopeful
Heaviest: late
Register
Solemn: Grave and dignified; treats its subject with weight and respect.Brooding: Heavy, inward, weather-beaten.
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film plays its dystopian material with complete earnestness, treating the oppression and rebellion as weighty stakes while keeping the emotion and drama straightforward.
The rideSustained dread and tension throughout, with a shift toward hope and catharsis in the rebellion reveal at the end.
StructureThe story unfolds in a linear three-act shape: the political tension leading to the Quell, the preparation and arena entry, and the survival-escape plot within the Games. No structural gimmick is used.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Thinking.

Thought-provokingRousing · 10% of films
Why it leaves you this wayThe film leaves you thinking about systemic oppression and the cost of resistance, while also stirring a sense of hope and determination for the rebellion to come.
How it ends · evidence
Ambiguous endingTwist

Story archetype

where it sits among all films
Monster — 21% of films. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of films. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 10% of films. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 4% of films. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 11% of films. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 9% of films. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 13% of films. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 7% of films. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 22% of filmsPredator — 6% of films. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 6% of films. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of films. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 2% of films. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of films. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of films. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of films. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of films. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of films. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of films. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — under 1% of films. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of films. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of films. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of films. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of films. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 4% of films. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 5% of films. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of films. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — 1% of films. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of films. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 2% of films. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — 1% of films. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of films. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — 1% of films. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 4% of films. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of films. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of films. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of films. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 1% of films. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of films. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — 2% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 2% of films. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 2% of films. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 3% of films. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 3% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 5% of films. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of films. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 2% of films. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of films. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 5% of films. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 2% of films. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).Monster
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21% (this title): Predator 6% · Tyrant 6% · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 2% (this title) · Corporate villainy 1% · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3%: Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent under 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 10%: Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 4% · Mission 5% · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage 1%
  • Voyage 4%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 2% · Survival ordeal 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent 1%
  • Comedy 11%: Romantic comedy 4% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 1%
  • Tragedy 9%: Hubris 1% · Obsession 2% · Corruption arc 2% · Doomed love 2% · Crushed by fate 3%
  • Rebirth 13%: Redemption 3% · Healing 5% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Overcoming the monster: A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated. · Oppressive state: A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).

21% of films fit this archetype

with Rebirth underneath

Why this archetypeKatniss must survive the Quarter Quell while also serving as the symbol of a growing rebellion against the Capitol's oppressive regime. The squad of tributes banding together to escape the arena drives the second half.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 27% of filmsSelf — 22% of filmsPower — 7% of filmsMorality — 16% of filmsSurvival — 15% of filmsSociety — 9% of filmsIdeas — 5% of filmsRomantic love — 15% of filmsMarriage — 2% of filmsFamily bonds — 21% of filmsParenthood — 2% of filmsFriendship — 9% of filmsLoyalty — 4% of filmsIdentity — 14% of filmsComing of age — 5% of filmsAging — under 1% of filmsSelf-worth — 7% of filmsAmbition — 7% of filmsPurpose — 9% of filmsMemory — 3% of filmsObsession — 3% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 2% of filmsCorruption — 3% of filmsGreed — 3% of filmsClass — 3% of filmsOppression — 4% of filmsFreedom — 5% of filmsJustice — 13% of filmsDuty — 2% of filmsRevenge — 4% of filmsGuilt — 3% of filmsRedemption — 6% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — 1% of filmsSacrifice — 4% of filmsBetrayal — 5% of filmsDeception — 9% of filmsSurvival — 17% of filmsWar — 1% of filmsViolence — 4% of filmsMortality — 2% of filmsGrief — 6% of filmsTrauma — 7% of filmsMental illness — 1% of filmsAddiction — 1% of filmsIllness and disability — under 1% of filmsCommunity — 14% of films. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 5% of filmsPrejudice — 3% of filmsDisplacement — 1% of filmsFaith — 3% of filmsTradition vs change — 2% of filmsFame — 3% of filmsLegacy — 4% of filmsFate — 1% of filmsFree will — under 1% of filmsTruth — 4% of filmsHope — 5% of filmsNature — 2% of filmsArt — 4% of filmsTechnology — 1% of filmsSelf
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27%: Romantic love 15% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% · Loyalty 4% (this title)
  • Self 22%: Identity 14% · Coming of age 5% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 7% · Purpose 9% · Memory 3% · Obsession 3%
  • Power 7% (this title): Power 2% · Corruption 3% · Greed 3% · Class 3% · Oppression 4% (this title) · Freedom 5%
  • Morality 16%: Justice 13% · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% (this title) · Betrayal 5% · Deception 9%
  • Survival 15%: Survival 17% · War 1% · Violence 4% · Mortality 2% · Grief 6% · Trauma 7% · Mental illness 1% · Addiction 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 9%: Community 14% · Isolation 5% · Prejudice 3% · Displacement 1% · Faith 3% · Tradition vs change 2% · Fame 3% · Legacy 4%
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 4% · Hope 5% · Nature 2% · Art 4% · Technology 1%

Power

Oppression · 4% of filmsSacrifice · 4% of filmsLoyalty · 4% of films
Warns its theme: Presents its theme as a danger or a coming cost.Societal stakes: Consequences reach a whole social order.Single lead
How it treats its themeThe film centers on the Capitol's systematic oppression of the districts and the personal sacrifices and loyalty required to resist it.
StanceThe film warns against totalitarian oppression and the cost of resistance, centering on Katniss's personal journey within a society-wide struggle.

The world

Near futureWildernessInstitutionalScience fiction
Orchestral modernForeground music · original score · James Newton Howard
SettingPanem, a dystopian nation of districts ruled by the opulent Capitol
MusicThe score blends sweeping orchestral themes with folk elements, notably the haunting 'Mockingjay' song.

Content guide

Is The Hunger Games: Catching Fire okay for kids?

PG-13

The Hunger Games: Catching Fire is rated PG-13: “Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of violence and action, some frightening images, thematic elements, a suggestive situation and language” (MPAA). As of October 3, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at intense (71/100), sexual content at mild (31/100), language at moderate (38/100), drug and alcohol content at mild (32/100) and frightening material at intense (71/100). Overall it is heavier than 88% of PG-13-rated films.

Ratings in 32 other countries
  • UK12A
  • CanadaPG
  • AustraliaM
  • Germany12
  • France12
  • Ireland12A
  • New ZealandM
  • JapanG
  • South Korea15
  • Brazil14
  • Argentina+13
  • Austria12
  • Belgium16
  • BGC
  • Czechia15+
  • Denmark11
  • FinlandK-12
  • GreeceΚ-12
  • Hungary16
  • ItalyT
  • MexicoB
  • Netherlands12
  • Norway9
  • Poland12
  • PortugalM/12
  • RO15
  • Russia12+
  • SK12
  • Spain12
  • Sweden11
  • Switzerland12
  • TürkiyePG-13
Overall
Moderate · all five categories
Heavier than 56% of all filmsHeavier than 88% of PG-13-rated films
Violence & Gore
Intense
heavy for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 93%
Sex & Nudity
Mild
typical for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 55%
Profanity
Moderate
typical for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 40%
Alcohol & Drugs
Mild
typical for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 51%
Frightening / Intense
Intense
heavy for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 91%

Point along a line to see a well-known title at that level.

The reason to think twice is frightening material and violence. Everything else sits at or below what PG-13-rated films usually carry.

Source: Midcredits content scores, 0 (none) to 100 (severe) per category, with each standing ranked against other films that have them.

What content warnings does The Hunger Games: Catching Fire have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in The Hunger Games: Catching Fire?

Cast

5 of the cast already had the standing of a top-10% working actor.

Jennifer Lawrence
as Katniss Everdeen
Career best: Their highest-reaching film role by billing, audience size and rating.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Josh Hutcherson
as Peeta Mellark
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Liam Hemsworth
as Gale Hawthorne
Rising: A short career with a standing when this film came out above the median working actor today.
Woody Harrelson
as Haymitch Abernathy
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Elizabeth Banks
as Effie Trinket
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.
Donald Sutherland
as President Snow
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.
Lenny Kravitz
as Cinna
Philip Seymour Hoffman
as Plutarch Heavensbee
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.
Jeffrey Wright
as Beetee
Stanley Tucci
as Caesar Flickerman
Veteran: 15 or more years in, with as much work as the typical long-career actor.

Crew

More like this

What are movies like The Hunger Games: Catching Fire?

Movies like The Hunger Games: Catching Fire include The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1 (2014), The Hunger Games (2012) and The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes (2023). Of the 12 closest matches, several are films by Francis Lawrence, and most are films set in the near future.

Balanced: every group counts the same, and production only breaks ties.

All 12 share its world: dystopian. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with The Hunger Games: Catching Fire?

635 other films share the rarest tag below, kind of film: dystopian. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.