10 Movies & Shows Similar to The Hunger Games (2012)

Description: Both 'The Running Man' and 'The Hunger Games' depict a dystopian future where convicted individuals are forced to participate in a deadly televised game for public entertainment. The films critique media sensationalism and government exploitation, with protagonists who fight back against the system.

Fact: Based on a novel by Stephen King (written under the pseudonym Richard Bachman). Arnold Schwarzenegger's character was originally written as an average man, not an action hero. The film's game show host, played by Richard Dawson, was inspired by real-life game show hosts of the time.

Description: Similar to 'The Hunger Games', 'Battle Royale' is a dystopian thriller where teenagers are forced to fight to the death in a government-sanctioned game. Both films explore themes of survival, authoritarian control, and the moral dilemmas faced by young protagonists in extreme situations. The visceral action and psychological tension are key elements in both movies.

Fact: 'Battle Royale' is based on a controversial novel by Koushun Takami. The film was initially banned in several countries due to its violent content. Quentin Tarantino has cited 'Battle Royale' as one of his favorite films.

Description: Similar to 'The Hunger Games', 'The Giver' presents a dystopian society where the government controls every aspect of life, and the young protagonist begins to question and rebel against this system. Both films deal with themes of memory, freedom, and the cost of utopian ideals.

Fact: Based on Lois Lowry's 1993 Newbery Medal-winning novel. Jeff Bridges, who stars as the Giver, had been trying to adapt the book into a film for nearly 20 years. The film was shot in South Africa, which stood in for the book's unnamed community.

Description: Similar to 'The Hunger Games', 'The Condemned' features prisoners forced to fight to the death in a remote location, with their struggles broadcast as entertainment. Both films critique reality TV culture and explore the dehumanization of violence as spectacle.

Fact: The film was produced by WWE Studios, starring wrestler Steve Austin. It was filmed in Queensland, Australia. The director, Scott Wiper, also worked as a stuntman earlier in his career.

Description: Like 'The Hunger Games', 'The Belko Experiment' involves ordinary people forced into a deadly game with strict rules, where they must kill or be killed. Both films examine how people behave under extreme pressure and the breakdown of social order when survival is at stake.

Fact: Written by James Gunn, before he directed 'Guardians of the Galaxy'. The film was shot in Bogotá, Colombia. The premise was inspired by office dynamics and corporate culture.

Description: Like 'The Hunger Games', 'The Host' is based on a novel by a popular young adult author (Stephenie Meyer) and features a strong female lead in a dystopian setting. Both films explore themes of resistance against oppressive forces and the complexities of love and loyalty in extreme circumstances.

Fact: The novel was Stephenie Meyer's first post-'Twilight' book. Saoirse Ronan was initially considered for the lead role. The film combines elements of science fiction and romance, much like Meyer's 'Twilight' series.

Description: Both 'Ender's Game' and 'The Hunger Games' feature young protagonists who are manipulated into participating in deadly games by adults with hidden agendas. The films explore the psychological toll on children used as pawns in larger conflicts, and both protagonists must grapple with the moral implications of their actions.

Fact: Based on Orson Scott Card's 1985 novel, which won the Nebula and Hugo awards. The zero-gravity battle room scenes were inspired by laser tag. Harrison Ford and Ben Kingsley, both sci-fi veterans, star in the film.

Description: 'The Maze Runner' shares with 'The Hunger Games' a focus on young people trapped in a deadly, controlled environment where they must use their wits and courage to survive. Both films feature a group of teens banding together against a mysterious and powerful organization, with high-stakes action and a mystery to unravel.

Fact: The film is based on the first book in James Dashner's trilogy. The maze set was built practically, not just CGI, to give the actors a real environment to react to. Dylan O'Brien, who plays Thomas, suffered a serious injury during filming of the sequel, 'Maze Runner: The Death Cure'.

Description: Like 'The Hunger Games', 'Divergent' is set in a dystopian future where society is divided into factions, and the protagonist must navigate a dangerous and oppressive system. Both films feature strong female leads who challenge the status quo and fight against a corrupt government. The themes of identity, rebellion, and survival are central to both stories.

Fact: 'Divergent' is based on the bestselling novel by Veronica Roth. Shailene Woodley, who plays Tris, performed many of her own stunts. The film's sequel, 'Insurgent', features a virtual reality simulation sequence that was groundbreaking at the time.

Description: 'The 5th Wave' and 'The Hunger Games' both feature a young female protagonist surviving in a post-apocalyptic world where trust is scarce and survival is paramount. Both films involve a corrupt system that pits young people against each other, with themes of resilience and leadership under pressure.

Fact: Based on Rick Yancey's novel, the first in a trilogy. Chloe Grace Moretz trained in weapons handling and survival skills for her role. The film's director, J Blakeson, is known for his work in the thriller genre.