Rank It: "The Hunger Games" Movies

As we eagerly await the release of "Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes" on Nov. 17, let's take a stroll down memory lane and attempt to rank the captivating movie series that brought Suzanne Collins' dystopian world to life.

4. The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1

This installment stands as the black sheep of the series, marked by its divisive TV broadcasting of The Mockingjay and the annoying presence of Cressida.

The film, in comparison to its predecessors, feels somewhat uneventful, relying heavily on Katniss being a propaganda puppet. Yet, it does shed light on District 13 and unveil the malevolent actions of President Snow.

The only relevant event in this movie, arguably, is the introduction of the haunting song "The Hanging Tree" and the brutal torture of Peeta. Even with this, it stands as the least compelling chapter in "The Hunger Games" saga.

3. The Hunger Games

The film that initiated the phenomenon, the original movie, is a well-executed introduction to the dystopian universe.

While it may be the most predictable of the series, it expertly lays the foundation for the intricate relationship between Katniss and Peeta for the rest of the installments.

It also introduces key rebellion elements that become pivotal in the subsequent movies. For example, Rue's death serves as a poignant reminder of innocence lost, propelling Katniss into the symbolic role of the Mockingjay.

Overall, this movie is okay, but it could have been better.

2. The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2

As the final chapter in the saga, this movie stands out for delivering the best action sequences and substantial character development.

Peeta's transformative journey from Snow’s manipulated puppet to himself again is a highlight of Katniss’s effect on Peeta. This shift symbolizes that even in the darkest times, hope and love cannot be squashed like Snow wants them to.

The film also serves as a cautionary tale about history repeating itself, with President Coin mirroring Snow's authoritarian rule. The aftermath of the rebellion showed Coin taking this higher power, and her ideals lined up with Snows.

Katniss sees this connection and stops history in its tracks in a dramatic way.

It beautifully concludes with Katniss embracing a life where she can raise her children in a world free from the shadows of the Hunger Games.

Watching this movie for the first time caused tears in my eyes, and it honestly made me believe that, even in dark times, hope will make a corrupt world better.

1. The Hunger Games: Catching Fire

The second installment not only sets the stage for the rest of the series but also boasts the most enthralling arena among all the movies. The idea of the clock timing each torture zone is not only creative but also induces a sense of madness.

On the same idea of madness, witnessing President Snow's sinister power unravel, particularly through his manipulative tactics with Katniss and Peeta, marks a turning point in how we perceive Snow. In the first movie, Snow is a looming background character, but in this installment, his malevolence takes center stage.

The introduction of the 75th Quarter Quell adds a layer of trauma for the victors, tugging at heartstrings as previous winners struggle to survive. Mags' poignant death sets the tone for a game where alliances and friendships crumble in the face of a twisted world.

It is the amalgamation of these elements that makes "Catching Fire" a masterpiece and the pinnacle of "The Hunger Games" series.

Cora Rodriguez is a first-year student majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact her, email cir5381@psu.edu.