It has now been almost 10 years since the lastHunger Gamesmovie, and the lead cast’s careers have branched off in different directions. TheHunger Gamesfranchise itself has continued with the prequel ofThe Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, and now theupcoming bookSunrise on the Reaping, with a movie adaptation already confirmed. Each prequel movie brings with it an entirely new set of stars, as the oldHunger Gamesleads are seemingly retired from their roles.
Leading lady Jennifer Lawrence set out to become one of the biggest prestigious actors of her generation,with a slew of Oscar nominations in the 2010s. WhileHunger Games’secondary leads, Josh Hutcherson and Liam Hemsworth, have not recently been a part of the industry’s projects — which may change soon — some of the then younger and unknown stars have since flourished. From Hutcherson’s childhood roles to Amandla Stenberg’s string of hits, theHunger Gamescast appeared in some amazing movies and shows both before and after the milestone franchise.
Admittedly, fans have yet to witnessLiam Hemsworth as the new Geralt of Rivia, but there is no denying that his recast is one of the most anticipated developments in entertainment coming in 2025, or thatThe Witcherhas stood out in modern fantasy.A clear product of the post-Game of Thronesworld,The Witcher’s first three seasons have played with the genre through multiple timelines, as well as highlighted the brilliant cast, including Henry Cavill, Anya Chalotra, Freya Allen, and Joey Batey.
10 Hunger Games Characters, Ranked Worst To Best
From the mind of Suzanne Collins, The Hunger Games franchise is still as prominent as ever, providing some of the most interesting characters in film.
The Witcheris not without its faults, devolving into some lackluster storytelling and dividing fans of the video games, who are quick to note any changes made to the canon. However, the series is captivating throughout, with gritty aesthetics, complex action, and strong found family dynamics. Arguably, Hemsworth has already done the best at finding a straightforward fantasy to star in post-Hunger Games.
Both Josh Hutcherson and AnnaSophia Robb preceded their major star status with the heartbreaking magical realism movieBridge to Terabithia, based on the Newbury Medal-winning book of the same name by Katherine Paterson. Leslie and Jess are pre-teen rivals turned friends who meet when Leslie moves to town, and they go on a life-changing adventure together. Robb, in particular, is a delight as Leslie, the imaginative half of the main duo who creates the fantasy kingdom of Terabithia for herself and Jess.
Bridge to Terabithiashows children dealing with life’s harshest realities,from financial burdens to bigger tragedies, and finding refuge in fantasy. Some of its subplots might not land particularly well, but it is overall a beautiful illustration of the careful balance between fantasy and reality while proving the bravery in hoping and continuing to believe in magic.
Invasion of the Body Snatchersis a sci-fi classic starring none other thanHunger Games’President Snow, just one ofDonald Sutherland’s best moviesfrom his long and illustrious career. 1978’sInvasion of the Body Snatchersis a remake of the 1956 movie of the same name, but the latter is widely regarded to have surpassed the original. A very nostalgic plot about alien invaders disguising themselves as San Francisco residents, Sutherland gets to be the heroic, clever scientist who pieces together what’s happening.
This iteration, also regarded as thebestInvasion of the Body Snatchersmovieoverall, leverages its new time and place to emphasize themes of mistrust and conformity. Far ahead of its time in the reboot-sequel department,1978’sInvasion of the Body Snatchersalso nods to its predecessor, in this dread-soaked sci-fi mystery narrative.
Yellowstoneended with season 5 in 2024, bringing the saga of the Dutton family in the modern day to a (mostly) satisfying conclusion.Yellowstonedealt with ongoing central themes of family; the cost of legacy; perseveration vs progress; and the power dynamics between members of the main family, government officials, and different cultural groups. Throughout,Wes Bentley plays Jamie, the adopted son of the Dutton family who turns on themand arguably becomes the ultimate villain of the series.
Jamie’s Yellowstone Final Fate Is So Bad, It’s Insulting To Wes Bentley
Yellowstone ends with a definitive send-off to Jamie Dutton, but after five seasons, it’s a less than satisfying way as a swan song for the character.
Bentley once played Seneca Crane, the suave and relatively downplayed head gamemaker of the 74th Hunger Games who arguably believed that he was achieving some kind of peace by maintaining the status quo. However, Seneca ultimately is not the cleverest person in the series and stumbles, resulting in his execution. In contrast, Jamie is far more contradictory and intense, struggling with his relationship with his family but scheming terribly to achieve his own ambitions in this renowned series.
Elizabeth Banks would eventually take over as the director ofPitch Perfect 2,another stellar installment in the college musical series before the letdown of the third movie. However, Jason Moore directedPitch Perfectwhile Banks still produced and occupied the suppurating role of Gail, one half of the extremely obnoxious commentary duo that oversees the a cappella competitions (alongside John Michael Higgins as “John”). There is no need to say thatPitch Perfectwas a smash hit, one of thedefining movies of the early 2010s.
In addition to some amazing a cappella covers and mashups of legendary songs,Pitch Perfectshows off a chaotic college experience and unsure young people supporting each other, especially the main ensemble of the all-female Barden Bellas. There is a lot of wacky, at times crude humor, while Anna Kendrick and Rebel Wilson give performances that will always stand out in their careers.Pitch Perfectswiftly became a cultural touchstone, with Effie Trinket doing her part to make it so.
True Detectivemay have fallen from grace before making something of a comeback, but most people still recognize the first season as one of the best installments of television ever made, and it can be viewed that way on its own thanks to the anthology format. Led by Woody Harrelson and Matthew McConaughey as Detectives Marty Hart and Rust Cohle,True Detectiveseason 1 is decidedly a masterclass in intrigue and mystery.
Hart and Cohle investigate a murder and a missing child case, withTrue Detectiveseason 1 drawing upon a true story. The elegant writing, steeped in both mystery and thematic concerns, of course, got the best treatment with the dual top-tier performances. As far as Katniss' mentor goes, Harrelson has long shown his hand in playing sardonic, shrewd characters, and is an ideal casting choice for a jaded detective.
Amandla Stenberg has been gradually accumulating roles that will each certainly be remembered by pop culture, if in different ways, from the romantic dramaEverything, Everythingto aStar Warsshow that deserved better to her new place in the monumentalcast ofChildren of Blood and Bone. However, currently still regarded as Stenberg’s best movie isThe Hate U Give, an adaptation of Angie Thomas' bestselling book of the same name. Stenberg gives a powerhouse performance as Starr, a high school student who witnesses her best friend’s murder at the hands of a police officer.
Starr works with an activist played by Issa Rae and becomes a symbol in her community asThe Hate U Giveitself delves into and exposes tragic truths about racism and police brutality.Thomas set out to write a book that educated readers about the Black Lives Matter movement,which was immensely successful as a box and translated powerfully into a movie.
Mahershala Ali’s time withThe Hunger Gameswas short, as he played the small but impactful role of Commander Boggs, one of the few people in District 13 Katniss connects with. However, Ali can make an impression in any role, including that of Miles Morales' morally gray Uncle Aaron in the stunning animated superhero movieSpider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. This stylized epic brought the concept to a whole new level and showed more artistry than most superhero movies ever did, even before genre fatigue set in.
Spider-Verseis particularly adept at leveraging A-list actors in small roles,with people like John Mulaney and Nicolas Cage voicing Spider-Man iterations that hilariously adhere to every trope associated with their names. Ali’s character is one of the more complex cases, as Aaron’s storyline is about his genuine love for his family despite his involvement with the movie’s villains. He has some heartfelt and even funny moments, and the reunion between him and Miles in the sequel sets him up to be a strong addition toSpider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse.
Spotlighttells the true story of the Boston Globe’s Spotlight investigative team exposing the widespread cover-up of molestation within the Catholic Church. The winner of the Oscars for Best Picture and Best Original Screenplay,Spotlightadeptly recounts the story while highlighting themes of culpability, faith, economic gaps,and the haunting nature of something horrific happening so close to the main characters' own lives. Stanley Tucci plays a lawyer who eventually covertly assists the Spotlight team through his knowledge from prosecuting a cardinal.
Spotlightwas also nominated for Best Supporting Actor and Actress (Mark Ruffalo and Rachel McAdams), Editing, and Directing. Aside from telling an important true story, the movie is well-paced and well-acted, keeping its viewers engaged through many human moments from the characters.Spotlight’s win was something of a surprise in 2016, but it is a strong movie with few weaknesses that sheds light on the world of investigative journalism.
The same year that the firstHunger Gamesmovie came out, Jennifer Lawrence started in the Oscars-destined dark rom-comSilver Linings Playbook,allowing her fans to enjoy her mainstream presence and have her as their champion at the Academy Awards. For playing Tiffany, Lawrence saw her second Oscar nomination afterWinter’s Boneand first win. This turned out to be the movie’s only win, but it still had a strong run with nominations in all four acting categories, as well as Best Picture, Directing, Screenplay, and Editing.
Every Jennifer Lawrence Movie Ranked From Worst To Best
From her breakout role in Winter’s Bone to her Oscar win for Silver Linings Playbook, Jennifer Lawrence has starred in some great movies.
Silver Linings Playbookis an offbeat but sweet movie about Pat and Tiffany, two adults dealing with divorce in the case of the former divorce and being widowed for the latter, as well as diagnoses with severe mental health conditions. However, Tiffany’s odd request that Pat be her partner in a ballroom dancing competition leads to wacky hijinks and ultimately healing. A movie that is about nothing and everything,Silver Linings Playbookis an ode to new love and was a tangential win for theHunger Gamesfandom.
