Skip to main content
Join The Community
- Join our community
11
Premium Benefits
24/7
Access Available
21K+
Active Members
Commenting
Join the discussion
Exclusive Articles Coming Soon
Member-only articles
Weekly Newsletters
Weekly gaming & entertainment news
Member Badges
Earn badges as you go
Exclusive Competitions
Members-only prize draws
Curated Deals Coming Soon
Tech and gaming deals worth grabbing
GET COMMUNITY ACCESS QUICK
For the quickest way to join, simply enter your email below and get access. We will send a confirmation and sign you up to our newsletter to keep you updated on all your gaming news.
By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.
FIND OUT ABOUT OUR MAGAZINE
Want to subscribe to the magazine? Click the button below to find out more information.
Find out more
GET Community ACCESS QUICK

Join the GamesRadar community for quick access. Enter your email below and we'll send confirmation, and sign you up to our newsletter.

By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.

Background
Welcome to GamesRADAR+ Community !
Hi ,

Your membership journey starts here.

Keep exploring and earning more as a member.

MY ACCOUNT

Badge picture
Earn your first badge
Read 1 article to unlock your first badge.
Keep earning badges
Explore ways to get more involved as a member.
Latest Games News

Latest Games News

Breaking gaming news and updates

Read Now
Latest Games Reviews

Latest Games Reviews

Expert verdicts on the newest releases

Read Now

See what you’ve unlocked.

Explore your membership benefits.

Explore
Member Exclusives

Stay Ahead with GamesRadar+

Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox.

Explore

Sign Out
GamesRadar+ GamesRadar+
US EditionUS CA EditionCanada UK EditionUK AU EditionAustralia
Sign in
  • View Profile
  • Sign out
  • Games
    • Game Insights
      • Games News
      • Games Features
      • Games Reviews
      • Games Guides
      • Big in 2026
      • The Big Preview
      • On The Radar
      • Indie Spotlight
      • Future Games Show
      • Golden Joystick Awards
    • Genres
      • Action Games
      • RPGs
      • Action RPGs
      • Adventure Games
      • Third Person Shooters
      • FPS Games
    • Platforms
      • PS5
      • Xbox Series X
      • PC
      • Nintendo Switch
      • Nintendo Switch 2
      • Tabletop Gaming
    • Franchises
      • Grand Theft Auto
      • Pokemon
      • Assassin's Creed
      • Monster Hunter
      • Fortnite
      • Cyberpunk
      • Red Dead
      • The Elder Scrolls
      • The Sims
  • Entertainment
    • TV Shows
      • TV News
      • TV Reviews
      • Anime Shows
      • Sci-Fi Shows
      • Superhero Shows
      • Animated Shows
      • Marvel TV Shows
      • Star Wars TV Shows
      • DC TV Shows
    • Movies
      • Movie News
      • Movie Reviews
      • Big Screen Spotlight
      • Superhero Movies
      • Action Movies
      • Anime Movies
      • Sci-Fi Movies
      • Horror Movies
      • Marvel Movies
      • DC Movies
    • Streaming
      • Apple TV Plus
      • Disney Plus
      • Netflix
      • HBO
      • Amazon Prime Video
      • Hulu
    • Comics
      • Marvel Comics
      • DC Comics
    • Toys & Collectibles
    • Lego
    • Dungeons and Dragons
    • Merch
  • Hardware
    • Insights
      • Hardware News
      • Hardware Reviews
      • Hardware Features
    • Computing
      • Desktop PCs
      • Laptops
      • Handhelds
    • Peripherals
      • Headsets & Headphones
      • TVs & Monitors
      • Gaming Mice
      • Gaming Keyboards
      • Gaming Chairs
      • Speakers & Audio
    • Accessories & Tech
      • Gaming Controllers
      • Tech
      • SSDs & Hard Drives
      • VR
      • Accessories
      • Retro
  • Deals
    • Game Deals
    • Tech Deals
    • TV Deals
    • Buying Guides
  • Video
  • Newsletters
    • Quizzes
    • About Us
    • How to pitch to us
    • How we score
    • Newsarama
    • Retro Gamer
    • Total Film
  • home
  • Games
    • View Games
      • Games News
      • Games Features
      • Games Reviews
      • Games Guides
      • Big in 2026
      • The Big Preview
      • On The Radar
      • Indie Spotlight
      • Future Games Show
      • Golden Joystick Awards
      • Action Games
      • RPGs
      • Action RPGs
      • Adventure Games
      • Third Person Shooters
      • FPS Games
    • Platforms
      • View Platforms
      • PS5
      • Xbox Series X
      • PC
      • Nintendo Switch
      • Nintendo Switch 2
      • Tabletop Gaming
      • Grand Theft Auto
      • Pokemon
      • Assassin's Creed
      • Monster Hunter
      • Fortnite
      • Cyberpunk
      • Red Dead
      • The Elder Scrolls
      • The Sims
  • Entertainment
    • View Entertainment
    • TV Shows
      • View TV Shows
      • TV News
      • TV Reviews
      • Anime Shows
      • Sci-Fi Shows
      • Superhero Shows
      • Animated Shows
      • Marvel TV Shows
      • Star Wars TV Shows
      • DC TV Shows
    • Movies
      • View Movies
      • Movie News
      • Movie Reviews
      • Big Screen Spotlight
      • Superhero Movies
      • Action Movies
      • Anime Movies
      • Sci-Fi Movies
      • Horror Movies
      • Marvel Movies
      • DC Movies
    • Streaming
      • View Streaming
      • Apple TV Plus
      • Disney Plus
      • Netflix
      • HBO
      • Amazon Prime Video
      • Hulu
    • Comics
      • View Comics
      • Marvel Comics
      • DC Comics
    • Toys & Collectibles
    • Lego
    • Dungeons and Dragons
    • Merch
  • Hardware
    • View Hardware
      • Hardware News
      • Hardware Reviews
      • Hardware Features
      • Desktop PCs
      • Laptops
      • Handhelds
    • Peripherals
      • View Peripherals
      • Headsets & Headphones
      • TVs & Monitors
      • Gaming Mice
      • Gaming Keyboards
      • Gaming Chairs
      • Speakers & Audio
      • Gaming Controllers
      • Tech
      • SSDs & Hard Drives
      • VR
      • Accessories
      • Retro
  • Deals
    • View Deals
    • Game Deals
    • Tech Deals
    • TV Deals
    • Buying Guides
  • Video
  • Newsletters
    • Quizzes
    • About Us
    • How to pitch to us
    • How we score
    • Newsarama
    • Retro Gamer
    • Total Film
Trending
  • Pokemon Winds and Waves
  • New Games for 2026
  • Submit your game clips
  • GDC
  1. Entertainment
  2. Movies
  3. Action Movies
  4. The Hunger Games

20 best moments of The Hunger Games series

Features
By Ian Sandwell published 12 November 2015

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

  • Facebook
  • X
  • Pinterest
  • Flipboard
  • Email
Share this article
Join the conversation
Follow us
Add us as a preferred source on Google
Get the GamesRadar+ Newsletter

Weekly digests, tales from the communities you love, and more


By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.

You are now subscribed

Your newsletter sign-up was successful


Want to add more newsletters?

GamesRadar+

Every Friday

GamesRadar+

Your weekly update on everything you could ever want to know about the games you already love, games we know you're going to love in the near future, and tales from the communities that surround them.

GTA 6 O'clock

Every Thursday

GTA 6 O'clock

Our special GTA 6 newsletter, with breaking news, insider info, and rumor analysis from the award-winning GTA 6 O'clock experts.

Knowledge

Every Friday

Knowledge

From the creators of Edge: A weekly videogame industry newsletter with analysis from expert writers, guidance from professionals, and insight into what's on the horizon.

The Setup

Every Thursday

The Setup

Hardware nerds unite, sign up to our free tech newsletter for a weekly digest of the hottest new tech, the latest gadgets on the test bench, and much more.

Switch 2 Spotlight

Every Wednesday

Switch 2 Spotlight

Sign up to our new Switch 2 newsletter, where we bring you the latest talking points on Nintendo's new console each week, bring you up to date on the news, and recommend what games to play.

The Watchlist

Every Saturday

The Watchlist

Subscribe for a weekly digest of the movie and TV news that matters, direct to your inbox. From first-look trailers, interviews, reviews and explainers, we've got you covered.

SFX

Once a month

SFX

Get sneak previews, exclusive competitions and details of special events each month!


Join the club

Get full access to premium articles, exclusive features and a growing list of member rewards.


An account already exists for this email address, please log in.
Subscribe to our newsletter

11. Katniss shoots an arrow at Gamemakers

Movie: The Hunger Games (2012)

Why we love it: No two ways about it, the first arrow Katniss fires for the Gamemakers is an absolute shocker, so we can't blame them for turning away. But, ignore Katniss at your peril. Annoyed that they're concentrating on their lavish feast instead of her perfect follow-up arrow, she decides to make her mark on proceedings by shooting through them to pierce an apple in a roasted pig's mouth. Having got their attention, Katniss curtsies, says "thank you for your consideration" and strolls off before they can respond. Ooh, burn.

10. Cinna's assumed death

Movie: The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (2013)

Why we love it: Let's be honest, there's probably never a good time to see one of your friends beaten up and dragged away, but it's surely awful timing if you're just about to head into a battle to the death. The most heart-wrenching scene of Catching Fire comes as Cinna bids farewell to Katniss. However, instead of Katniss going up into the arena, she's forced to watch her stylist brutally beaten up by Peacekeepers for defying the Capitol. It's her anguished cries that get us and, while in Mockingjay - Part 1 we're told he died, we like to think he's still betting on Katniss.

9. Katniss heals Peeta

Movie: The Hunger Games (2012)

Why we love it: It may involve tricking Peeta into taking a sleeping syrup, but it's the first time we see Katniss' heart thaw towards him when she puts herself in danger to get medicine to save his life. After being saved by Thresh to make the two even for what Katniss did for Rue, she's able to head back to the cave to heal Peeta, who must have some pretty good memories of that cave. After all, the night before, Katniss kissed him (mainly to gain favour from sponsors), which allowed us the first glance of Gale's 'I'm in pain' face.

8. Peeta publicly declares his love for Katniss

Movie: The Hunger Games (2012)

Sign up to the GamesRadar+ Newsletter

Weekly digests, tales from the communities you love, and more

By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.

Why we love it: Ah, young love. You make a declaration that you really, really like someone, and then get throttled for it by the object of your affection. "He made me look weak," spits Katniss after Peeta tells Caesar Flickerman, in a roundabout way, that he loves her. It's a savvy move from Peeta, which allows Haymitch to 'sell' the two as "star-crossed lovers", even if it seems initially that it'll be an unrequited love. Also, why we love Effie, part three, for her cutting and finger-pointing "manners" as she walks away.

7. "If we burn, you burn with us!"

Movie: The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1 (2014)

Why we love it: We've already seen how bad Katniss is at 'acting' the part of the Mockingjay, and this stirring scene shows what was missing: namely, the death of a bunch of innocent people. Having downed a Capitol plane, we're shown prime Katniss as she lays down the gauntlet to President Snow: "Fire is catching and if we burn, you burn with us!" It's made all the more powerful as she collapses to her knees afterwards, overwhelmed by the destruction. No longer is Katniss 'The Girl on Fire' - she is now the Mockingjay.

6. Katniss hears District 12 has been destroyed

Movie: The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (2013)

Why we love it: We wonder if, looking back, President Snow realises what a faux pas it was for him to destroy District 12. After all, Katniss was already angry enough. Gale gets his 15 seconds of fame as he tells her that District 12 is no more, and we see Katniss come to terms with the decision in an extended close-up that is peak Jennifer Lawrence. Going from sadness and confusion to stone-cold anger and determination, it's a masterclass in expressive, dialogue-free acting. Katniss is no longer angry, she's pissed. Bad move, President Snow.

5. Peeta attacks Katniss

Movie: The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1 (2014)

Why we love it: It's only once Peeta is knocked out by Boggs (Mahershala Ali) that we realise we've been holding our breath. One look at Peeta's emaciated face and it's clear something is not quite right, but we're still not expecting him to launch a feral attack on Katniss. It's the most violent moment of the entire series to date, Katniss' eyes going bloodshot as he throttles her, and though it lasts for less than 30 seconds, its impact is huge. After the attack, it cuts to black for just long enough to make us think that's the end of the film. The teases.

4. Katniss and Peeta's threaten to commit suicide

Movie: The Hunger Games (2012)

Why we love it: After a cruel last-minute rule change, Katniss and Peeta play the ultimate game of chicken with the Capitol. The gamble to commit joint suicide pays off as, faced with having no victors, the Capitol submits and crowns the two as victors, sending them both on a collision course with President Snow. And if we weren't sure before in the cave, this is the moment that shows Katniss really cares for Peeta. You don't threaten to commit suicide with someone just because they chucked you a loaf of bread that one time.

3. "Remember who the real enemy is"

Movie: The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (2013)

Why we love it: The arrow that sparked a revolution. President Snow so wants Katniss to shoot Finnick, but all it takes is for Finnick to echo Haymitch's earlier words to change her mind: "Remember who the real enemy is." She wires up her bow, shoots it at the weak point of the forcefield and blows up the arena, getting a hell of a headache in the process. The distance and accuracy of the shot was impressive even by Katniss' standards; we can barely get the key in the door after a long night out.

2. Rue's death

Movie: The Hunger Games (2012)

Why we love it: Give us a moment, we're just composing ourselves. The most heart-breaking moment of the series to date isn't made any easier by the fact that we knew, at some point, that Rue had to die for Katniss to survive. It doesn't flinch away either - we see Rue pulling out Marvel's (Jack Quaid) spear before collapsing to the ground. Katniss comforts her, singing and repeating "you're ok", but we're definitely NOT ok. The beautifully played scene ends with Katniss laying Rue to rest amongst flowers, and marked out The Hunger Games as not just your average young adult franchise.

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3

Current page: Page 2

Prev Page Page 1 Next Page Page 3
Ian Sandwell
Ian Sandwell
Social Links Navigation

Ian Sandwell is an entertainment journalist, an avid FrightFester, and horror genre lover, as well as being a bit of a Marvel geek. Ian was the Features Writer at GamesRadar between 2015-2017, and has since moved on to Digital Spy where he currently sits as the website's movies editor. 

Latest in Action Movies
Spider-Man Brand New Day
Marvel Movies Tom Holland compares Jon Bernthal's Punisher to RDJ's Tony Stark in Spider-Man: Brand New Day
 
 
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
Marvel Movies Marvel Studios pushes back one of its upcoming MCU release dates while revealing two more
 
 
Fast X
Action Movies Assassin's Creed screenwriter will pen the script for the long-awaited final Fast and Furious movie
 
 
Kraven the Hunter
Marvel Movies Project Hail Mary screenwriter says his unmade Spider-Man spin-off movie didn't happen because of the 2014 Sony hack
 
 
Milly Alcock as Supergirl
DC Movies James Gunn confirms that Supergirl is set between the events of Superman and Man of Tomorrow
 
 
Tom Holland as Spider-Man in Spider-Man: Brand New Day
Marvel Movies Spider-Man: Brand New Day is so popular that it's officially doubled the trailer views of No Way Home
 
 
Latest in Features
Starfield screenshot showing the new Anchor Point location
RPGs How your feedback helped shape Starfield's biggest updates: "We're always checking in," says Bethesda
 
 
Invincible VS screenshot showing Dupli-Kate using her abilities
Fighting Games Invincible VS director wants players to feel like "a f**king superhero," so expect matches that are a "knock-down, drag-out fight until the death"
 
 
A close-up of Grace talking with someone through glass in Resident Evil Requiem
Resident Evil Resident Evil Requiem's Grace actor did "a lot of research" into panic disorders, which makes playing the game with a real-life anxiety condition the scariest the series has ever been
 
 
A painted Legio Custodes miniature on a wooden surface
Tabletop Gaming The new Warhammer Custodes look amazing, but my god, I wish they were easier to build
 
 
A zombie police officer bits a poker in Resident Evil Requiem
Resident Evil Resident Evil has shaped survival horror as we know it – and the next decade will be the proving ground
 
 
Star Wars Galactic Racer big preview
Racing Games "Our tracks are not procedurally-generated": Why replayability is at the heart of Star Wars: Galactic Racer
 
 
LATEST ARTICLES
  1. Palworld Official Card Game
    1
    Palworld publishing boss thinks "we're a few years away" from a AAA survival crafting game, and he was "super excited" for the one Blizzard canceled
  2. 2
    Todd Howard wanted Bethesda's original RPGs to be playable before worrying about remasters: "You can play Morrowind, you can play Fallout 3"
  3. 3
    Assassin's Creed Shadows lead is simply "proud" the game launched because "shipping a game nowadays is a small miracle"
  4. 4
    Baldur's Gate 3 writer says the RPG's reputation system exists because Larian can't just let players "break" party members: "We would be working on the game forever"
  5. 5
    Resident Evil has shaped survival horror as we know it – and the next decade will be the proving ground

GamesRadar+ is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site.

Add as a preferred source on Google Add as a preferred source on Google
  • Terms and conditions
  • Contact Future's experts
  • Privacy policy
  • Cookies policy
  • Accessibility statement
  • Careers
  • About us
  • Advertise with us
  • Review guidelines
  • Write for us
  • Accessibility Statement

© Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036.

Please login or signup to comment

Please wait...