Netflix Removes Five Hunger Games Movies in October 2026

Netflix is preparing to remove all five movies in The Hunger Games franchise from its streaming library in October 2026, ending a short licensing period that began in July. The departures affect subscribers watching the dystopian series ahead of the next installment, Sunrise on the Reaping, which is scheduled to reach theaters on November 20, 2026.

According to coverage published by Yahoo on October 10, all five films are scheduled to leave Netflix on October 14, making October 13 the final day to watch them on the platform. ComicBook.com also reported the impending removal, estimating that watching the complete five-film collection requires approximately 12 hours.

All five movies are expected to become available on Hulu starting October 14, according to Yahoo's report. The relatively brief Netflix licensing period lasted approximately three months, despite the franchise's commercial success and continued popularity among audiences.

The original series follows Katniss Everdeen, played by Jennifer Lawrence, as she becomes a symbol of resistance in Panem, a dystopian society where children from 12 districts must participate in televised fights to the death. The first film, released in 2012, introduces Katniss as she volunteers to take her younger sister's place in the Hunger Games.

The franchise's five films comprise The Hunger Games (2012), The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (2013), The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1 (2014), The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2 (2015), and The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes (2023). The first four adapt Suzanne Collins' original trilogy, with the final book divided into two movies, while the fifth film explores the origins of President Coriolanus Snow.

ComicBook.com reported that the five films generated a combined worldwide box office total of more than $3.3 billion. The publication listed The Hunger Games at $677.9 million, Catching Fire at $864.8 million, Mockingjay – Part 1 at $766.6 million, Mockingjay – Part 2 at $650.5 million, and The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes at $347.9 million.

The same report cited Rotten Tomatoes scores of 84% for the first film, 90% for Catching Fire, 69% for Mockingjay – Part 1, 70% for Mockingjay – Part 2, and 67% for The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes. Audience Popcornmeter scores were 81%, 89%, 71%, 66%, and 90%, respectively.

The 2023 prequel, directed by Francis Lawrence, takes place 64 years before the original story and follows a young Coriolanus Snow, played by Tom Blyth, as he mentors Lucy Gray Baird, portrayed by Rachel Zegler, during the 10th Hunger Games. The story expands the franchise's history by examining Snow's early life and the evolution of the televised competition.

The next movie, The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, is scheduled for theatrical release on November 20, 2026. Based on Collins' novel, the prequel takes place during the 50th Hunger Games, also known as the Second Quarter Quell, and follows the events surrounding Haymitch Abernathy's victory.

Beyond the dystopian franchise, Netflix's departures during the week of October 12 also include The End of the Tour (2015), which leaves on October 12, and The Smurfs 2 (2013), scheduled to depart on October 14, according to Comic Basics. Other listed removals include the thrillers Held Hostage in My House (2024) and Taken in Plain Sight (2024).