HBO Max Is Losing One of the Biggest Fantasy Franchises at the Worst Time Possible

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As a big streaming fan, I’ve learned that a new month doesn’t always mean more to watch, and it’s definitely true for HBO Max right now. They’ve been adding some great stuff lately – I was excited to see titles like It: Welcome to Derry, Elf, and Dawn of the Planet of the Apes pop up – but November is ending, and unfortunately, HBO Max is losing a ton of movies. It’s especially disappointing because one whole series is leaving right before they release new installments!

As a huge fan of The Hunger Games, I just found out some disappointing news. If you’re like me and love rewatching the original movies while we wait for Sunrise on the Reaping in 2026, you’ll need to find a new streaming home for them. All four films – The Hunger Games, Catching Fire, Mockingjay Part 1, and Mockingjay Part 2 – are leaving HBO Max on November 30th.

The popular Hunger Games series is based on Suzanne Collins’ books and takes place in Panem, a country that used to be North America after a major disaster. In this world, children from 12 different districts are forced to compete in a deadly, televised battle called the Hunger Games each year. The first four movies follow Katniss Everdeen, a teenager from District 12, who becomes the face of a rebellion when she bravely volunteers to take her sister’s place in the annual Games.

Why Is The Hunger Games Franchise Still So Popular?

The continued popularity of The Hunger Games is likely due to its exploration of universal themes, even though it’s set in a futuristic, oppressive world. Both the books and films offer a powerful commentary on issues we face today, like unfairness in society, government power, and the spread of misinformation, which helps the series connect with so many people. The films also skillfully combine this meaningful storyline with exciting, fast-paced action, making them both engaging and fun to watch.

As a huge movie fan, I really think it’s impossible to overstate how much impact a strong, inspiring female lead can have. Just look at Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss – she became a cultural phenomenon almost instantly! And it wasn’t just her, the whole cast, with both established and up-and-coming actors, created characters that people genuinely connected with and loved.

The combination of a compelling story and a built-in fan base from the original books turned The Hunger Games into a hugely successful film franchise, earning over $3.3 billion worldwide and ranking as the 21st highest-grossing franchise ever. Even more than ten years after the first movie came out, the series remains popular. A new film, The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, is scheduled for release on November 20, 2026. This prequel, based on the novel of the same name, focuses on the 50th Hunger Games—known as the Second Quarter Quell—and tells the story of how a young Haymitch won the Games. It will be the sixth film in The Hunger Games series.

Where to Stream The Hunger Games Movies After They Leave HBO Max?

Fans of The Hunger Games movies may soon have trouble finding them to stream. The first four films are currently only available on HBO Max and for rent or purchase digitally. It’s unknown where they’ll be available to watch after they leave HBO Max in December. The newest movie, The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes, is streaming on Starz and is also available to rent or purchase digitally.

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2025-11-29 23:41