Netflix just landed one of the biggest sci-fi franchises of all time

Since the beginning of July, Netflix has expanded its sci-fi lineup with a strong mix of movies and TV shows available across the U.S. and international territories. The latest additions span everything from highly anticipated anime and original series to beloved dystopian blockbusters. Arguably the most exciting, albeit unexpected, arrival is one of the biggest sci-fi movie franchises ever, giving fans the perfect chance to revisit the entire saga ahead of two major milestones for the film series.

Often described as Divergentmeets Battle Royale, the blockbuster franchise blends a chilling dystopian future with a brutal fight for survival, creating one of the defining young adult film series of the 21st century. Set in a society where kids are forced to compete in a televised fight to the death, the genre-bending sci-fi movies combine thrilling action with sharp commentary on power, propaganda, and social inequality. Just as compelling is the franchise's star-studded cast, which pairs Hollywood veterans with a breakout leading performance that helped turn the series into a global phenomenon.

Ahead of the franchise's upcoming theatrical event scheduled for September, Netflix has added all five Hunger Games films to its library, including the original four-movie arc and the 2023 prequel, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes. The collection arrived on the streamer for the first time on July 14, giving subscribers plenty of time to catch up before the next franchise film reaches theaters in four months. Led by Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss Everdeen, the original films follow the District 12 teenager who volunteers to take her younger sister's place in the deadly Hunger Games before ultimately becoming the face of a revolution against the Capitol.

Netflix Prepares Fans for the Genre-Bending Sci-Fi Franchise's Return

On November 20, the next franchise film, The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, debuts in theaters as an adaptation of Suzanne Collins' 2025 novel and the sixth film in the series. While it follows The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes in release order, the story is set 24 years before the events of the first franchise film and centers on a young Haymitch Abernathy as he competes in the 50th Hunger Games, also known as the Second Quarter Quell. Joseph Zada takes over the legendary role from Woody Harrelson, who portrayed the fan-favorite mentor throughout the original films.

The Hunger Games franchise is now streaming on Netflix.