Mockingjay Film Series Overview
The Mockingjay series comprises four films adapted from Suzanne Collins' Hunger Games trilogy and a prequel novel. Lionsgate and its subsidiary Lionsgate Films produced the franchise, with distribution handled by Lionsgate and, for the final film, by Universal Pictures internationally. The series is based on the bestselling book series that follows Katniss Everdeen in a dystopian North America. The franchise is one of the highest-grossing young adult film series globally. Forbes reports the series generated billions in worldwide box office.
Production companies include Lionsgate, Color Force, and Good Universe for the prequel. The first Mockingjay film, The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1, released in November 2014, while The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2 followed in November 2015. The prequel, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, was released in November 2023 and is the newest entry in the franchise. The series is classified as dystopian science fiction and young adult adventure. Lionsgate's SEC filings detail revenue recognition from franchise licensing and distribution.
Box Office and Budget Data
The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1 had a production budget reported at approximately $125 million and grossed over $755 million worldwide. The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2 had a budget of roughly $160 million and earned more than $653 million globally. The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes had a reported budget of around $100 million and grossed over $337 million worldwide as of the latest public data. These figures place the Mockingjay films among the top-grossing young adult franchises. Box Office Mojo tracks detailed domestic and international grosses for Mockingjay Part 1.
Global box office rankings for the series show Mockingjay Part 1 and Part 2 in the top tier of young adult films, behind only the first Hunger Games film in the franchise. The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes ranks as the third highest-grossing entry in the broader Hunger Games universe. Marketing and distribution costs are not included in production budgets but are estimated to add 30 to 50 percent for major studio releases. Forbes notes the prequel's opening weekend performance relative to franchise expectations.
Revenue Streams and Franchise Economics
Revenue for the Mockingjay series extends beyond theatrical box office to include home entertainment, streaming licensing, merchandise, and theme park attractions. Lionsgate's parent company, Lions Gate Entertainment Corp., reports segment revenue from film and television licensing that includes Hunger Games titles. The prequel film is also distributed via digital purchase, rental, and physical media in addition to streaming on platforms such as Prime Video. Forbes details the streaming release window for the prequel.