Logo What's After the Movie

The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes 2023

Set in a war-torn Panem years before the events of the original films, this story follows a young Coriolanus Snow as he’s assigned to mentor Lucy Gray Baird, a tribute from the impoverished District 12. Facing financial ruin and eager to restore his family’s prestige, Snow sees this as an opportunity to prove himself. As the 10th Hunger Games unfolds, he finds himself unexpectedly drawn to his rebellious and captivating tribute, navigating a complex and dangerous situation that will shape his future.

Set in a war-torn Panem years before the events of the original films, this story follows a young Coriolanus Snow as he’s assigned to mentor Lucy Gray Baird, a tribute from the impoverished District 12. Facing financial ruin and eager to restore his family’s prestige, Snow sees this as an opportunity to prove himself. As the 10th Hunger Games unfolds, he finds himself unexpectedly drawn to his rebellious and captivating tribute, navigating a complex and dangerous situation that will shape his future.

Does The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes have end credit scenes?

No!

The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes does not have end credit scenes. You can leave when the credits roll.

Ratings and Reviews for The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes

See how The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes is rated across major platforms like IMDb, Metacritic, and TMDb. Compare audience scores and critic reviews to understand where The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes stands among top-rated movies in its genre.


Echo Score

The Movie Echo Score

62

This prequel delivers polished visuals and moments of genuine intrigue but is constrained by its excessive length and uneven character development. Critics praise its production design, immersive world-building, and select performances, while others point to pacing issues and narrative rehashes that blunt the film’s impact. Despite strong sequences in the Districts and compelling set pieces, the story’s sprawling structure and overlong runtime limit its overall cohesion and lasting resonance.

The Movie Echo Score Breakdown for The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes

75
Echo Score

Art & Craft

In terms of art and craft, the film excels in production design and visual composition. Reviewers highlight meticulous costume and makeup work that reinforce Capitol decadence and District grit. The direction maintains striking framing and coherent editing in action sequences, although some CGI effects and set pieces feel inconsistent. Overall, the visual and technical presentation is one of the film’s more compelling elements.

60
Echo Score

Character & Emotion

When it comes to character and emotion, the performances are uneven but occasionally compelling. Tom Blyth’s portrayal of young Snow conveys ambition and conflict, and Rachel Zegler brings vitality to her role. However, several supporting characters receive limited development, and dialogue occasionally undercuts emotional stakes. The film offers moments of nuanced interaction but falls short of fully humanizing its ensemble.

60
Echo Score

Story & Flow

With regard to story and flow, the narrative is ambitious in its three-act structure but suffers from uneven pacing. The first half engages with tension and world-building, yet the transition to Snow’s transformation feels rushed. Observers note that thematic echoes of the original series create familiarity but also dilute originality. Although some sequences maintain suspense, the overall arc lacks sufficient emotional investment to sustain its extended runtime.

70
Echo Score

Sensory Experience

In terms of sensory experience, the film delivers an immersive sound design and musical score that heighten key moments. Visual style benefits from a coherent color palette contrasting Capitol opulence with District desolation. Moments of dynamic sound mixing in game sequences add to the tension. Some visual effects appear inconsistent, yet the overall aural and visual atmosphere remains a strong suit.

55
Echo Score

Rewatch Factor

Regarding rewatch value, the film offers impressive world-building and standout set pieces that may reward a second viewing. However, its lengthy runtime and episodic structure could deter repeat watches. While fans of the franchise may appreciate deeper context on President Snow’s origins, casual viewers might find the narrative drag and pacing issues limit the film’s lasting appeal.

Metacritic

54

Metascore

5.7

User Score

Rotten Tomatoes
review

64%

TOMATOMETER

review

89%

User Score

IMDb

6.7 /10

IMDb Rating

TMDB

70

%

User Score

Letterboxd

3.6

From 9.9K fan ratings

Movie Insider

4.20/5

From 5 fan ratings

Take the Ultimate The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes Movie Quiz

Challenge your knowledge of The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes with this fun and interactive movie quiz. Test yourself on key plot points, iconic characters, hidden details, and memorable moments to see how well you really know the film.


The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes Quiz: Test your knowledge on the intricate plot and characters of The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes.

Who is the main protagonist in 'The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes'?

Full Plot Summary and Ending Explained for The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes

See more

Read the complete plot summary of The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, including all major events, twists, and the full ending explained in detail. Explore key characters, themes, hidden meanings, and everything you need to understand the story from beginning to end.


In the dark days preceding the first Hunger Games, immense turmoil engulfs Panem. After the death of Coriolanus’s father, branded a rebel, the nation faces widespread hunger, with citizens resorting to desperate measures such as cannibalism. Amidst this chaos, Coriolanus Snow (played by Tom Blyth) is among twenty-four students from the Academy selected to mentor a tribute for the 10th Annual Hunger Games. His ambition centers around winning the prestigious Plinth Prize scholarship, aimed at restoring his family’s fallen status after his father’s demise.

As Coriolanus navigates the complexities of his role, he learns from fellow Academy student Sejanus Plinth about changes to the Plinth Prize. The head Game-maker, Volumnia Gaul, has taken over the War Department, declaring that the prize will now be awarded to the most innovative mentor who can re-engage audiences. This new twist signifies a shift, as for the first time, mentors are tasked with captivating the crowd alongside their tributes.

His assignment introduces him to Lucy Gray Baird (portrayed by Rachel Zegler), the female tribute from District 12. During the reaping ceremony, Lucy captures the Capitol’s attention by playfully slipping a snake down the dress of Mayor Lipp’s daughter and captivating the audience with her singing. This marks the beginning of a complicated affiliation between Coriolanus and Lucy, as he grapples with fears regarding her survival; historically, tributes from District 12 have met grim fates early in the Games.

Coriolanus seeks to gain Lucy’s trust, embarking on outings that include visits to the Capitol Zoo, where tributes are caged, igniting a bond between them. As pressure mounts with unique strategies demanded by Game-makers, Coriolanus proposes allowing the audience to place bets on tributes, leading to heightened engagement. However, complications arise, including duplicity from those around him, notably during Lucy’s performances and their mandates from Volumnia.

Amidst a backdrop of rebellion and violence within the arena, alliances shift, resulting in desperate reactions from mentors and tributes alike. The situation escalates, culminating in an incident where Coriolanus must confront his morality, forcing him to defend himself and make grave decisions. The Games test both Coriolanus’s resolve and Lucy’s instincts as they teeter between survival and the sacrifices they must make.

When tragedy strikes and the Capitol’s interior unrest reaches a fever pitch, Coriolanus’s cunning and resourcefulness allow him to navigate treacherous waters. Volumnia’s machinations are ever-present, dictating the ways in which the Games unfold, leading to a dramatic finale where the genetically altered snakes become a deadly weapon against the tributes. As the dust settles on this blood-stained spectacle, the ramifications of Coriolanus’s decisions begin to unveil a path toward power, leaving the fate of Lucy Gray shrouded in mystery.

Ultimately, Coriolanus’s journey culminates in an ascent within the Capitol, crowned by a scholarship and a pardon orchestrated by Volumnia herself. However, the shadows of his past actions loom large. In a scenario that encapsulates both the brutality and strategic manipulation inherent within the Hunger Games, Coriolanus paves his way toward influence, hinting at the harrowing choices yet to come—while Lucy’s fate remains an unanswered cry in the woods of District 12. The heavy cost of ambition and loyalty plays out against a backdrop of violence and betrayal—a fitting prelude to the overarching saga of power in the face of oppression.

Uncover the Details: Timeline, Characters, Themes, and Beyond!

Watch Trailers, Clips & Behind-the-Scenes for The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes

See more

Watch official trailers, exclusive clips, cast interviews, and behind-the-scenes footage from The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes. Dive deeper into the making of the film, its standout moments, and key production insights.


Official Trailer

Official Trailer 2

Special Feature - ‘Music’

Lucky Flickerman

Academy Orientation

Remembering the War

Flickerman News – The Rabies Hoax

The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes (2023) Flickerman News – The Plinth Prize

Special Feature - ‘Welcome Back to Panem’

The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes | Official IMAX® Interview

Movie Themes and Keywords

Discover the central themes, ideas, and keywords that define the movie’s story, tone, and message. Analyze the film’s deeper meanings, genre influences, and recurring concepts.


origin of villainprequelmentorarenasingingbased on young adult noveldivided into chaptersexecutionbetrayalbased on novelfight to the deathsurvivalacademyforestdronepoisoned to deathno opening creditsno title at beginningyounger version of characterorphansingerlovedeceptionmockingjayfighting the systemdystopiadeath of friendmurderdeathsnakevomitingfemale vomitingdeath of best friendtelevisionspin offfightriotteen adventurehangingspearlakecryingkissbombguitarwaterpoisonedflashbacktotalitarianismfemale scientist

Similar Movies You Should Know About

Browse a curated list of movies similar in genre, tone, characters, or story structure. Discover new titles like the one you're watching, perfect for fans of related plots, vibes, or cinematic styles.


© 2025 What's After the Movie. All rights reserved.