The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes (2023): Cast & Ratings
The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes is a 2023 action thriller directed by Francis Lawrence, starring Tom Blyth as Coriolanus Snow, Rachel Zegler and Viola Davis. It is based on The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins. It runs 2 hours 37 minutes and earned $364 million worldwide on a $100 million budget. Critics gave it 64% on Rotten Tomatoes and 54 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 6.6/10.
- Released
- Runtime
- 2h 37m (157 min)
- Director
- Francis Lawrence
- Original language
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English - Studio
- Color Force
- Budget
- $100M
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes About?
The premise of The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes without spoilers, adapted from The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins. The whole story and the ending explained are in the plot summary further down.
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.
The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes Themes & Keywords
· 50 tags- origin of villain
- prequel
- mentor
- arena
- singing
- based on young adult novel
- divided into chapters
- execution
- betrayal
- based on novel
- fight to the death
- survival
+38 more Show fewer
- academy
- forest
- drone
- poisoned to death
- no opening credits
- no title at beginning
- younger version of character
- orphan
- singer
- love
- deception
- mockingjay
- fighting the system
- dystopia
- death of friend
- murder
- death
- snake
- vomiting
- female vomiting
- death of best friend
- television
- spin off
- fight
- riot
- teen adventure
- hanging
- spear
- lake
- crying
- kiss
- bomb
- guitar
- water
- poisoned
- flashback
- totalitarianism
- female scientist
The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes Cast & Characters
Tom Blyth leads the cast as Coriolanus Snow, with Rachel Zegler as Lucy Gray Baird and Viola Davis as Dr. Volumnia Gaul. Directed by Francis Lawrence; 20 actors are credited in all.
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Director Francis Lawrence
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Tom Blyth as Coriolanus Snow -
Rachel Zegler as Lucy Gray Baird -
Viola Davis as Dr. Volumnia Gaul -
Fionnula Flanagan as Grandma'am
Also Starring in The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes
· 16 more- Clemens Schick Respectable Man
- Hunter Schafer Tigris
- Athena Strates Persephone Price
- Amélie Hoeferle Vipsania Sickle
- Ashley Liao Clemensia Dovecote
- Max Raphael Festus Creed
- Dexter Sol Ansell Young Coriolanus
- Florian Burgkart Hilarius Heavensbee
- Joshua Kantara Gaius Breen
- Ayomide Adegun Pliny Harrington
- Mekyas Mulugeta Urban Canville
- Emma Frieda Brüggler Diana Ring
- Yalany Marschner Dennis Fling
- Rosa Gotzler Young Tigris
- Kaitlyn Akinpelumi Domita Whimsiwick
- Aaron Finn Schultz Apollo Ring
More from Francis Lawrence
More films directed by Francis Lawrence, best-rated first: The Long Walk, The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, I Am Legend and Slumberland.
The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes Reviews & Ratings
Critics gave The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes 64% on Rotten Tomatoes and 54 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 6.6/10. Our Echo Score gives it 62/100, strongest in art & craft (75) and weakest in rewatch factor (55).
The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes Echo Score Breakdown
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.
Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.
- Art & Craft 75
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.
- Character & Emotion 60
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.
- Story & Flow 60
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.
- Sensory Experience 70
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.
- Rewatch Factor 55
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.
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IMDb 6.6 /10
185348 votes
See on IMDb -
Rotten Tomatoes 64% Tomatometer
Popcornmeter 89%
See on Rotten Tomatoes -
Metacritic 54 Metascore
User score 5.7
See on Metacritic -
TMDB 70% User score
See on TMDB -
Letterboxd 3.6 /5
2015443 ratings
See on Letterboxd
The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes Plot Summary & Ending Explained
What happens in The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 14 key events and the ending explained. The opening is below; the full summary is a 3-minute read.
Spoilers ahead
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.
Full summary
The whole story of The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, scene by scene, with the ending explained
The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes Box Office & Budget
The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes grossed $364 million worldwide on a $100 million budget, 3.6 times what it cost. $166.4 million came from the US and Canada and $197.6 million (54%) from the rest of the world.
Worldwide gross
$364M
3.6× its budget
- US & Canada
- $166.4M
- International
- $197.6M
- Budget
- $100M
The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes Trailers & Videos
21 videos: 2 trailers, 2 teasers, 6 clips, 9 featurettes and 2 behind-the-scenes videos.
- Trailer Official Trailer 2
- Teaser Reveal
- Teaser Olivia Rodrigo – 'Can’t Catch Me Now'
- Clip Official Clip - ‘A Brand New Role’
How Well Do You Know The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes?
10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.
Question 1 of 10
- Question 1: not answered
- Question 2: not answered
- Question 3: not answered
- Question 4: not answered
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- Question 10: not answered
Who is the main protagonist in 'The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes'?
The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes Also Known As
46 alternative titles, including “Đấu Trường Sinh Tử: Khúc Ca Của Chim Ca & Rắn Độc” and “عطش مبارزه: تصنیف پرندگان آوازخوان و مارها”.
- Also known as
-
- Đấu Trường Sinh Tử: Khúc Ca Của Chim Ca & Rắn Độc
- عطش مبارزه: تصنیف پرندگان آوازخوان و مارها
- Hunger Games 0
- Die Tribute von Panem - Das Lied von Vogel und Schlange
- The Hunger Games - The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes
- Los Juegos Del Hambre: Balada de Pájaros Cantores y Serpientes
- Die Tribute von Panem – The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes
- Die Tribute von Panem 5 - The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes
- Hunger Games 5 - La Ballade du serpent et de l'oiseau chanteur
- Igre gladi: Balada pjevica i zmija
- Hunger Games : La Ballade du serpent et de l'oiseau chanteur
- The Hunger Games：The Ballad Of Songbirds & Snakes
+34 more Show fewer
- Սոված Խաղեր
- Игрите на глада: Балада за пойни птици и змии
- Hungurleikarnir: Danskvæði um söngfugla og slöngur
- 헝거게임: 노래하는 새와 뱀의 발라드
- Jogos Vorazes: A Cantiga dos Pássaros e das Serpentes
- Die Tribute von Panem - The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes
- Los juegos del hambre: La balada de pájaros cantores y serpientes
- Đấu Trường Sinh Tử: Khúc Hát Của Chim Ca & Rắn Độc
- Hunger Games: La ballata dell'usignolo e del serpente
- ألعاب الجوع: أنشودة الطيور المغردة والثعابين
- 飢餓遊戲：鳴鳥與游蛇之歌
- Nälkäpeli: Balladi Laululinnuista ja Käärmeistä
- Igrzyska śmierci: Ballada ptaków i węży
- משחקי הרעב: בלדה לנחשים וציפורי שיר
- Az éhezők viadala: Énekesmadarak és kígyók balladája
- Hry o život: Balada o hadoch a vtáčatkách
- Hunger Games: Balada o ptácích a hadech
- ハンガー・ゲーム0
- 饥饿游戏：鸣鸟与蛇之歌
- เดอะ ฮังเกอร์เกมส์ ปฐมบทเกมล่าเกม
- Голодные Игры: Баллада о Змеях и Певчих Птицах
- Голодні ігри: Балада про співочих пташок і змій
- The Hunger Games: A Balada dos Pássaros e das Serpentes
- 飢餓遊戲前傳：鳴鳥與靈蛇之歌
- Aclıq Oyunları: İlanlar və Nəğmə Quşları Balladası
- Igre lakote: Balada o pticah pevkah in kačah
- Bado žaidynės: Sakmė apie strazdą ir gyvatę
- The Hunger Games: Η Μπαλάντα των Αηδονιών & των Φιδιών
- Игре глади: Балада о птицама певачицама и змијама
- Açlık Oyunları: Kuşların ve Yılanların Şarkısı
- Jocurile foamei: Balada șerpilor și a păsărilor cântătoare
- Els jocs de la fam: Balada de refilaires i serps
- Näljamängud: laululindude ja madude ballaad, შიმშილის თამაშები: მგალობელი ჩიტებისა და გველების ბალადა
- Bada spēles: Balāde par dziedātājputniem un čūskām
Seen The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes?
Movies Like The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes
Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including The Hunger Games, The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1 and The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 2.
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The Hunger Games 2012 -
The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1 2014 -
The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 2 2015 -
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The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes FAQ: Cast & Box Office
Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, ratings, the book behind it and post-credit scenes of The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, each answered in a sentence.
How long is The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes?
The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes runs 2 hours 37 minutes (157 minutes).
When was The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes released?
The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes was released on November 17, 2023.
Who directed The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes?
The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes was directed by Francis Lawrence.
More films by Francis Lawrence Who is in the cast of The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes?
The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes stars Tom Blyth as Coriolanus Snow, Rachel Zegler as Lucy Gray Baird and Viola Davis as Dr. Volumnia Gaul, among 20 credited actors.
How much did The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes make at the box office?
The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes grossed $364 million worldwide ($166.4 million domestic, $197.6 million international) on a budget of $100 million.
How is The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes rated?
The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes has 6.6/10 on IMDb, 64% on Rotten Tomatoes, 54 on Metacritic and 70% on TMDB.
Is The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes based on a book?
Yes. The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes is adapted from The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins.
Does The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes have a post-credit scene?
No. The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes has no extra scene during or after the credits.
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