If you loved The Hunger Games like I did, you’re probably on the hunt for more books that give the same rush. The mix of survival, rebellion, and characters fighting against unfair systems is hard to forget.
I remember finishing the series and wondering what else could keep me turning pages late at night.
The good news is that there are plenty of books out there with similar themes – dystopian worlds, dangerous competitions, and strong heroes who don’t give up.
This list will help you find the next story to get lost in. Whether you want high-stakes action, a bit of romance, or political intrigue, these books deliver that same spark fans of The Hunger Games crave.
Why The Hunger Games is So Popular
The Hunger Games is so popular because it blends action, emotion, and big ideas in a way that pulls readers in.
The story shows a world where young people are forced into a deadly competition, which creates nonstop tension and drama.
Readers connect with Katniss because she’s brave, loyal, and willing to fight for what’s right, even when the odds are against her.
The series also covers themes like freedom, survival, and unfair power, which feel very real today. Add in fast-paced writing and a mix of love, friendship, and rebellion, and it’s easy to see why people can’t put it down
Books Similar to The Hunger Games You Must Read
If you loved The Hunger Games, you’ll be glad to know there are many other books with the same energy. From survival games to rebellion stories, these picks will keep you hooked.
1. Divergent by Veronica Roth
In a future society split into five factions, people are forced to choose one at sixteen. Tris learns she doesn’t fit neatly into one group, and that secret makes her a threat.
As she trains, she uncovers corruption and a plan that could tear her world apart. The mix of courage, rebellion, and tough choices will feel familiar if you liked Katniss standing up to the Capitol.
- Focuses on identity and bravery
- Strong female lead with tough decisions
- Fast-paced, filled with danger and action
2. The Maze Runner by James Dashner
Thomas wakes up with no memory, surrounded by boys trapped in a huge, shifting maze. Strange creatures lurk in the shadows, and the maze itself changes each night.
With survival at stake, Thomas must find a way out while he tries to figure out who put them there and why. The sense of mystery and danger makes this series a great match for The Hunger Games arena scenes.
- Survival and teamwork under pressure
- High-stakes mystery with plenty of twists
- Thrilling pace that keeps readers guessing
3. Legend by Marie Lu
Day is a wanted criminal, June is a military prodigy, and their paths collide when her brother is murdered. What starts as a chase turns into a realization that their government is hiding dark secrets.
This series blends action with emotion, and the rebellion theme feels a lot like Katniss fighting back against the Capitol. You’ll find yourself rooting for both characters as they fight for truth and justice.
- Told from dual perspectives
- Strong focus on politics and corruption
- Action mixed with heart and loyalty
4. Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard
In this kingdom, power is determined by blood – silvers rule with superhuman abilities, while reds live in poverty. Mare, a red, learns she has powers too, which makes her a danger to the system.
To hide the truth, she’s forced into the royal court, where betrayal and secrets run deep. If you loved Katniss’s role as a symbol of rebellion, Mare’s story will grab you right away.
- Blend of dystopia and fantasy
- Fierce heroine caught in a web of lies
- Themes of power, betrayal, and uprising
5. The 5th Wave by Rick Yancey
Aliens attack Earth in waves, each one deadlier than the last. Cassie is determined to protect her little brother in a world where trust is nearly impossible.
Her journey is full of suspense, danger, and difficult choices, much like Katniss fighting for Prim. The story balances survival with heart, making it a gripping read for fans of dystopian thrillers.
- Post-apocalyptic survival with alien invasion
- Family bonds are at the center of the story
- Nonstop action mixed with emotion
6. Uglies by Scott Westerfeld
In a world where everyone must undergo surgery at sixteen to become “Pretty,” Tally can’t wait for her turn. But when her best friend runs away, she’s forced to choose between betraying her or facing life as an outcast.
As Tally learns the dark truth behind the system, she questions everything. Fans of The Hunger Games will enjoy the tension between conformity, freedom, and rebellion.
- Focus on society’s control over appearance and choice
- A strong lead who questions the system
- Exciting mix of action and self-growth
7. Matched by Ally Condie
Society decides everything – who you marry, what you eat, and even when you die. Cassia trusts the system until a glitch shows her two possible matches.
Suddenly, she starts to wonder if love and freedom are worth breaking the rules. Like Katniss, Cassia challenges the order of her world and sparks rebellion. This story is slower in pace but rich in themes of control and individuality.
- Romance with a dystopian twist
- Questions of free will vs. control
- A thoughtful, character-driven story
8. The Selection by Kiera Cass
America Singer is chosen to compete for the prince’s heart in a televised contest. For many, it’s the chance of a lifetime, but America doesn’t want to be there. Caught between love and duty, she faces palace politics, rebellion, and tough choices.
If you liked the mix of romance, competition, and dystopian backdrop in The Hunger Games, this series adds a glamorous but dangerous twist.
- Blend of romance, royalty, and rebellion
- A strong heroine torn between two paths
- A mix of love story and political tension
9. Battle Royale by Koushun Takami
Before The Hunger Games, there was Battle Royale. In this Japanese classic, a class of students is forced by the government into a deadly game where only one can survive.
It’s darker and more graphic than Katniss’s story but offers the same intense look at survival, control, and the value of life. If you want a grittier, more adult version of the Games, this is a must-read.
- High-stakes survival competition
- Darker, more violent tone than YA dystopias
- Reveals fear, power, and human nature
10. Red Rising by Pierce Brown
On Mars, society is divided by color-coded classes, with Golds at the top. Darrow, a Red, infiltrates the Golds to spark a revolution from within.
His journey is filled with brutal tests, betrayal, and the fight for justice. Fans of Katniss will enjoy the mix of survival trials, political rebellion, and a hero forced to lead a revolution against impossible odds.
- Darker, more complex than most YA dystopias
- Themes of class, power, and uprising
- A mix of sci-fi, action, and politics
11. Scythe by Neal Shusterman
In a world where disease and death no longer exist, only Scythes can control the population by choosing who dies. Citra and Rowan are chosen to train as apprentices, but soon find themselves questioning the system and each other.
The story covers big moral questions while keeping the tension high. Fans of The Hunger Games will enjoy the sense of duty, rebellion, and characters forced to make impossible choices.
- Unique take on life and death
- Strong teen characters facing hard truths
- Mix of philosophy, action, and suspense
12. The Grace Year by Kim Liggett
In Garner County, every sixteen-year-old girl is sent away for a year to rid themselves of their “magic.” Many never return. Tierney knows the system is cruel but has no choice but to face it.
Her survival depends on wit, strength, and breaking free of fear. If you loved the themes of oppression and female strength in The Hunger Games, this book delivers in a haunting way.
- Feminist dystopian story
- Focus on survival and sisterhood
- Dark, chilling, and emotional
13. Delirium by Lauren Oliver
In this world, love is considered a disease, and at eighteen, everyone undergoes a procedure to cure it. Lena has always trusted the system – until she falls in love.
Her story becomes one of rebellion, hope, and choosing between safety and freedom. Fans of The Hunger Games will connect with the emotional stakes and the fight for choice in a rigid society.
- Romance-centered dystopia
- Strong emotional pull
- Questions about control and freedom
14. Enclave by Ann Aguirre
After an apocalypse, survivors live underground in harsh conditions. Deuce, a young Huntress, is trained to protect her community from dangerous creatures and strict rules.
When she’s exiled, she finds that the world above is even more dangerous but also full of truths about her society. The gritty survival and dystopian themes make it a great match for The Hunger Games fans.
- Dark, post-apocalyptic setting
- Strong, capable female lead
- Mix of horror, survival, and rebellion
15. Across the Universe by Beth Revis
Amy is frozen on a spaceship traveling to a new planet, only to wake up early and learns the crew is living under strange rules.
As she adjusts, she learns dark secrets about the mission and the leader controlling everything. Like Katniss, Amy questions authority and fights for the truth, all while navigating danger and survival in space.
- Dystopian twist set in space
- Focus on truth, secrets, and survival
- Strong mix of sci-fi and mystery
16. Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi
When Aria is exiled from her safe city into the wastelands, she expects to die. Instead, she meets Perry, a hunter from the outside, and together they face dangerous tribes, violent storms, and secrets about their world.
The mix of survival, romance, and rebellion makes this a good choice for fans of The Hunger Games.
- Post-apocalyptic survival and new worlds
- Blend of action, romance, and danger
- Strong characters learning to trust each other
17. The Darkest Minds by Alexandra Bracken
After a mysterious disease kills most children, the survivors develop powers and are locked in camps. Ruby escapes and joins a group of kids fighting for freedom.
Her journey mixes survival, rebellion, and heartache. Readers who loved Katniss’s determination will find the same resilience in Ruby’s story.
- Teen rebellion against a harsh system
- Powers mixed with dystopian themes
- Emotional, fast-paced, and gripping
18. Gone by Michael Grant
One day, everyone over the age of fifteen vanishes, leaving kids to run their town. At first, they try to survive, but soon, power struggles, dangers, and strange abilities change everything.
The mix of high tension, survival, and leadership challenges will remind readers of the arena battles in The Hunger Games.
- Survival in a world without adults
- Power struggles and shifting alliances
- Blends dystopia with supernatural twists
19. The Knife of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness
Todd lives in a world where everyone can hear each other’s thoughts. When he learns a secret that changes everything, he’s forced to run, and his journey becomes one of survival, trust, and rebellion against control.
The fast pace and unique storytelling make it a must-read for dystopian fans.
- Unique concept with “Noise” voices
- Strong survival theme
- Dark, emotional, and adventurous
20. Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi
Juliette has a deadly touch and has been locked away for it. When she’s suddenly released, she must decide whether to become a weapon for the regime or fight against it.
Her story blends romance, rebellion, and survival in a way that fans of Katniss will appreciate.
- Mix of dystopia, romance, and superpowers
- Emotional and dramatic writing style
- A heroine struggling to define her future
21. Carve the Mark by Veronica Roth
On a planet ruled by violence, everyone has a “currentgift” that shapes their destiny. Cyra and Akos are from rival groups but must work together against those in power.
The themes of survival, destiny, and fighting oppression make this one appealing for The Hunger Games readers.
- Rich world-building with unique powers
- Star-crossed characters in conflict
- Focus on survival and rebellion
22. Unwind by Neal Shusterman
In a chilling future, unwanted teens can be “unwound” for their body parts. Three runaways – Connor, Risa, and Lev – fight for survival and the right to control their own lives.
The suspense and thought-provoking themes make it perfect for fans of dystopian drama like The Hunger Games.
- Dark concept about choice and control
- Tense survival chase
- Ethical and emotional depth
23. Ship Breaker by Paolo Bacigalupi
In a world ruined by climate change, Nailer works scavenging ship parts to survive. When he finds a rich girl trapped in a wreck, he has to choose between helping her or saving himself.
The gritty survival themes and strong class divide feel similar to Katniss’s fight against inequality.
- Post-apocalyptic survival story
- Themes of class and power
- Gritty and realistic tone
24. Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo
In the war-torn kingdom of Ravka, Alina awakens to a hidden power that could save her people. Taken to train with the magical elite, she soon realizes power always comes with a cost.
If you enjoyed Katniss being pulled into a role bigger than herself, Alina’s journey will feel familiar.
- Fantasy with dystopian-like control
- A heroine coming upon her power
- Political intrigue and danger
25. Gregor the Overlander by Suzanne Collins
From the author of The Hunger Games, this middle-grade series follows Gregor into a hidden world beneath New York filled with giant creatures and prophecy.
While lighter in tone, it shares the same sense of survival, loyalty, and an ordinary kid pulled into an extraordinary fight.
- Adventure with survival themes
- Family loyalty at the core
- Great for younger readers of The Hunger Games
Conclusion
These books prove that the excitement of The Hunger Games doesn’t end with Katniss’s story. Each one offers a mix of survival, rebellion, and characters who refuse to back down when the world is against them.
From futuristic societies to dangerous competitions, these stories keep the same fast pace and emotional pull that made the Hunger Games series unforgettable.
I think what makes them all stand out is how they show ordinary people rising to face impossible odds.
If you’re ready for more page-turning action, these books will keep you hooked and give you plenty to think about long after the last chapter ends.
