‘Sunrise on the Reaping’ First Reactions Crown It the Best ‘Hunger Games’ Movie Yet

Few franchises have had a cultural impact like ‘The Hunger Games’, and few prequels have arrived with as much pressure as ‘The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping’. The film adapts Suzanne Collins’ novel, which sold more than 1.5 million copies worldwide in its first week, the biggest debut of any book in the series.

The story goes back 24 years before Katniss Everdeen volunteered as tribute. It follows a young Haymitch Abernathy from the morning of the reaping for the 50th Hunger Games, a Quarter Quell that changes his life forever. Francis Lawrence returns to direct, with Billy Ray adapting the screenplay for Lionsgate.

The film held its red carpet premiere in London on October 28, and the first reactions are glowing. Several critics who saw it early are already calling it the best film in the entire franchise.

Nikita Francois of Nerds of Color led the praise, saying the prequel easily surpasses the earlier films and calling it a must-see on the big screen. She described Joseph Zada’s performance as young Haymitch as electrifying.

The Hunger Games franchise remains a favorite. THE HUNGER GAMES: SUNRISE ON THE REAPING rocks a ton of stunning craftsmanship, yet another phenomenal cast, and an exhilarating narrative that serves as a powerful reminder that nothing is inevitable and it is possible to break a bad machine. One of the biggest highlights? Joseph Zada. I had high hopes for him after watching We Were Liars, but he had my jaw on the floor time and time again during Sunrise on the Reaping. His ability to capture Haymitch’s warmth and charm and then weave that into the rage and heartbreak the Hunger Games sparks is superb. SO much of this movie is on his shoulders, and he soars tackling every ounce of it. This is only the beginning for Zada.

— Perri Nemiroff (@PNemiroff) October 28, 2026

Collider’s Perri Nemiroff was also impressed. She praised the film’s striking craftsmanship and another phenomenal cast, and said its story is a powerful reminder that even a broken system can be challenged.

Zada came up again and again in the reactions. Nemiroff called him one of the film’s biggest highlights, said his performance repeatedly left her stunned, and predicted that this is only the start of his career.

Critic Griffin Schiller went even further, calling Zada’s turn a revelation. He suggested it may be the best performance in the franchise after Jennifer Lawrence’s, and praised the balance of warmth, anger and heartbreak in his take on the future mentor. Fans and critics on social media echoed that. Many described Zada as a star in the making, with several pointing to the role as one that could make him a household name.

SUNRISE ON THE REAPING is easily the best film in the Hunger Games franchise. Joseph Zada is electrifying as Haymitch, and the cast is true to the characters we’re introduced to in the book. Filled with all-fire, it’s a MUST-SEE in theaters -@nikita_francois @Lionsgate https://t.co/q0lefvD8hh

— The Nerds of Color (@TheNerdsofColor) October 28, 2026

The reactions also suggest the film doesn’t hold back. Schiller compared it to ‘Rogue One’ and ‘Andor’, describing it as a sobering story about devastating loss and the cost of rebellion.

Others noted its mature tone, calling it a devastating look at Haymitch’s origins and top-tier dystopian filmmaking. Several viewers singled out a powerful third act and an ending that reportedly hits hard.

That tone fits the source material. Collins’ novel shows how Haymitch became the haunted, cynical mentor fans first met in the original films, where the older version was played by Woody Harrelson.

#TheHungerGames Sunrise on the Reaping is the Rogue One/Andor of the franchise. A sobering, yet powerful story of devastating loss and the necessary cost of rebellion for a sunrise we may never see. As a massive fan of the series and especially this book, I couldn’t have asked for a more perfect adaptation. Francis Lawrence beautifully captures the invigorating spark of revolution and the tragedy of Haymitch’s journey, culminating in a resounding gut punch. Joseph Zada is a revelation. Completely floored by his performance. So charismatic, lovable, tender, and honest; he perfectly captures Haymitch’s love of people, pain, and rebellious spirit. In a series full of incredible performances, his might be the best behind Lawrence. He’s seriously THAT good. Like the book, the film challenges our own implicit submission and acceptance of terms we’ve never agreed to when the odds ARE in our favor. It sympathizes with how easy it is to feel hopeless and apathetic about the world today, how futile resistance seems, yet insists that every small act of defiance paves the way for future change, that every platform we have, for as briefly we have it, is a chance to reclaim control over the narrative. Not because that change is immediate, but because what other choice do we have? Lawrence has always excelled at squaring our growing nihilism with the desire to disrupt the system, and Sunrise allows him to interrogate that tension more directly to great effect. I’ve always maintained that The Hunger Games is one of our most consistent and vital franchises, and Sunrise on the Reaping makes it abundantly clear why the series has transcended the YA boom of the 2010s and is needed today more than ever.

— Griffin Schiller (@griffschiller) October 28, 2026

Zada is surrounded by a strong cast. Mckenna Grace plays Maysilee Donner, Whitney Peak plays Lenore Dove, and Ralph Fiennes steps into the role of President Snow. The ensemble also includes Jesse Plemons, Glenn Close, Kieran Culkin, Elle Fanning and Billy Porter.

Close in particular drew attention from early viewers, with one calling the film’s casting some of the best of the year. Adding to the excitement, Jennifer Lawrence has confirmed she’ll return as Katniss in the prequel, linking this new chapter to the heroine who started it all.

The film arrives in theaters on November 20, and the early buzz could hardly be stronger. First reactions don’t always match the final critical consensus, but this level of enthusiasm suggests Lionsgate may have another major hit on its hands.

THE NEW Sunrise on the Reaping TRAILER IS HERE. 🔥 The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping hits theaters November 20, 2026. https://t.co/WcVB86tcZH

— PanemPropaganda (@panempropaganda) September 16, 2026

For a franchise that has already produced several blockbusters, being called the best entry yet is a big claim. Fans will soon be able to decide for themselves whether Haymitch’s story lives up to the hype.

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