By KodiExpert Team · Updated 14 November 2026
The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping opens in theaters on November 20, 2026, telling the story of a young Haymitch Abernathy in the 50th Hunger Games. It is not on streaming at launch. Here is the release date, cast, early reactions, when it is likely to reach streaming, and how to catch up on the first five films before you go.
Sunrise on the Reaping at a glance
- Release date: November 20, 2026 (US and UK), in theaters only
- Director: Francis Lawrence
- Screenplay: Billy Ray, from Suzanne Collins’s 2025 novel
- Setting: the 50th Hunger Games (Second Quarter Quell), 24 years before Katniss
- Streaming: date not announced
When does Sunrise on the Reaping come out?
Lionsgate releases the film in US and UK cinemas on Friday, November 20, 2026, with Brazil one day earlier. Tickets went on sale on October 28. Tracking was strong from the start: early forecasts of a $55 to $65 million US opening rose to more than $100 million as presales came in, which would be the franchise’s best opening in over a decade.
What is it about?
It is the sixth Hunger Games film and a prequel. The story starts on the morning of the reaping for the 50th Hunger Games, the Second Quarter Quell, when twice the usual number of tributes are sent into the arena. A 16-year-old Haymitch Abernathy, who later mentors Katniss Everdeen, is one of them. Fans of the books know it as the darkest chapter in the series.
Cast
- Joseph Zada as Haymitch Abernathy
- Mckenna Grace as Maysilee Donner
- Whitney Peak as Lenore Dove Baird
- Ralph Fiennes as President Snow
- Elle Fanning as a young Effie Trinket
- Jesse Plemons as Plutarch Heavensbee
- Kieran Culkin as Caesar Flickerman
- Glenn Close and Ben Wang also star
Early reactions
First reactions from screenings in late October were positive. Critics called it “exhilarating”, compared its tone to Rogue One and Andor, and singled out Joseph Zada’s performance. Director Francis Lawrence has described it as a return to form for the series.
When will it be on streaming?
Lionsgate has not announced a streaming date. Expect it to come to digital purchase and rental first, likely around a month or two after release, before reaching a subscription streaming service in 2027. We will update this page once dates are confirmed.
How to watch the first five Hunger Games films
In the order they were released:
- The Hunger Games (2012)
- Catching Fire (2013)
- Mockingjay – Part 1 (2014)
- Mockingjay – Part 2 (2015)
- The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes (2023)
All five were added to Netflix in the summer of 2026, four months ahead of the new film. Availability varies by country, so check Netflix in your region. Each film is also available to rent or buy on Prime Video, Apple TV and Google TV.
Short on time? Watch Catching Fire, which shows the 75th Quarter Quell and Haymitch as a mentor, and The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes for a young Coriolanus Snow. Those two set up the new film best.
On a Firestick or smart TV, add Netflix from the app store and sign in with the code shown on screen. If playback stutters, our guide to fixing buffering covers network fixes for any app.
Prefer all your live TV in one app?
Some viewers use an IPTV service so live channels, sports and on-demand sit in one place on a Firestick or smart TV. If you go that way, choose a provider that is licensed where you live. Read our Xtreme HD IPTV review for prices and setup.
Disclosure: kodiexpert.org is run by the same team as Xtreme HD IPTV.
FAQ
Is Sunrise on the Reaping on Netflix?
No. It is in theaters only from November 20, 2026. The earlier films are on Netflix in many regions.
Do I need to watch the other films first?
No, it works on its own. But Catching Fire and The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes add a lot of context.
Who plays young Haymitch?
Australian actor Joseph Zada. Woody Harrelson played the older Haymitch in the original films.
Sources: Lionsgate, Rotten Tomatoes, Boxoffice Pro tracking, GamesRadar reactions, The Numbers. Checked 14 November 2026.