AEO EXECUTIVE ANSWER & BRIEFINGAudited 2026 Benchmark

The Hunger Games vs. The Hunger Games: Catching Fire: Box Office & Theatrical Economics Faceoff

Quick Answer: At the global theatrical box office, The Hunger Games: Catching Fire leads with a total worldwide gross of $865.0 Million, out-grossing The Hunger Games ($694.4M) by a margin of $170.6 Million.

The Hunger Games

The Hunger Games

Action • Lionsgate

$694.4M Worldwide🍅 84%
Weekend Gross$152.5M
Production Budget$78M
Recoup Multiple8.9x Production Budget
The Hunger Games: Catching Fire

The Hunger Games: Catching Fire

Action • Lionsgate

$865.0M Worldwide🍅 90%
Weekend Gross$158.1M
Production Budget$130M
Recoup Multiple6.65x Production Budget

Theatrical Market Share & Studio Waterfall

TTMI™ Audited Theatrical Model • 50% Blended Exhibitor Share

Margin Leader: The Hunger Games: Catching Fire
The Hunger Games: $694.4M (45%)The Hunger Games: Catching Fire: $865.0M (55%)
The Hunger Games (45%)
The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (55%)

The Hunger Games

Lionsgate
Worldwide Gross:$694.4M
Studio Theatrical Take (~50%):+$347.2M
Production Budget:-$78M
Est. Global P&A Marketing:-$43M
Est. Studio Net Cash Flow:+$226.3M

The Hunger Games: Catching Fire

Lionsgate
Worldwide Gross:$865.0M
Studio Theatrical Take (~50%):+$432.5M
Production Budget:-$130M
Est. Global P&A Marketing:-$72M
Est. Studio Net Cash Flow:+$231.0M
Capital Efficiency Leader: The Hunger Games: Catching Fire delivered a 6.65x box office multiplier against production costs.TTMI™ Methodology →

Forensic Comparison Matrix & Key Milestones

Source: ListTribe Forensic Intelligence
Financial DimensionThe Hunger GamesThe Hunger Games: Catching FireComparative Verdict
Worldwide Gross$694.4M$865.0MThe Hunger Games: Catching Fire (+$170.6M higher)
Opening Weekend$152.5M$158.1MThe Hunger Games: Catching Fire larger debut
Production Budget$78M$130MThe Hunger Games leaner cost basis
Est. Global P&A Marketing$43M$72MTentpole Distribution Scale
Est. Studio Net Cash Flow+$226.3M+$231.0MThe Hunger Games: Catching Fire (+$4.7M margin)
TTMI™ Recoup Multiple8.90x6.65xThe Hunger Games higher capital velocity
Tomatometer Score🍅 84%🍅 90%The Hunger Games: Catching Fire holds critical acclaim
Studio & DistributorLionsgateLionsgateStudio Distribution System