Books Like The Hunger Games: Thrilling Dystopias and Gripping Survival Stories

If you’re a fan of the intense action, dystopian themes, and emotional depth of Suzanne Collins’ The Hunger Games, you’re likely craving more stories that deliver the same adrenaline-pumping excitement and thought-provoking narratives. From deadly competitions to oppressive societies, these books like The Hunger Games are packed with unforgettable characters, high stakes, and thrilling adventures that will keep you turning pages late into the night.

1. Divergent by Veronica Roth

Set in a dystopian society where people are divided into five factions based on their virtues, Divergent introduces Tris Prior, a teenager whose ability to belong in multiple factions—known as being Divergent—makes her a threat to the rigidly controlled system. As Tris uncovers dark secrets about her world, she must navigate dangerous choices, form alliances, and fight for her freedom.
With its gripping blend of action, rebellion, and romance, this series is a perfect fit for readers who loved the fierce battles and moral dilemmas of The Hunger Games.

2. The Maze Runner by James Dashner

Imagine waking up in a maze with no memory of who you are or how you got there. That’s the chilling premise of The Maze Runner, where Thomas and a group of boys struggle to survive in a deadly, ever-changing labyrinth teeming with monstrous creatures called Grievers. As they work together to escape, they uncover a sinister conspiracy about their true purpose.
This fast-paced, action-packed story is perfect for fans of The Hunger Games who enjoy tense survival challenges and unraveling mysteries.

3. Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard

In Mare Barrow’s world, blood determines your destiny: commoners bleed red, while the elite Silver-blooded class wields supernatural abilities. But when Mare discovers she has a deadly power of her own, she becomes a pawn in the Silver monarchy’s political games. Torn between loyalty to her family and the rebellion, Mare must tread carefully in a world full of betrayals.
Fans of Katniss Everdeen’s resilience and determination will find Mare’s fight for justice equally compelling in this electrifying dystopian series.

4. Legend by Marie Lu

Legend introduces two teenagers from opposite sides of a dystopian society. June is a government prodigy trained to enforce the Republic’s laws, while Day is the nation’s most wanted criminal fighting for survival in the slums. When a tragic incident brings them together, they uncover shocking truths about the Republic and the corruption that holds it together.
With its alternating perspectives, fast-paced action, and deep exploration of power and morality, Legend is a must-read for fans of the rebellion and social critique in The Hunger Games.

5. The Selection by Kiera Cass

For readers who enjoyed the romantic elements of The Hunger Games, The Selection offers a dystopian twist on the classic competition trope. In this world, 35 girls compete for the chance to marry Prince Maxon and become the future queen. America Singer reluctantly joins the contest, torn between her love for someone at home and her growing feelings for the prince.
With palace intrigue, forbidden love, and a touch of rebellion, this series is a lighter yet equally addictive read for fans of Katniss’s internal struggles between love and duty.

6. Scythe by Neal Shusterman

What happens when humanity conquers death? In a future where disease, aging, and even natural death have been eliminated, population control falls to a group of individuals called Scythes. When Citra and Rowan are chosen as Scythe apprentices, they must navigate their training while grappling with the ethics of taking lives—and staying alive themselves.
With its philosophical themes, moral dilemmas, and suspenseful plot, Scythe offers the same intensity and thought-provoking questions that make The Hunger Games so captivating.

7. An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir

Inspired by ancient Rome, An Ember in the Ashes tells the story of Laia, a girl who goes undercover as a slave in the Empire’s military academy to save her brother from execution. There, she meets Elias, a soldier who secretly dreams of freedom. Together, they fight against the brutal oppression of the Empire while uncovering powerful secrets.
This richly imagined world, combined with themes of resistance and hope, makes it a perfect read for those who loved the relentless fight for survival in The Hunger Games.

8. The Knife of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness

In a world where everyone’s thoughts can be heard aloud, Todd Hewitt discovers a shocking secret that forces him to flee his town. Along the way, he meets Viola, a mysterious girl who doesn’t belong to this world. Together, they must confront dangerous enemies and uncover the truth about their society.
With its relentless tension, emotional depth, and exploration of humanity under pressure, The Knife of Never Letting Go is a standout dystopian tale for fans of The Hunger Games.

9. The 5th Wave by Rick Yancey

After an alien invasion devastates Earth, Cassie Sullivan is left fighting for survival in a world where trust is a luxury. The aliens have launched four devastating “waves” of attacks, and the fifth wave promises to end humanity for good. Cassie’s journey to save her brother while navigating betrayal and danger is gripping and heart-wrenching.
For readers who loved the survival elements and emotional stakes of The Hunger Games, this post-apocalyptic thriller is a must-read.

10. The Giver by Lois Lowry

This classic dystopian novel takes readers into a world of “sameness,” where emotions, memories, and individuality have been suppressed to maintain a perfect society. When Jonas is chosen to be the Receiver of Memories, he begins to question everything he’s been taught—and risks everything to uncover the truth.
With its profound themes and exploration of rebellion against control, The Giver is a thought-provoking companion to The Hunger Games.

Find Your Next Dystopian Adventure

If you loved the high-stakes action, emotional depth, and powerful themes of The Hunger Games, these books will transport you to equally gripping worlds filled with danger, rebellion, and unforgettable characters. Whether you’re in the mood for a deadly competition, a fight for justice, or a battle for survival, one of these stories is sure to keep you hooked from start to finish.