Thriller fans are currently marking the 13th anniversary of an iconic young adult film that has kept audiences on the edge of their seats.

Debuting in theatres on March 23, 2012, this dystopian masterpiece garnered stellar praise from both pundits and popcorn munchers alike.

Inspired by Suzanne Collins’ riveting 2008 novel, the story unfolds through the eyes of 16-year-old Katniss Everdeen as she navigates a future where a despotic regime reigns over what was once North America.

Annually, one boy and girl are selected from each of the twelve districts to participate in a ghastly televised combat – a fight to the death which enthralled viewers globally as The Hunger Games.

Helmed by four-time Academy Award candidate Gary Ross, the inaugural film clinched the BAFTA Children’s Award for Best Feature Film in 2012, reports Surrey Live.

Its star-studded roster is headlined by none other than Oscar-recipient Jennifer Lawrence, whose portrayal of Katniss propelled her into the limelight. She’s flanked by a formidable ensemble featuring Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, and Stanley Tucci.

The film’s success birthed an entire series encompassing five cinematic instalments, with the final chapters explosively delivered within just three years.

The latest addition graced cinemas in 2023, showcasing the talents of Rachel Zegler (of Snow White fame) and Tom Blyth (lauded for Billy the Kid).

Thirteen years down the line, the original flick still commands a passionate following, with fans waxing nostalgic on social media—recently rebranded as X—in posts such as: “I’ve been binge watching the whole franchise since morning.”

Fans of the beloved series are in for a treat as the first four films can be binged on both Netflix and ITVX. And for those eager to dive into the latest entry, The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, is readily available on Amazon Prime Video.

One astonished fan, reflecting on the series’ history, exclaimed on social media: “What do you mean 13 years it was yesterday for me!!!! I still know what seat, what movie theatre and what I was wearing that day!!!!”

On Rotten Tomatoes, the saga continues to draw passionate feedback from cinephiles. A recent review reads: “Love it! My favourite dystopian movie ever,” capturing the film’s enduring appeal.

In an outburst of excitement, another fan declared: “BEST MOVIE EVER A MUST SEE SO GOOD OMG.”

The first four films of The Hunger Games franchise are streaming now on Netflix and ITVX.