The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes is being called the best Hunger Games movie in the franchise

The world is eagerly waiting to see the new Hunger Games film and it looks like it will be a certified hit.

The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes is set more than six decades before Katniss Everdeen captivated the 12 districts and overthrew the government.

This prequel focuses on the life and rise of Coriolanus Snow (Tom Blyth) and his relationship with District 12 tribute Lucy Gray Baird (Rachel Zegler).

Coriolanus is the last hope for the once-proud Snow family that has fallen from grace in a post-war Capitol.

The viewers who have been lucky enough to see the film before its worldwide release later this month have nothing but praise for it.

Not only that, some are saying it's the best film in the Hunger Games franchise.

Mama's Geeky film critic Tessa Smith said: "The Hunger Games: The Ballad Of Songbirds & Snakes perfectly delivers the downward spiral of who will become President Coriolanus Snow that fans love to hate. The entire cast is phenomenal. Tom Blyth gives the performance of a lifetime!"

While Fico Cangiano wrote on Twitter: "The Ballad Of Songbirds And Snakes is one of the best The Hunger Games films. Coriolanus Snow’s 'rise to power' story is well executed by F. Lawrence in this colder, twistier & more interesting prequel. Tom Blyth impresses, Rachel Zegler shines bright & Jason Schwartzman is hilarious."

Laure Garafano added: "As a longtime obsessive of The Hunger Games, oh boy, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes really delivered for me. Watching this made me feel the magic I felt when i saw the first movie as a 14-year-old — i literally cannot wait to see it again when it comes out."

And Daniel Howat said: "The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes is the best Hunger Games movie yet. It’s darker, more of a character study than anything, but always genuinely entertaining. With high stakes, solid action, and killer performances, it’s a thrilling return to Panem.

"It’s long for sure, but doesn’t drag. It works well by doing something fairly different from the first series. I had a great time with this one."

The prequel goes for two hours and 45 minutes, which is certainly a lot of movie to take in.

It doesn't drop into your local cinema until November 17 so you'll have to count each day in anticipation.

Topics: Film and TV

Stewart Perrie

Stewart Perrie is a Senior Journalist at LADbible. Stewart has covered the conflict in Syria for LADbible, interviewing a doctor on the front line, and has contributed to the hugely successful UOKM8 campaign. He is in charge of the LADbible Australia editorial content and social presence.

@stewartperrie