'Total Copycat': Tarantino Blasts Hunger Games for Stealing the Brutal Legacy of Battle Royale

Quentin Tarantino has reignited a long‑running debate about the origins of modern dystopian fiction, accusing Suzanne Collins's The Hunger Games of being a 'total copycat' of Japan's Battle Royale. Speaking on The Bret Easton Ellis Podcast, the director claimed Collins's bestselling series borrowed heavily from Koushun Takami's 1999 novel and its 2000 film adaptation directed by Kinji Fukasaku.

Tarantino's remarks have stirred fresh controversy in both literary and film circles, not only because Battle Royale has often topped his list of favourite films, but also because the accusation challenges the originality of one of the most successful franchises of the 21st century. His comments revive a debate that has lingered for years among fans and critics, pitting the brutal Japanese cult classic against the global phenomenon of The Hunger Games.

Tarantino's Explosive Remarks

Tarantino, who has frequently listed Battle Royale among his favourite films, did not hold back. He argued that Takami should have pursued legal action against Collins, saying: 'I do not understand how the Japanese writer didn't sue Suzanne Collins for every f-----g thing she owns. They just ripped off the f-----g book!'

He went further, criticising literary critics for failing to recognise the similarities. According to Tarantino, reviewers hailed The Hunger Games as original because they were unfamiliar with Japanese cinema. 'Stupid book critics are not going to go watch a Japanese movie called Battle Royale, so the stupid book critics never called her on it,' he said. 'They talked about how it was the most original [expletive] thing they'd ever read. As soon as the film critics saw the film, they said, 'What the [expletive]? This is just Battle Royale except PG!'

Collins's Response

Collins has previously denied any connection between her work and Takami's novel. In a 2011 interview with The New York Times, she said she had not heard of Battle Royale until after submitting her manuscript. She recalled asking her editor whether she should read it, but was advised against it: 'No, I don't want that world in your head. Just continue with what you're doing.'

Her defence has not stopped comparisons between the two franchises, both of which centre on teenagers forced into deadly competitions.

The Hunger Games Phenomenon

Despite the criticism, The Hunger Games has become a cultural touchstone. Beyond its success as a book series, it sparked early fandom culture, cosplay trends, and inspired playground games. The film adaptations proved equally powerful, with the first two instalments each grossing more than $400 million (£320 million) at the global box office, according to Box Office Mojo.

The franchise continues to expand. A sixth film, Sunrise on the Reaping, is scheduled for release on 20 November 2026. Based on Collins's prequel novel, it explores the backstory of Haymitch Abernathy, Katniss Everdeen's mentor, set during the 50th Hunger Games — a special Quarter Quell held every 25 years.

A Debate on Originality

Tarantino's remarks came as he discussed his favourite films of the 21st century. His list included titles such as School of Rock, The Devil's Rejects, and Jackass: The Movie, with Battle Royale ranking at number 11. The placement underscores his admiration for the Japanese film and explains his frustration at what he sees as its overshadowing by Collins's franchise.

The controversy highlights a broader discussion about originality in popular culture. While Collins insists her work was independently conceived, Tarantino's comments reflect ongoing scepticism among fans and critics who see parallels between the two stories.

As The Hunger Games prepares for its next cinematic chapter, Tarantino's fiery remarks ensure the debate over its origins will continue. For him, the brutal legacy of Battle Royale remains unmatched—and, in his view, unfairly copied.