Yep, it is my Favorite as well.

Shaky cam alone ruins the first one, thus Catching Fire is better.

The sequels are the actual Blockbusters. This one feels more contained and solid.

In terms of BO the difference is explainable. For Hunger Games The fans were there but
the general audience was a question mark. After the success of Hunger Games the general
audience flocked to Catching Fire.

Yeah, but I feel that it became exactly what Gary Ross didn't want it to be.
That's interesting. In what way?
I wish Ross had continued, too. I would have loved to be stuck with him in an elevator or something, just so I could ask him all kinds of questions about the way he would have done Catching Fire and Mockingjay.
"The best fairytale is one where you believe the people" -Irvin Kershner

Yeah, but I feel that it became exactly what Gary Ross didn't want it to be. I think I would have enjoyed it more had he directed it.

CATCHING FIRE is impressive because it added extra things that yet fit the spirit of the story. For example, the scene where Snow's granddaughter appears wearing a Katniss braid and Snow has to hide his reaction.

Catching Fire was great in it's political themes, it was very thought-provoking as well as entertainning.
but The Hunger Games was great in it's story telling and script, it also had this natrual and raw feel to it, it felt like as indie samll film and I think the writer-director Gary Ross deserves alot of credit for that. he took something that was supposed to be young-adult and made it serious and respectful.
Life does not operate nor function without meaning.

Yes, I think it is clearly the best. It's funny though. On these boards when you have people do the rankings, many don't put it number one. Many like Catching Fire best for some reason. I don't get it.

Being the first in the series it had a powerful impact. Still my favorite.

Yes, I agree as well.
It seemed more real, in a way - more visceral and emotionally authentic than the others.
"The best fairytale is one where you believe the people" -Irvin Kershner

Agreed.
Life does not operate nor function without meaning.