Hunt for the Wilderpeople

Play trailer

2:30

Hunt for the Wilderpeople

PG-13

2016

1h 41m

Comedy

Adventure

Play Trailer

Watchlist

Watchlist

Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

97%

Tomatometer

208 Reviews

91%

Popcornmeter

25,000+ Ratings

A boy (Julian Dennison) and his foster father (Sam Neill) become the subjects of a manhunt after they get stranded in the New Zealand wilderness.

Watch on Fandango at Home

Stream Now

Critics Consensus

The charmingly offbeat Hunt for the Wilderpeople unites a solid cast, a talented filmmaker, and a poignant, funny, deeply affecting message.

Read Critics Reviews

Kambole Campbell

One Room With A View

08/25/2018

4/5

Hunt for the Wilderpeople transforms a fairly unremarkable tale of adoption into a wild and wonderful fantasy, yet again proving that New Zealand may as well just be Middle Earth.

Go to Full Review

Angie Han

Slashfilm

06/13/2017

8/10

It has all the makings of a new childhood classic: it's got wonder and adventure and loads of humor, and ultimately winds up on the side of optimism - but it also has moments of genuine tragedy and danger.

Go to Full Review

Richard Brody

The New Yorker

12/29/2016

Gentle and appealing performances can't rescue this facile and cloying comedy.

Go to Full Review

Don Shanahan

Every Movie Has a Lesson

10/18/2024

4/5

Broken into ten cheeky episodic chapters and boasting beautiful natural beauty, you will find a fun experience that may feel familiar, yet is wholly unique.

Go to Full Review

Joe Lipsett

Hazel & Katniss & Harry & Starr Podcast

03/26/2024

4/5

Waititi's long-in-development adaptation of the Crump's classic has a style and wit all of its own. Neill is delightfully grumpy, but it is Dennison who steals the show. The over the top buffoonery of the final chase is a bit much, though

Go to Full Review

Jennifer Bisset

CNET

04/20/2023

The balance between humanity and comedy is what Taika Waititi does best.

Go to Full Review

Read all reviews

Fiona H

@FionaHayden 3d

The Hunt for the Wilderpeople is a charming adventure that balances humor and emotion perfectly. The relationship between its two main characters develops naturally, making every moment feel genuine. It is funny, heartfelt and filled with memorable scenes that leave a smile on your face.

See more

Fode D

@Fode_Doumbia67 4d

Bruce didn’t like this movie so I sold him

See more

Blake- N

@PBSAniDom May 21

Hunt for the Wilderpeople is my favorite comedy film from New Zealand because it perfectly balances humor, heart, and adventure. It has a unique charm that makes it stand out from most modern comedies. The film’s humor feels natural and well-timed, never forced or exaggerated. It blends character-driven comedy with genuine emotional moments, which makes the story feel warm and engaging throughout. The performances are excellent, especially in how the characters interact and grow together. The chemistry between the leads carries the film and makes every moment feel entertaining and meaningful. Overall, Hunt for the Wilderpeople is a beautifully made comedy-adventure that is funny, heartfelt, and highly rewatchable. It captures a special kind of storytelling that stays with you long after it ends. I rate it a 10/10.

See more

brais J

@ahhhhhhh Apr 3

this is an absolute must see amazing and wonderful please watch it to make me happy..

See more

Sachin K

@RT98747485 Mar 29

This is one of the best movies I've actually ever seen It's funny, it's emotional, sort of dark in a comedic way And it's just absolutely everything you need in a movie.

See more

Paul E.

@PassoutTomatoes Mar 11

It was enjoyable and had all the feels but it was all a bit mild

See more

Read all reviews

Read More

Read Less

WRITE A REVIEW

EDIT REVIEW

POST RATING

Taika Waititi

Director

Sam Neill

Hec

Julian Dennison

Ricky

Rima Te Wiata

Bella

Rachel House

Paula

Rhys Darby

Psycho Sam

Hunt for the Wilderpeople: Movie Clip - Hunting for Food

0:55

Hunt for the Wilderpeople: Movie Clip - Raised by Wolves

1:04

Hunt for the Wilderpeople: Movie Clip - Famous

0:53

Hunt for the Wilderpeople: Trailer 1

2:34

View more videos

Wild Oats

%

38%

Wild Oats

Watchlist

Zoolander No. 2

21%

20%

Zoolander No. 2

Watchlist

TRAILER

for Zoolander No. 2

Now You See Me 2

33%

53%

Now You See Me 2

Watchlist

TRAILER

for Now You See Me 2

The Sasquatch Gang

50%

57%

The Sasquatch Gang

Watchlist

Water

0%

70%

Water

Watchlist

Discover more movies and TV shows.

View More

Las Vegas Film Critics: Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri Takes 5 Awards

British Independent Film Winners Announced: God’s Own Country Wins Best Film

British Independent Film Nominations Announced: Lady Macbeth Dominates with 15 Noms

Hunt for the Wilderpeople: US Release Trailer

2:30

View more videos

View more photos

Synopsis

A boy (Julian Dennison) and his foster father (Sam Neill) become the subjects of a manhunt after they get stranded in the New Zealand wilderness.

Director: Taika Waititi
Producer: Carthew Neal, Leanne Saunders, Taika Waititi, Matt Noonan
Screenwriter: Taika Waititi
Distributor: The Orchard
Production Co: Defender Films, Piki Films
Rating: PG-13 (Thematic Elements|Some Language|Violent Content)
Genre: Comedy, Adventure
Original Language: Australian English
Release Date (Theaters): Jun 24, 2016, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Sep 20, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA): $5.2M
Runtime: 1h 41m