Hunt for the Wilderpeople

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2:30

Hunt for the Wilderpeople

PG-13

2016

1h 41m

Comedy

Adventure

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

97%

Tomatometer

211 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.

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Critics Consensus

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

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Peter Bradshaw

Guardian

Aug 6, 2026

4/5

It’s arguably the masterpiece of its writer-director Taika Waititi... bringing his distinctive irony, comedy and quirk, but wisely lets the story and performances do the real work

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Kambole Campbell

One Room With A View

Aug 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.

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Angie Han

Slashfilm

Jun 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.

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Matt Oakes

Silver Screen Riot

Oct 14, 2026

B+

A genuinely hilarious and emotionally engaging tale of a naughty foster child and his surrogate uncle who venture off into the bush. Sam Neill and Julian Dennison have uncommon comic chemistry while Waititi shows off some newfound directorial tricks.

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Dulcie Pearce

The Sun (UK)

Aug 10, 2026

5/5

Directed by Taika Waititi, it’s still the best buddy movie since Up in 2009.

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Sean Axmaker

Stream on Demand

Jul 28, 2026

... this sweet, funny comedy is built on loss and sorrow and the need for family, and it never sacrifices one for the other.

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James Heng

Jul 19, 2026

great movie! super fun.

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Adella R

@RT09796743 Oct 10, 2026

ABSOLUTELY my favourite movie of ALL TIME. I don't know how many times I've watched it so far ... but I'll be back for more. There is just too much good stuff in this movie.

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Robert P

@Superbad Sep 21, 2026

Hunt for the Wilderpeople = a *5* star Movie!

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D M

@Tivero Sep 21, 2026

Funny! Charming! Endearing! What more do you need to know.

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Kristine I

@madeloncopper Aug 14, 2026

Thought this was due a rewatch due to Sam Neil’s passing and the 10 year anniversary of this film. Not as good as i remembered it being. Still enjoyable though mainly for the central performances being brilliant.

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Sam S

@riverrunsthroughme Aug 2, 2026

Excellent, very Wes Anderson esq but warm hearted.

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Taika Waititi

Director

Sam Neill

Hec

Julian Dennison

Ricky

Rima Te Wiata

Bella

Rachel House

Paula

Rhys Darby

Psycho Sam

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Hunt for the Wilderpeople: US Release Trailer

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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

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