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Hunt for the Wilderpeople

Hunt for the Wilderpeople

Nature just got gangster.

2016101 minPG-13Midcredits score: 98th percentile of all films
Director
Taika Waititi
Starring
Sam Neill, Julian Dennison, Rima Te Wiata, Rachel House

Ricky is a defiant young city kid who finds himself on the run with his cantankerous foster uncle in the wild New Zealand bush. A national manhunt ensues, and the two are forced to put aside their differences and work together to survive.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Hunt for the Wilderpeople?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Hunt for the Wilderpeople streaming on Peacock, Pluto TV (free), Prime Video, Shout! TV via Prime Video, The Roku Channel (free) and Tubi (free) and to rent or buy on Apple TV and Prime Video.

Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about Hunt for the Wilderpeople?

Hunt for the Wilderpeople earns 10 badges, led by Modern classic and Top 5% of films.

Show 2 more
  • Rank
  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office
  • Cast

Reception

Is Hunt for the Wilderpeople worth watching?

Hunt for the Wilderpeople's Midcredits score is the 98th percentile of all films, from 562K ratings across 6 sources. 89% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

98th percentile

Better received than 98% of films

98th percentile among Adventure98th percentile among 2010s
Acclaim (how much people like it)96th
Approval (how many liked it)97th

79 /100

96th percentile of all films

98th percentile among Adventure96th percentile among 2010s

Critics 81 · Audience 79

Critics and audiences broadly agree.

Rating distribution

Most people land high, with a thin tail of low scores from those it didn't reach.

89% liked it

97th percentile of all films

98th percentile among Adventure98th percentile among 2010s
89% rated it 7–1011% rated it 1–6

Critics 97% · Audience 91%

On Rotten Tomatoes, a bigger share of critics approved than audiences.

Awards

0 Oscars won · 0 Oscar noms · 22 wins / 24 noms overall

98th percentile

562K ratings across platforms

96th percentile among Adventure98th percentile among 2010s
TMDB popularity, last 155 days to Oct 26Down 9% in 30 days

Box office

Opening weekend$78K
Domestic gross$5.2M
Worldwide gross$51M

83rd percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

Both camps agree the film showcases strong lead performances and Waititi's quirky directorial style, but differ on whether the story and humor land.

Fans praised

  • Julian Dennison and Sam Neill's natural, endearing chemistry grounds the story
  • Taika Waititi's distinct deadpan humor and visual wit elevate the material
  • A heartfelt, funny, and poignant journey with beautiful New Zealand scenery

Detractors panned

  • Irritating score and formulaic, cliche-ridden plot
  • Humor falls flat, deemed devoid of real laughs
  • Tone shifts and pacing feel clunky in places

What stands out

Acting88

Dennison and Neill's chemistry widely praised; even detractors note solid performances

Dialogue85

Quirky, naturalistic conversations; humor mostly lands but not for all

Characters82

Misfit leads portrayed as layered and relatable; some find them underdeveloped

Emotional impact82

Heartfelt and bittersweet; journey of the leads resonates

Atmosphere82

Immersive tone blending comedy, heart, and wilderness adventure

HumorDivisive78

Quirky, deadpan humor lands for fans; some detractors find it awkward or flat

OriginalityDivisive78

Fresh voice and creative imagination, though some find it derivative

Plot and storyDivisive68

Simple but driving story; detractors call it formulaic and cliche-ridden

Preferred by

No notable difference between any of the groups: each pair ranks it within 10 percentile points.

  • Women vs men 3 points apart
  • Under-30s vs over-30s 1 point apart
  • Critics vs users 4 points apart
  • US vs non-US even

Watch experience

What is Hunt for the Wilderpeople like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Feel-good: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you want something warm that leaves you smiling.

It is funny and leaves you hopeful. Skip it when you want something with weight.

ToneFeelDemandwhat the answer rests onexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

Very little.

What it feels like

Feel-good.

Moods
JoyfulContemplativeAbsurd
Heaviest: middle
Dry humor
Register
WarmPlayful
Told as
Chaptered · 1% of films: Told in titled chapters or clearly separate parts.Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film treats its characters with affection and gentle humour, never undercutting the emotional sincerity.
The rideThe film mixes lighthearted adventure with moments of sadness and reflection, especially during the bush journey after loss of the dog and the scattering of ashes.
StructureTold in titled chapters with a linear beginning-middle-end.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Hopeful.

The answer rests on this: HopefulFeel-good
Why it leaves you this wayThe ending leaves you believing in second chances and uplifted by the bond.
How it ends · evidence
Happy ending

Story archetype

where it sits among all films
Monster — 21% of films. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of films. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 10% of films. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 4% of films. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 11% of films. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 9% of films. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 13% of films. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 7% of films. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 22% of filmsPredator — 6% of films. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 6% of films. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of films. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 2% of films. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of films. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of films. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of films. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of films. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of films. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of films. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — under 1% of films. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of films. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of films. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of films. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of films. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 4% of films. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 5% of films. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of films. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — 1% of films. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of films. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 2% of films. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — 1% of films. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of films. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — 1% of films. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 4% of films. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of films. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of films. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of films. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 1% of films. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of films. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — 2% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 2% of films. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 2% of films. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 3% of films. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 3% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 5% of films. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of films. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 2% of films. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of films. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 5% of films. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 2% of films. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).RebirthHealing
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21%: Predator 6% · Tyrant 6% · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 2% · Corporate villainy 1% · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3%: Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent under 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 10%: Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 4% · Mission 5% · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage 1%
  • Voyage 4%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 2% · Survival ordeal 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent 1%
  • Comedy 11%: Romantic comedy 4% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 1%
  • Tragedy 9%: Hubris 1% · Obsession 2% · Corruption arc 2% · Doomed love 2% · Crushed by fate 3%
  • Rebirth 13% (this title): Redemption 3% · Healing 5% (this title) · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Rebirth: A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed. · Healing: Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).

13% of films fit this archetype

Why this archetypeThe story follows a troubled boy and his foster uncle fleeing into the bush, which heals both.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 27% of filmsSelf — 22% of filmsPower — 7% of filmsMorality — 16% of filmsSurvival — 15% of filmsSociety — 9% of filmsIdeas — 5% of filmsRomantic love — 15% of filmsMarriage — 2% of filmsFamily bonds — 21% of filmsParenthood — 2% of filmsFriendship — 9% of filmsLoyalty — 4% of filmsIdentity — 14% of filmsComing of age — 5% of filmsAging — under 1% of filmsSelf-worth — 7% of filmsAmbition — 7% of filmsPurpose — 9% of filmsMemory — 3% of filmsObsession — 3% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 2% of filmsCorruption — 3% of filmsGreed — 3% of filmsClass — 3% of filmsOppression — 4% of filmsFreedom — 5% of filmsJustice — 13% of filmsDuty — 2% of filmsRevenge — 4% of filmsGuilt — 3% of filmsRedemption — 6% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — 1% of filmsSacrifice — 4% of filmsBetrayal — 5% of filmsDeception — 9% of filmsSurvival — 17% of filmsWar — 1% of filmsViolence — 4% of filmsMortality — 2% of filmsGrief — 6% of filmsTrauma — 7% of filmsMental illness — 1% of filmsAddiction — 1% of filmsIllness and disability — under 1% of filmsCommunity — 14% of films. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 5% of filmsPrejudice — 3% of filmsDisplacement — 1% of filmsFaith — 3% of filmsTradition vs change — 2% of filmsFame — 3% of filmsLegacy — 4% of filmsFate — 1% of filmsFree will — under 1% of filmsTruth — 4% of filmsHope — 5% of filmsNature — 2% of filmsArt — 4% of filmsTechnology — 1% of filmsSelfFamilybonds
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27% (this title): Romantic love 15% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% (this title) · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% · Loyalty 4%
  • Self 22%: Identity 14% · Coming of age 5% (this title) · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 7% · Purpose 9% · Memory 3% · Obsession 3%
  • Power 7%: Power 2% · Corruption 3% · Greed 3% · Class 3% · Oppression 4% · Freedom 5%
  • Morality 16%: Justice 13% · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% · Betrayal 5% · Deception 9%
  • Survival 15%: Survival 17% · War 1% · Violence 4% · Mortality 2% · Grief 6% · Trauma 7% · Mental illness 1% · Addiction 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 9%: Community 14% (this title) · Isolation 5% · Prejudice 3% · Displacement 1% · Faith 3% · Tradition vs change 2% · Fame 3% · Legacy 4%
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 4% · Hope 5% · Nature 2% · Art 4% · Technology 1%

Bonds

Family bondsCommunity · 14% of films: Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Coming of age · 5% of films
Celebrates its theme: Affirms its theme — this is good and worth having.Intimate stakes: Consequences reach a person or a household.Dual lead
How it treats its themeThe film is centrally about a troubled boy and a reluctant old man forging an unlikely father-son bond through shared survival and adversity.
StanceThe film celebrates the makeshift family bond between Ricky and Hec, affirming its value against the impersonal child welfare system.

The world

ContemporaryRuralWildernessRealistic
FolkOrchestral modernSupportive music · original score
SettingThe New Zealand bush and a remote family farm
MusicThe score blends acoustic guitar and orchestra to evoke the New Zealand landscape and the emotional beats of the journey.

Content guide

Is Hunt for the Wilderpeople okay for kids?

PG-13

Hunt for the Wilderpeople is rated PG-13: “Rated PG-13 for thematic elements including violent content, and for some language” (MPAA). As of August 18, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at moderate (52/100), sexual content at mild (25/100), language at moderate (52/100), drug and alcohol content at mild (26/100) and frightening material at moderate (42/100). Overall it is heavier than 49% of PG-13-rated films.

Ratings in 15 other countries
  • UK12A
  • AustraliaPG
  • Germany12
  • FranceU
  • Ireland12A
  • New ZealandPG
  • South Korea12
  • Brazil14
  • Czechia15+
  • Denmark11
  • Hungary18
  • Netherlands12
  • RO15
  • Spain12
  • Sweden11
Overall
Moderate · all five categories
Heavier than 31% of all filmsHeavier than 49% of PG-13-rated films
Violence & Gore
Moderate
typical for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 56%
Sex & Nudity
Mild
typical for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 40%
Profanity
Moderate
typical for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 73%
Alcohol & Drugs
Mild
typical for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 29%
Frightening / Intense
Moderate
typical for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 46%

Point along a line to see a well-known title at that level.

Nothing here is extreme. The strongest element is violence, heavier than 56% of PG-13-rated films.

Source: Midcredits content scores, 0 (none) to 100 (severe) per category, with each standing ranked against other films that have them.

What content warnings does Hunt for the Wilderpeople have?

MovieCove's classifier found 4 depicted content warnings in Hunt for the Wilderpeople: Gore or body horror (moderate), Gun violence (moderate), plus 2 withheld here because they would spoil the plot. 4 more are mentioned only, in dialogue or backstory: Child abuse, Death of a child, plus 2 behind the spoiler gate. Each is backed by a verbatim quote from the parents' guide notes; a missing warning is not a guarantee of absence.

ModerateGore or body horrorGun violence
MentionedChild abuseDeath of a child

Mentioned: referenced in dialogue or backstory, not shown in the story’s present.

Cast and crew

Who is in Hunt for the Wilderpeople?

Cast

1 of the cast already had the standing of a top-10% working actor.

Sam Neill
as Hec
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Julian Dennison
as Ricky Baker
Breakout: Their highest-reaching film role at the time, and they went on to a career at least 3 times their standing then.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Rima Te Wiata
as Bella Faulkner
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Rachel House
as Paula Hall
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Tioreore Ngatai-Melbourne
as Kahu
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Oscar Kightley
as PC Andy Tappert
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Stan Walker
as Ron
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Mike Minogue
as Joe
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Cohen Holloway
as Hugh
Career best: Their highest-reaching film role by billing, audience size and rating.
Rhys Darby
as Psycho Sam

Crew

More like this

What are movies like Hunt for the Wilderpeople?

Movies like Hunt for the Wilderpeople include Boy (2010), Babe (1995) and Babe: Pig in the City (1998). Of the 9 closest matches, two are films by Taika Waititi, and most are family adventures.

Balanced: every group counts the same, and production only breaks ties.

7 of these 9 share its world: farming country. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with Hunt for the Wilderpeople?

2.6K other films share the rarest tag below, relationship: odd couple. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.