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

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.

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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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Kambole Campbell

One Room With A View

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.

Rated: 4/5

Aug 25, 2018

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Angie Han

Slashfilm

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.

Rated: 8/10

Jun 13, 2017

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Richard Brody

The New Yorker

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

Dec 29, 2016

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Don Shanahan

Every Movie Has a Lesson

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.

Rated: 4/5

Oct 18, 2024

Full Review

Joe Lipsett

Hazel & Katniss & Harry & Starr Podcast

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

Rated: 4/5

Mar 26, 2024

Full Review

Jennifer Bisset

CNET

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

Apr 20, 2023

Full Review

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Tyrant Boi D

Its pretty good. I would recommend it.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

10/28/25

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Howard F

The on-screen relationship between Julian Dennison's and Sam Neil's characters defines this NZ production. Funny ehile touching, set amongst the very dramatic bush scenery of the North Island. Recommended for a lightweight night in.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

09/20/25

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caleb n

A thoroughly great, funny storyline with cleaver writing and script to create the perfect mix of comedy and action.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

08/24/25

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Vince C

Fantastic acting and storyline. The tension in their relationship is clear, but how their eventual bonding is portrayed is so well done. This kid is hilarious and Sam Neill is always a great addition.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

07/22/25

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Kafe R

Started off great and i was really enjoying it - then it just fell off a cliff. Like they all suddenly lost interest

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

06/28/25

Full Review

Stephen C

Success in 1 hour and 41 minutes!!!!!! Rated PG-13 for Thematic Elements, Some Language and Violent Content!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! In Australian English with English subtitles!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

06/07/25

Full Review

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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

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Hunt for the Wilderpeople: Trailer 1

2:34

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Hunt for the Wilderpeople: US Release Trailer

2:30

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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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