Hunt for the Wilderpeople (2016)

Kernel Score: 86% · 2,259 ratings · Rated PG-13

Genres: Adventure, Comedy, Drama

Released: 2016-01-22

Runtime: 101 minutes

Is Hunt for the Wilderpeople worth watching?

Must-watch. Hunt for the Wilderpeople is a funny, big-hearted chase through the New Zealand bush with a grumpy foster uncle and a defiant kid. The dry humour and warmth are rare in an adventure comedy, and it hits both laughs and emotion.

Watch it if you

  • like quirky deadpan comedy
  • enjoy odd-couple adventures
  • want a feel-good movie with some bite

Skip it if you

  • dislike offbeat, understated humour
  • want big action set pieces

Best for: Family or friends night

Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.

Where to watch Hunt for the Wilderpeople

US availability, updated 2026-10-23.

Overview

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.

Hunt for the Wilderpeople parents' guide: ages 11+

Parents need to know that this adventure-comedy follows a delinquent boy and his foster uncle surviving in the wilderness together.

  • Violence & scariness: Some — Includes a manhunt and wilderness survival peril, played mostly for comedy.

Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official PG-13 rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.

Movies like Hunt for the Wilderpeople

If you liked Hunt for the Wilderpeople, these are the movies we'd watch next.

  • What We Do in the Shadows (2014) — 87%: Same Kiwi deadpan humour and awkward, lovable misfits
  • Jojo Rabbit (2019) — 88%: Same director blending comedy, a lonely kid and real heart
  • Thor: Ragnarok (2017) — 87%: Same director's funnier, zanier blockbuster
  • Boy (2010) — 80%: Earlier Taika Waititi film about a kid in rural New Zealand
  • The Peanut Butter Falcon (2019) — 82%: Misfit road adventure with warmth and humour
  • Instant Family (2018) — 85%: Funny, touching story of foster kids and imperfect adults

Director

Taika Waititi

Cast

Hunt for the Wilderpeople FAQ

Is Hunt for the Wilderpeople worth watching?

Must-watch. Hunt for the Wilderpeople is a funny, big-hearted chase through the New Zealand bush with a grumpy foster uncle and a defiant kid. The dry humour and warmth are rare in an adventure comedy, and it hits both laughs and emotion.

Where can I watch Hunt for the Wilderpeople?

In the US you can stream Hunt for the Wilderpeople on Prime Video, Fubo and Peacock, watch it free with ads on The Roku Channel, Plex, Xumo Play and Tubi and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.

Is Hunt for the Wilderpeople OK for kids?

Hunt for the Wilderpeople is rated PG-13. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 11+. Parents need to know that this adventure-comedy follows a delinquent boy and his foster uncle surviving in the wilderness together.

What movies are like Hunt for the Wilderpeople?

If you liked Hunt for the Wilderpeople, try What We Do in the Shadows, Jojo Rabbit, Thor: Ragnarok and Boy.