What We Do in the Shadows (2014)

Kernel Score: 87% · 3,859 ratings · Rated R

Genres: Comedy, Horror

Released: 2014-06-19

Runtime: 86 minutes

Is What We Do in the Shadows worth watching?

Must-watch. A mockumentary about vampire flatmates in Wellington, and one of the funniest comedies of its decade. The jokes come constantly, the cast is deadpan perfect, and it's short.

Watch it if you

  • like deadpan, mockumentary comedy
  • want a funny take on vampire lore
  • enjoy Taika Waititi and Jemaine Clement's humour

Skip it if you

  • dislike gore, even played for laughs
  • don't enjoy awkward, dry humour

Best for: Group comedy night

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

Where to watch What We Do in the Shadows

  • Rent: Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube, Fandango At Home
  • Buy: Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube, Fandango At Home

US availability, updated 2026-10-23.

Overview

Vampire housemates try to cope with the complexities of modern life and show a newly turned hipster some of the perks of being undead.

What We Do in the Shadows parents' guide: ages 15+

Parents need to know that What We Do in the Shadows is an R-rated mockumentary horror-comedy about vampire housemates, with dark comedic violence and mature humor.

  • Violence & scariness: Moderate — Comedic but sometimes gory vampire and werewolf violence played for laughs, per its horror-comedy genre and R rating.
  • Language: Some — Contains crude and profane language typical of an R-rated comedy.

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

Movies like What We Do in the Shadows

If you liked What We Do in the Shadows, these are the movies we'd watch next.

  • Shaun of the Dead (2004) — 85%: A horror-comedy built on sharp British humour and affection for the genre.
  • Tucker and Dale vs. Evil (2010) — 84%: Horror-comedy that turns genre misunderstanding into laughs.
  • Zombieland (2009) — 83%: Fast, funny take on a horror monster setup.
  • Jojo Rabbit (2019) — 88%: Waititi's mix of absurdity and heart.
  • Thor: Ragnarok (2017) — 87%: Waititi turns a superhero film into a loud comedy.
  • Hunt for the Wilderpeople (2016) — 86%: Another dry New Zealand comedy with a big heart.

Director

Jemaine Clement

Cast

  • Jemaine Clement as Vladislav
  • Taika Waititi as Viago
  • Jonny Brugh as Deacon
  • Cori Gonzalez-Macuer as Nick
  • Stu Rutherford as Stu
  • Ben Fransham as Petyr
  • Jackie van Beek as Jackie
  • Elena Stejko as Pauline (The Beast)
  • Jason Hoyte as Julian
  • Karen O'Leary as Policewoman

What We Do in the Shadows FAQ

Is What We Do in the Shadows worth watching?

Must-watch. A mockumentary about vampire flatmates in Wellington, and one of the funniest comedies of its decade. The jokes come constantly, the cast is deadpan perfect, and it's short.

Where can I watch What We Do in the Shadows?

In the US you can rent it from Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube and Fandango At Home.

Is What We Do in the Shadows OK for kids?

What We Do in the Shadows is rated R. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 15+. Parents need to know that What We Do in the Shadows is an R-rated mockumentary horror-comedy about vampire housemates, with dark comedic violence and mature humor.

What movies are like What We Do in the Shadows?

If you liked What We Do in the Shadows, try Shaun of the Dead, Tucker and Dale vs. Evil, Zombieland and Jojo Rabbit.