New Zealand has been serving up some incredible cinema, especially in the last couple of years. If you’re yet to check out New Zealand films, you’re seriously missing out. But don’t worry, we’ve rounded up all the best Kiwi flicks that you can stream in Australia today.
Dive in to discover the best recent NZ films.
10 Must-See Recent NZ Films (And Where To Stream Them)
New Zealand has a fair share of brilliant and unique movie titles that are well worth watching. Find the perfect Kiwi film for your movie night right here:
1. Uproar (2023)
- Genre: Coming-of-age, Comedy-Drama
- Director(s): Paul Middleditch, Hamish Bennett
- Top Cast: Julian Dennison, Rhys Darby, Minnie Driver
- Stream On: Binge, Foxtel Now, Apple TV, Amazon Video, Fetch TV
Credit: TMDB
Uproar sends us back to the 1980s where a 17-year-old boy gets wound up in activism that challenges societal norms. It’s got some pretty deep societal commentary, but it’s also balanced out with a sprinkle of humour.
2. The Convert (2023)
- Genre: Historical Drama
- Director: Lee Tamahori
- Top Cast: Guy Pearce, Tioreore Ngatai-Melbourne, Antonio Te Maioha
- Stream On: Binge, Foxtel Now, Apple TV, Amazon Video, Microsoft Store, Fetch TV
Credit: TMDB
If you’re into period films, The Convert is right up your street. Set way back in the 1830s, it follows a British preacher facing tribal conflicts. Expect cultural tension, themes surrounding colonialism, and a raw insight into New Zealand’s history.
3. Bookworm (2024)
- Genre: Adventure Comedy-Drama
- Director: Ant Timpson
- Top Cast: Elijah Wood, Nell Fisher, Michael Smiley
- Stream On: Binge, Foxtel Now, Apple TV, Amazon Video
Credit: TMDB
Craving a feel-good film with laughs and an adventure? Bookworm is worth a watch. It’s about a young girl going on an adventure with her dad. Why? To find a legendary mythical creature. It’s a totally whimsical watch that’s bursting with creativity.
4. The Mountain (2024)
- Genre: Coming-of-age, Comedy-Drama
- Director: Rachel House
- Top Cast: Elizabeth Atkinson, Reuben Francis, Terence Daniel
- Stream On: Stan, Apple TV, Prime Video Store
Credit: TMDB
This coming-of-age drama depicts a young girl as she reconnects with her Māori heritage. It’s more than just a heartwarming watch; it’s also a beautiful tale of self-discovery and cultural pride.
5. We Were Dangerous (2024)
- Genre: Drama
- Director: Josephine Stewart-Te Whiu
- Top Cast: Rima Te Wiata, Erana James, Nathalie Morris
- Stream On: Apple TV, Stan
Credit: TMDB
We Were Dangerous is all about rebellious girls and self-discovery. Set in a girls’ reform institution, this movie is surprisingly funny, yet touches on some pretty heavy topics.
6. Ka Whawhai Tonu (2024)
- Genre: Historical Drama
- Director: Michael Jonathan
- Top Cast: Cliff Curtis, Temuera Morrison, Miriama Smith
- Stream On: Apple TV, Prime Video Store, Google TV
Credit: TMDB
This historical drama is focused on the 1864 siege of Ōrākau during the New Zealand Wars. It gives us a fresh insight into the Māori perspective, with emphasis on cultural resilience. It’s a powerful, moving watch.
7. Head South (2024)
- Genre: Coming-of-age, Comedy
- Director: Jonathan Ogilvie
- Top Cast: Ed Oxenbould, Jemaine Clement
- Stream On: TBC
Credit: TMDB
Set during the 1970s, Head South is about a teenager with big dreams of starting a punk band. It’s jam-packed with themes of youth, music, and, of course, rebellion.
8. Time Bandits (2024)
- Genre: Fantasy, Comedy
- Director: Taika Waititi (Executive Producer)
- Top Cast: Lisa Kudrow, Kal-El Tuck
- Stream On: Apple TV+
Credit: TMDB
Time Bandits reimagines the classic 1981 fantasy film. It’s a mix of humour and time travel, making it super fun and exciting. If you fancy some nostalgia, with a fresh twist, this is a great pick for you.
9. The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim (2024)
- Genre: Animated Fantasy
- Director: Kenji Kamiyama
- Top Cast: Brian Cox, Miranda Otto
- Stream On: Apple TV, Amazon Video, Microsoft Store
Credit: TMDB
This list wouldn’t be complete without at least one Lord of the Rings mention. This beautifully animated prequel to the epic fantasy film franchise goes into the history of Helm’s Deep.
10. Whale Rider (2003)
- Genre: Drama, Family
- Director: Niki Caro
- Top Cast: Keisha Castle-Hughes, Rawiri Paratene
- Stream On: Netflix, SBS On Demand, Prime Video Store, Google TV
Credit: TMDB
We know it’s not recent, but it’s definitely one of the best Kiwi films. Whale Rider follows a young Māori as she challenges tradition to fulfil her destiny. This movie is fuelled by admirable cultural heritage and themes of leadership.
Discover More Must-See Films and TV Shows at Compare TV
We’ve got a whole lot more suggestions beyond this recent NZ films list. Here at Compare TV, we offer a bunch of streaming guides, news, reviews, and updates. Find out where to stream your fave flicks below, discover new TV shows, discover the best streaming deals, and loads more.
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