Taika Waititi's Films: Ranked From Worst To Best

Eagle vs Shark vs Korg.

What We Do in The Shadows Taika Waititi
Madman Entertainment

Taika Waititi was once a name associated with New Zealand indie comedies, but since making one of the best, and funniest Marvel movies in Thor: Ragnarok, the mainstream is quickly becoming accustomed to his irreverent wit and his meandering offbeat style of film-making.

Even though it feels like Waititi is only just getting started, especially in Hollywood, he has already reached legendary status amongst fans, with regular screenings and all-nighters of his catalogue shown in many venues across the world. However, there are still lots of film-goers who only know the director/actor for his recent work on the Marvel blockbuster, which is a shame, considering how stellar his output was prior to that appointment.

With his latest film Jojo Rabbit being released this year, and with a TV adaptation of his hilarious What We Do In The Shadows also gracing small screens soon, what better time to take a look back at his fantastic filmography so far.

5. Boy (2010)

What We Do in The Shadows Taika Waititi
Whenua Films

Boy is brimming with incredible performances, but none more engaging and entertaining than that of Waititi himself as a father trying to reconnect with his family, but one unwilling to grow up in order to do so.

He plays man-child so effortlessly and with such charm that you can't help but root for him even though he is the ultimate undoing of his family, and particularly of his son, the titular Boy who idolises him.

Often hilarious, and at times touching, Boy's only flaw is it's sometimes unbalanced tone, that although striving for indie sincerity and drama also incorporates moments of slapstick and surrealism that can feel a bit jarring. However, that's a minor gripe in this otherwise solid sophomore effort.

If nothing else, Boy is worth a viewing just to witness an incredible rendition of Michael Jackson's Thriller video at the end by the cast, with Waititi himself as Jackson.

Contributor
Contributor

I'm pretty good at writing screenplays, news articles, film & TV lists, short stories and reviews. Terrible at writing bios.