Best Kiwi family movies
A curated collection of popular family movies from New Zealand.
Flight of the Albatross (1996)
Flight of the Albatross (1996)
After a period of separation, Sarah visits her research scientist mother on a remote New Zealand island. Before long Sarah becomes inextricably involved in events involving both Maori legend and an Albatross.
The Haunting of Barney Palmer (1987)
The Haunting of Barney Palmer (1987)
The Haunting of Barney Palmer is a fantasy film for children about a young boy who is haunted by his great uncle. Young Barney fears that he has inherited the Scholar family curse; a suite of 80s-era effects ramp up the supernatural suspense. The film was a co-production between PBS (United States) and Wellington's Gibson Group, which resulted in Ned Beatty (Deliverance, Network) being cast. It was written by Margaret Mahy, based on her Carnegie Award-winning novel The Haunting, and an early fruitful collaboration between her and director Yvonne Mackay.
The Monster's Christmas (1981)
The Monster's Christmas (1981)
On Christmas Eve, a nameless little girl reads 'The Monster's Christmas' storybook to her teddy bear, as something sneaks around in the trees outside her window. She hears a noise in the other room, and thinking that it's Father Christmas, she goes to investigate. She finds one of the monsters, who has come seeking help to defeat an evil witch that has stolen all the monsters' voices.
Kiwi Christmas (2017)
Kiwi Christmas (2017)
Fed up with the materialism of Christmas, Santa runs away to New Zealand for a summer holiday. When two Kiwi kids figure out who he is, they have to find a way to get him back to the North Pole in time for Christmas.
Derby Dogs (2012)
Derby Dogs (2012)
When 12 year old Ben sets out to win the local trolly derby in memory of his father, he learns what matters in life when he is forced to battle cheating opponents, the school loan sharks and a mother who has banned him from the race.
Don't Judge a Book by its Cover (0)
Don't Judge a Book by its Cover (0)
A new girl moves in across the road. All the other kids think she's weird.
Prologue (2025)
Prologue (2025)
In his struggle to balance instability at home and conflict at work, A man tries to protect his kids from the harsh realities of a world that offers little forgiveness.
Wild Blue (2000)
Wild Blue (2000)
A touching story about the relationship of an American pilot named Ray Walker with a boy and his family on a ranch in New Zealand. Bill, the grandfather of the family, knows that only Ray can teach flying to his grandson.
Crossing the Road (1951)
Crossing the Road (1951)
Road safety instructional film using child actors and amusing animals.
Rangi's Catch (1972)
Rangi's Catch (1972)
Four children on a remote sheep station in New Zealand hear of the escape of two convicts, and realise that the crooks are responsible for burgling their house.
Undercover Gang (1986)
Undercover Gang (1986)
In 1915 four kids try to stop the arsonist who is terrifying their small New Zealand town, but no one believes them. Based on the novel by Maurice Gee.