Taika Waititi is a name that has become a legend in the last decade or so. You might know him as the director of the well-received Thor: Ragnarök, however Waititi originally started out as an independent filmmaker known for his obscure and quirky films that celebrated his home country of New Zealand.

Here are 4 Taika Waititi films you don’t want to miss!

1. Boy – Based on one of his own short films, Boy is an eccentric coming-of-age story of a boy and his criminal father who comes home after a stint in prison. Waititi showcases his immense talent by not only directing the film, but also playing the role of the ex-con father. He masterfully blends humour with slice-of-life drama for a quirky, unique movie experience.

2. Thor: Ragnarök – Waititi’s big break into the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Thor: Ragnarök is arguably one of the best films in the franchise. This is potentially due to Waititi’s signature brand of off-beat comedy mixed with the expertly-directed action scenes.

3. What We Do In The Shadows – Another movie based on one of his short films, What We Do In The Shadows is known as one of Waititi’s best works. It parodies the vampire fiction phenomenon of the 2000s as well as the ever-popular mockumentary format, resulting in a hilarious look at the mundane, day-to-day banality of a vampire’s life. The film is both bizarre and macabre, but Waititi somehow makes it work.

4. Jojo Rabbit – Another coming-of-age tale, but this time about a young German boy in WWII with an imaginary friend – Adolf Hitler. Tackling what could have been risky subject matter, Waititi expertly blends charm, wit and heart wrenching scenes in a way that many directors wouldn’t be able to pull off. He ended up winning an Oscar for best adapted screenplay. Taika’s performance as Adolf Hitler is also a must-see; he subverts expectations by making the Nazi leader a ridiculous buffoon.

Which one is your favourite? Let us know in the comments!