You’re probably here because the TV show is ending or you’ve seen a million "Bat!" memes and finally want to see where it all started. Look, the What We Do in the Shadows film watch is basically a rite of passage for anyone who likes their comedy dry, dark, and slightly pathetic. Released back in 2014, this New Zealand mockumentary didn't just launch a franchise; it fundamentally changed how we look at vampires. Gone are the days of brooding, sparkling, or terrifying monsters. Instead, we got Viago, Deacon, and Vladislav—three roommates arguing about who hasn't done the dishes in five years.
It’s hilarious. Truly.
Finding where to actually stream it can be a bit of a headache depending on which month you're looking, because licensing deals are a mess. Usually, you’ll find it hopping between platforms like Kanopy (if you have a library card), Apple TV, or Amazon for a digital rental. Honestly, just buying the digital copy is the smartest move if you plan on rewatching it every time you’re feeling down, which you will.
Why the Original Movie Still Hits Different
There is a specific vibe in the original 2014 film that the FX series—as great as it is—doesn't quite replicate. Jemaine Clement and Taika Waititi wrote and directed this thing on a relatively modest budget, and that "cheap" look actually makes the documentary format feel real. You actually believe these guys are stuck in a suburban flat in Wellington.
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The movie focuses on the mundanity of immortality. It’s about the struggle of getting into nightclubs when you need an explicit invitation. It’s about the awkwardness of running into your ex-girlfriend who is now eighty years old. While the show went big with the supernatural politics of the Vampiric Council, the movie stays small. It’s intimate. It feels like a home movie made by people who happen to drink blood.
The Unforgettable Cast of Characters
Most people forget that the legendary Jackie van Beek is the one who really grounds the movie as Jackie, the "familiar" who is just desperately trying to get turned into a vampire so she doesn't have to do the vampires' laundry anymore. Her frustration is the most relatable thing in the whole film.
Then you have Nick, the new vampire who can't keep his mouth shut. He represents every person who gets a tiny bit of power and immediately ruins it for everyone else. His friendship with Stu—the human IT guy—is the emotional core of the story. Stu is a real person, by the way. Stu Rutherford was a friend of the directors who wasn't a professional actor; they basically told him he was just going to be an extra, then made him a lead character. That’s why his reactions to the chaos around him feel so genuine. He’s just a nice guy who works in computers.
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The Best Way to Handle a What We Do in the Shadows Film Watch
If you are setting up a What We Do in the Shadows film watch night, you have to pay attention to the background details. This isn't a movie you can just have on in the background while you scroll through TikTok. The visual gags are dense. From the ancient "drawings" of the vampires' past lives to the way the camera operators "react" to the gore, there’s a lot of craft here.
Don't skip the credits. The photos and illustrations during the credits provide a whole extra layer of lore that fills in the gaps of their centuries-long lives.
Where to Stream and Buy
Currently, your best bets for a high-quality stream are:
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- Amazon Prime/Apple TV: Usually available for a $3.99 rental.
- Kanopy: If you are a student or have a public library card, you can often watch it for free. This is the "secret" way most film buffs catch it.
- Physical Media: I know, I know. Nobody buys Blu-rays anymore. But the special features on the Shadows disc are gold. There are hours of deleted scenes and promo videos that are just as funny as the movie itself.
The film is short—only about 86 minutes. It doesn't overstay its welcome. It gets in, makes you laugh until your ribs hurt, and then gets out.
Comparing the Film to the TV Show
Some fans of the FX series go back to the movie and feel a bit of whiplash. The humor is a bit more "Kiwi"—it’s understated. In the show, Matt Berry’s Laszlo is a boisterous, shouting presence. In the movie, Vladislav (the Poker) is a bit more melancholic and weird. Both are great, but they are different flavors of the same concept.
The "Werewolves, not Swear-wolves" scene remains the peak of the franchise. It’s the perfect distillation of the movie’s logic: even monsters have a code of conduct, and that code is usually very polite and very silly. Rhys Darby as Anton, the lead werewolf, is a masterclass in middle-management energy applied to lycanthropy.
Taking Action for Your Next Movie Night
Don't overthink it. If you want the best What We Do in the Shadows film watch experience, follow these specific steps:
- Check JustWatch: Streaming rights for this film change constantly. Before you commit to a platform, search "What We Do in the Shadows 2014" on JustWatch to see which service has it for "free" with your current subscriptions.
- Invite a "Stu": This movie is best watched with someone who has no idea what they’re getting into. Their confusion mirrors the human characters in the film perfectly.
- Watch the Short Film First: If you can find it on YouTube, look for the 2005 short film of the same name. It's the "pilot" for the movie and shows how the idea evolved over a decade.
- Pair it with the Spin-offs: Once the credits roll, look up Wellington Paranormal. It’s a spin-off show following the two police officers from the movie (Karen and Mike). It’s essentially The X-Files if the agents were incredibly incompetent New Zealand beat cops.
The movie is a cult classic for a reason. It handles the "found footage" trope better than almost any horror movie because it uses the camera as a character. It’s smart, it’s bloody, and it’s deeply human, even if none of the main characters are actually human.