You ever sit down, craving something real, funny, deep, and Islander but not sure what to watch?! We got you. Whether you’re overdue for a rewatch or diving in for the first time, here’s your PMN+ certified list of 20 must-watch films that will have you cracking up, crying ugly tears, or texting your cousins mid-movie like “YO, remember this?!”
Some are light, some are heavy, and all are undeniably ours.
So throw on your lavalava, grab some popcorn, bongos, a panikeke or some Koko Samoa, and let’s get into it.
☆Three Wise Cousins
An absolute classic! A city boy heads to the islands to impress a Samoan girl the traditional way. It’s heartwarming, hilarious, and full of that fa’a Samoa life.
☆The Legend of Johnny Lingo
If you didn’t grow up watching this during Sunday School or family movie nights, you missed a core memory. A tale of love, value, and believing in someone when no one else does.
☆Boy
Taika Waititi’s nostalgic, hilarious, and beautifully tragic story of a young Māori boy and his not-so-great dad. It’s funny until it’s not. And then it’s everything.
☆Sione’s Wedding
The boys are back in town! A group of lovable Samoan misfits scramble to clean up their act for a wedding invite. Comedy gold. The soundtrack? ICONIC.
☆Once Were Warriors
Powerful. Raw. Necessary. This film broke hearts across generations and sparked important convos about Māori families, trauma, and healing. Tissues highly recommended. Please check trigger warnings.
☆Take Home Pay
From the bros behind Three Wise Cousins comes this island crime-comedy about two brothers on a mission in Aotearoa. Packed with laughs and a touch of mystery.
☆Tinā
A powerful new addition that has the whole community talking. This record-breaking film explores motherhood, culture, and generational love. After losing her daughter in the Christchurch quakes, a grieving mother becomes a substitute teacher at an elite school only to find students in need of the care she still has to give. Tissues recommended.
☆Whale Rider
The ultimate “she is the one” story. A young Māori girl fights for her place in a male-dominated tradition. Beautifully shot, beautifully acted.
☆Next Goal Wins
The real-life underdog story of the American Samoa soccer team. One of the most heartwarming and uplifting sports films you’ll ever see.
☆Red, White & Brass
Tongan pride at its finest. A group of die-hard rugby fans scheme to start a brass band to score tickets to a World Cup game. You’ll laugh, cry, and wanna dance.
☆Sosefina
IYKYK. Two Polynesian women navigate hardship and personal crossroads. As challenges mount, they must choose between staying on a righteous path or stepping into the shadowed world of adult entertainment.
☆Beyond Paradise
A 90s throwback with Hawaiian flair. Romance, drama, and the kind of soundtrack that makes you wish you were cruising down the coast.
☆The Orator (O Le Tulafale)
A visually stunning Samoan-language film about a little man with big courage. Quiet, powerful, and deeply moving. A must-watch for lovers of art-house cinema.
☆Hibiscus & Ruthless
Island girl in uni navigating strict cultural rules and dating. It’s funny, it’s real, and everyone knows a “Ruthless” in their life.
☆The Legend of Baron To’a
Think: wrestling, identity, and reclaiming your power. This one’s action-packed and unexpectedly emotional.
☆Inky Pinky Ponky
A groundbreaking short film centered on a fa’afafine teen navigating love and identity in high school. Short, sweet, and powerful.
☆Hunt for the Wilderpeople
Adventure. Humor. Heart. A troubled foster kid and his grumpy uncle running wild in the New Zealand bush. A Waititi classic that never gets old.
☆First Place
A fun, fast-paced high school dramedy set during PolyFest season. When Victoria is thrown into leading her school’s Samoan group, the real competition becomes friendship, pride, and figuring out who you are in the chaos.
☆The Other Side of Heaven
Missionary stories in Tonga that sparked debates and nostalgia. Whether you watched it for the culture or the drama, it’s definitely a throwback.
☆The Forgotten Pacific
A powerful documentary film narrated by climate advocate Suluafi Brianna Fruean. It follows five Pacific nations, Fiji, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, the Marshall Islands, and Samoa spotlighting their fight against rising seas, coral loss, and extreme weather, and their powerful resilience in the face of climate change.
Where to Watch
Most of these films can be found on YouTube, Amazon Prime, iTunes – though some may require a small rental fee. Trust us, they’re worth it for the culture, the laughs, the tears, and the pride!
