8 best Lee Tamahori movies to watch in tribute to his passing at 75

Well-known New Zealand film director Lee Tamahori died on November 7, 2025, after struggling with Parkinson's disease. From directing commercially successful New Zealand films to helming big-budget Hollywood features, the talented filmmaker had an illustrious career, which took off in the 90s. Lee Tamahori also directed episodes for a few prominent TV shows, which includes The Sopranos.

Many filmmakers shy away from exploring gritty topics, but Lee Tamahori made a habit of picking bold stories that highlighted social issues in a way that made viewers stand up and take notice. Despite the fact that Lee Tamahori's filmography isn't as vast in terms of numbers, it is still rather impressive to see the range, from action-packed capers to thought-provoking dramas.

In this list, we take a look at some of the best movies by Lee Tamahori that celebrate his distinctive style of storytelling.

Disclaimer: This list contains information from various sources.

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Along Came a Spider, Once Were Warriors and six other Lee Tamahori movies that are worth watching

1) Once Were Warriors (1994)

Once Were Warriors is one of New Zealand's highest-grossing films of all time (Image via New Zealand Film Commission)

This New Zealand tragedy film marks Lee Tamahori's full-length feature directorial debut. Based on Alan Duff's bestselling novel, the movie focuses on the Heke family. Residing in South Auckland, the urban Māori whānau has to deal with a multitude of problems linked to the violent patriarch of the family. It stars Rena Owen, Temuera Morrison, Julian Arahanga, Mamaengaroa Kerr-Bell, and others.

The layered narrative not only explores Māori culture, but it also captures the destructive consequences of alcoholism and the brutality of domestic violence. Lee Tamahori's Once Were Warriors isn't an easy watch. The movie has many triggering graphic scenes that may be difficult to digest, but those who can persevere through them are rewarded with impactful performances.

Where to watch: Once Were Warriors is available on Prime Video and Apple TV+.

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2) Mulholland Falls (1996)

Mulholland Falls is a must-watch for neo-noir fans (Image via Amazon MGM Studios)

This Lee Tamahori movie will appeal to fans of crime thrillers. It stars an ensemble cast that includes Nick Nolte, Chazz Palminteri, Jennifer Connelly, Michael Madsen, Chris Penn, and many more. The narrative focuses on a group of Los Angeles Police Department detectives who undertake a murder investigation. They are more than willing to bend the law in order to get the desired results.

The aesthetic of the movie has a nostalgic feel that will appeal to fans of the 1940s and '50s look. In terms of pacing, it can feel a little relaxed at times, but it all comes together for a clever and satisfying ending. The thing that sets this Lee Tamahori film apart from other crime thrillers is that the main characters are not the typical "good guys" that the audience is used to seeing on screen.

Where to watch: Mulholland Falls can be streamed on Apple TV+ and Prime Video.

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3) The Edge (1997)

Anthony Hopkins and Alec Baldwin have great on-screen chemistry in this movie (Image via Instagram/@anthonyhopkins/@alecbaldwininsta)

A survival film by Lee Tamahori, The Edge stars Anthony Hopkins and Alec Baldwin in the lead. Hopkins plays Charles Morse, a wealthy businessman, who takes an impromptu flight with Baldwin's Bob Green, a photographer and his assistant Stephen (Harold Perrineau). When their plane crashes, they are stranded and have to use their wits to escape the clutches of a large Kodiak bear.

Both Hopkins and Baldwin bring depth to their characters. The way they bring forth the changing dynamics between their characters as a result of their circumstances also adds to the narrative. It is easy for survival movies to push the boundaries on what is doable, but Lee Tamahori keeps the narrative realistic by having the characters respond like normal human beings would, if put in the same situation.

Where to watch: The Edge can be viewed on Disney+, Prime Video and Apple TV+.

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4) Along Came a Spider (2001)

Morgan Freeman shines as detective Alex Cross (Image via Instagram/@morganfreeman)

A sequel to Kiss the Girls (1997), this Lee Tamahori movie witnesses the return of Alex Cross. The well-known fictional character created by James Patterson appears in a series of novels. In Along Came a Spider, Cross is portrayed by Morgan Freeman. He retires from the police force after losing his partner, but is called back into action when the young daughter of a US senator is kidnapped.

In thrillers, the viewing experience is elevated when the protagonist is forced to play mind games with a formidable opponent, and Lee Tamahori uses this tactic to his advantage. Freeman does a good job showcasing the mental turmoil of the titular character, but he is not the only one who deserves attention. Michael Wincott's Gary Soneji is intelligent, mysterious and intriguing.

Where to watch: Along Came a Spider is available for streaming on Apple TV+ and Prime Video.

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5) Die Another Day (2002)

Bond fans shouldn't miss out on this film (Image via 20th Century Fox/MGM)

Lee Tamahori's only James Bond film, Die Another Day, is the last film in the franchise to star Pierce Brosnan in the titular role. He is joined by Halle Berry, who plays Jinx, an NSA agent. In this movie, the charming MI6 agent looks into the connection between a North Korean colonel and a diamond baron, and their attempt to create a dangerous high-tech weapon.

It is not uncommon for James Bond films to introduce over-the-top plot progressions that feel unrealistic, and this movie certainly has a few of those. However, the overall narrative with its many well-choreographed action scenes and clever lines still manages to entertain the audience. Cinephiles should also keep an eye out for John Cleese as it is the only film to feature him as Q.

Where to watch: Die Another Day can be streamed on Prime Video and Apple TV+.

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6) The Devil's Double (2011)

The intermingling of fusion and facts makes this film an entertaining watch (Image via Corrino Media Corporation/Corsan/Staccato Films)

This Lee Tamahori feature film is based on true events. In the lead is Dominic Cooper, who plays a double role. The story revolves around Latif Yahia, an Iraqi soldier who is forced to become the body double for Uday Hussein, the eldest son of Iraqi president Saddam Hussein. In order to protect his family, Latif undergoes plastic surgery and learns to mimic Uday's mannerisms and persona.

While it is true that Lee Tamahori's movie does take some creative liberties to maximize the entertainment factor, there are several interesting real-world tie-ins as well. It is always tough to play two characters with distinctively different personalities at the same time, but Cooper does a good job separating the two so that their actions trigger the right emotions from the viewer.

Where to watch: The Devil's Double can be viewed on Prime Video, Apple TV+ and Tubi.

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7) Mahana (2016)

This movie thrives on emotional performances (Image via New Zealand Film Commission)

In this drama, Lee Tamahori draws from his roots. Based on Witi Ihimaera's novel Bulibasha: King of the Gypsies, the movie revolves around the rivalry between two Māori families, the Mahanas and the Poatas. Akuhata Keefe's Simeon Mahana, a young teen, takes a great risk to end the long-standing feud. Outside of New Zealand, the movie was released with the title The Patriarch.

It is interesting to note that this is the second film on this list that involves both Lee Tamahori and Temuera Morrison. The star of Once Were Warriors plays Tamihana Mahana, the patriarch of the Mahana clan, in this drama. Mahana not only boasts endearing characters, but also presents a culturally relevant plot that is emotional, insightful and easy to follow.

Where to watch: Mahana is available for streaming on MUBI and Prime Video.

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8) The Convert (2023)

The Convert is a must-watch for fans of Lee Tamahori (Image via New Zealand Film Commission)

Directed by Lee Tamahori, The Convert is also an adaptation. It is based on Hamish Clayton's novel, Wulf. The cast includes Guy Pearce, Tioreore Ngatai-Melbourne, Te Kohe Tuhaka and many more. The story follows a soldier turned lay preacher who arrives in New Zealand in 1830. His faith is put to the test when he inadvertently finds himself in the middle of a clash between two Māori tribes.

It is important to keep in mind that Lee Tamahori's The Convert doesn't pretend to be an accurate retelling of past events, but it does give viewers an idea of the violence and warfare that engulfed the locals during that period. Cinephiles who watch a lot of action movies will take special interest in the cinematic fight scenes as they are choreographed and executed with great detail.

Where to watch: The Convert can be streamed on Apple TV+ and Prime Video.

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Lee Tamahori fans will always remember the filmmaker for his dynamic visuals and fearless spirit to pursue provocative stories that leave viewers with much-needed food for thought.

Edited by Meeta Borah