Jemaine Clement has mostly focused on comedic roles and taking roles where he can also use his musical skills. He frequently collaborates with Taika Waititi on comedic projects and Independent films that also have a serious dramatic tone at times.
Clement has a unique filmography full of quirky projects and has continued to act and direct in the same type of comedic genre. He’s mainly acted in live-action films and television but has also lent his voice to animated characters as well.
Eagle Vs Shark (2007) – 6.8
This quirky film directed by Taika Waititi follows an oddball couple who begin dating after meeting at a costume party. She falls head-over-heels for him and is completely committed to the relationship, but he isn’t as interested in reciprocating her feelings and is more focused on seeking revenge from a high school bully. Although the lowest-rated collaboration between Clement and Waititi, it still has its hilarious moments.
Men In Black 3 (2012) – 6.8
Jemaine Clement portrayed the villain, Boris the Animal, in the third installment of the franchise that involved a time-travel main plot, and Josh Brolin portrayed a younger Agent K. Clement is barely recognizable in the role through the prosthetics and manipulation of his voice, but he succeeds in bringing a terrifyingly ruthless villain to life.
Rio (2011) – 6.9
Blu (Jesse Eisenberg) and his owner travel to Rio de Janeiro to introduce him to another female blue macaw, Jewel (Anne Hathaway) as the species are endangered. A group of animal smugglers eye the exotic birds and eventually capture them with the help of their villainous cockatoo named Nigel (Jemaine Clement). It’s a fun animated featured filled with musical interludes and brings attention to the serious endangered animal issue.
People Places Things (2015) – 6.9
Jemaine Clement stars in this film as a single father who teaches graphic design while also working on his own graphic novel. He tries to be the best father he can be to his two daughters and try to keep a civil relationship with their mother as she begins dating again after their split. The film is one of Clement’s more serious roles that has a good mix of comedy and drama throughout.
Wrecked (2016-2018) – 7.2
This sitcom followed a group of passengers who survived a plane crash and had to fend for themselves on an island. Typically a serious subject, this show was able to successfully bring comedy to the characters’ dire situation. The group is able to board a Red Hot Chili Peppers themed cruise ship and meet Jemaine Clement’s character as he becomes best friends with the character portrayed by frequent collaborator Rhys Darby.
Moana (2016) – 7.6
This animated Disney film follows Moana as she tries to save her island by finding the demigod Maui. The two go on an adventure and have to fight an old foe of Maui called Tamatoa (voiced by Clement), who has an obsession with all things that are shiny.
The film has a great balance of comedy and drama with a fantastic soundtrack including a David Bowie inspired song sung by Jemaine Clement.
What We Do In The Shadows (2014) – 7.7
Jemaine Clement and Taika Waititi directed and starred in this mockumentary film about vampires trying to live as roommates and deal with normal human situations in a small town in New Zealand. The comedic tone is similar to the other projects they’ve collaborated on in that it is dry, quick-witted, and unique. The film balances horror and comedy well and creates a new type of world for vampires to live in.
Legion (2017-2019) – 8.3
This Marvel series follows David Haller (Dan Stevens) as he tries to figure out what is happening in his life as he’s been followed by a mysterious creature in this series filled with outrageous and interesting characters. Jemaine Clement portrays a powerful mutant, Oliver Bird, in a few episodes of the series as a character who helps David when they were both in the Astral Plane together.
What We Do In The Shadows (2019- ) – 8.4
The television show introduces a slew of new characters and follows the same essential premise of the 2014 film of the same name. The show follows a new group of roommates living in the U.S. who encounter more supernatural creatures and problems than the film went into.
Clement, Taika Waititi, and Jonathan Brugh have reprised their roles for the series as well as having many other cameos throughout the show.
Flight Of The Conchords (2007-2009) – 8.5
This quirky HBO series followed two New Zealanders (Clement and Bret McKenzie) as they moved to New York to try to make it big with their band, Flight of the Conchords. They’re aided by their band manager (Rhys Darby) and are constantly trying to figure out how to survive in New York and make their band a success when they only one fan of their band (played by Kristen Schaal). Each episode introduces new hilarious songs that Bret, Jemaine, and other characters sing in the overall happy and hilarious series.
