Where to start withWhat We Do in the Shadows
3 versions · originally a film, 2014
Themes: Vampires, Modern Life, Housemates, Fish-out-of-water, Supernatural Comedy.
Start with What We Do in the Shadows (Jemaine Clement, 2019) — the series. What We Do in the Shadows exists in 3 versions across media, beginning as a film in 2014; each is ranked below by what it does best.
This franchise masterfully blends mundane domestic drudgery with supernatural lore through a dry, deadpan mockumentary lens that mocks horror tropes.
✦ Most fans start here
What We Do in the Shadows (2019)
The original movie
What We Do in the Shadows
Jemaine Clement · Film · 2014
The 2014 film serves as the foundational mockumentary, establishing the franchise’s signature tone by focusing on the domestic squabbles of ancient vampire housemates navigating the complexities of modern New Zealand life.
2018 series
Wellington Paranormal
Jemaine Clement · Series · 2018
Wellington Paranormal (2018) expands the universe by shifting the focus to the local police force, offering a procedural-style investigation of the supernatural phenomena lingering in the capital city's dark corners.
2019 series
✦ Start hereWhat We Do in the Shadows
Jemaine Clement · Series · 2019
The 2019 television series transplants the mockumentary format to Staten Island, providing a deeper, episodic exploration of vampire culture and their hilariously dysfunctional social dynamics over a much longer runtime.
Common questions
Should I watch the 2014 What We Do in the Shadows movie before starting the 2019 television series?
You do not need to watch the 2014 What We Do in the Shadows movie to understand the 2019 television series. While they share the same mockumentary universe, the television series features a different set of vampire roommates and functions as a standalone story.
Is Wellington Paranormal related to the What We Do in the Shadows movie?
Yes, Wellington Paranormal is a spin-off series based on the 2014 What We Do in the Shadows movie. It follows the two police officers who appeared in the original film as they investigate supernatural occurrences in the city of Wellington.
What order should I watch the What We Do in the Shadows franchise?
There is no required viewing order for the What We Do in the Shadows franchise. You can begin with the 2014 movie, the 2019 television series, or the 2018 Wellington Paranormal series, as each production operates independently while sharing the same mockumentary style.
Is the 2019 What We Do in the Shadows television series a direct sequel to the 2014 movie?
The 2019 What We Do in the Shadows television series is not a direct sequel to the 2014 movie. It is a separate adaptation set in a different location with new characters, though it maintains the same mockumentary format and supernatural premise.