Kiwi critics name their favourite film - and it's not Hunt For the Wilderpeople

New Zealand critics have named their favourite films for the year - and a surprising entry came out on top.

Just when you thought nothing would stop Hunt for the Wilderpeople in its quest for world domination, critics voted it just the third best movie of the year.

Claiming the No. 1 spot on the list, compiled by Flicks.co.nz, was Texan crime drama Hell or High Water, starring Chris Pine and Jeff Bridges and viewed as a serious Oscar contender.

The list was made up of reviews from critics from multiple outlets around the country, and they could only choose movies that premiered for the first time in 2016 for a release this year.

Eighty-eight movies made the eventual list, though Tickled was the only other New Zealand film to make the top 10, coming in at No. 9.

The third placing for Wilderpeople, which also placed behind Best Picture Oscar winner Spotlight, is a surprise move for the well-received flick

It topped the film lists for both the Herald and Empire Magazine, and is the top grossing New Zealand movie of all time, earning $12 million at the local box office.

And it's done well overseas, gaining a 98 per cent approval rating on RottenTomatoes - the same as Hell or High Water.

The full top 10

1.Hell or High Water
2.Spotlight
3.Hunt for the Wilderpeople
4.Green Room
5.I, Daniel Blake
6.Carol
7.Zootopia
8.Arrival
9.Tickled
10.La La Land