Bad Taste 1987
"Watch out Aliens... here comes Derek!"
Before Peter Jackson became the Oscar-winning director behind the Lord of the Rings trilogy, he crafted this bizarre and bloody cult classic in 1987.
Director: Peter Jackson
Cast
Terry Potter
Ozzy / 3rd Class Alien
Pete O'Herne
Barry / 3rd Class Alien
Craig Smith
Giles / 3rd Class Alien
Mike Minett
Frank / 3rd Class Alien
Peter Jackson
Derek / Robert
Doug Wren
Alien Leader
Peter Vere-Jones
Alien Leader (voice)
Ken Hammon
3rd Class Alien
Robin Griggs
3rd Class Alien
Michael Gooch
3rd Class Alien
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Bad Taste (1987) about?
Aliens from the intergalactic fast-food chain Crumb's Crunchy Delights crash into the New Zealand town of Kaihoro with a sinister goal: to turn humans into their next meal. Their arrival disrupts the plans of an aid worker named Giles, who gets caught in the middle of a bizarre rescue mission by a bumbling government agency.
Who directed Bad Taste?
Peter Jackson, the visionary director behind The Lord of the Rings trilogy, helmed Bad Taste in 1987 as his debut feature film.
Who stars in Bad Taste?
The film stars Terry Potter, Pete O'Herne, Craig Smith, Mike Minett, and Peter Jackson himself, with Doug Wren appearing as the lead alien.
Is Bad Taste (1987) worth watching?
Bad Taste is a cult gem beloved for its over-the-top gore, dark humor, and DIY charm, though its unpolished execution may not appeal to all viewers. If you enjoy offbeat horror-comedies with a retro vibe, it's definitely worth tracking down.
How long is Bad Taste?
The runtime of Bad Taste is 91 minutes.
🎥 Trailer
About Bad Taste (1987) — Peter Jackson's Bizarre Alien-Horror Cult Classic
Before Peter Jackson became the Oscar-winning director behind the Lord of the Rings trilogy, he crafted this bizarre and bloody cult classic in 1987. Set in the quiet New Zealand town of Kaihoro, Bad Taste (1987) follows a ragtag team of intergalactic fast-food mercenaries from Crumb's Crunchy Delights, who crash-land with one mission: to harvest human flesh as the ultimate snack. Their arrival coincides with the arrival of Giles, an unsuspecting aid worker who stumbles into chaos, setting off a chaotic rescue mission by the Astro-Investigation and Defense Service (AIaDS). Packed with gore, offbeat humor, and low-budget ingenuity, this action-comedy-horror hybrid delivers a wild ride that blends sci-fi absurdity with Jackson's signature irreverent style.
With its mix of practical effects and sheer audacity, Bad Taste (1987) feels like a punk-rock alien invasion flick, where the aliens aren't just terrifying—they're hilariously incompetent. The film's chaotic tone and DIY ethos capture the spirit of 80s indie filmmaking, making it a must-watch for horror fans, cult cinema enthusiasts, and anyone curious about Jackson's early, unfiltered creativity.
