I personally love watching movies about or set in the country I’m about to visit. Especially when it comes to Egypt, there’s no shortage of Egyptian themed movies! If this is your first time travelling to Africa or the Middle East, then you may be in for some culture shock, that probably no amount of movies can really prepare you for, but at least you’ll go into it knowing what to expect.
Three people on a motorcycle with a baby riding at the front? Normal.
A donkey cutting you off in a traffic jam? It happens!
Waking up in the middle of the night to the sound of the adhan (call to prayer)? Also normal (scary at first, but beautiful afterwards).
But this list can also dictate your next movie night, even if you haven’t planned a trip to Egypt yet, it just may inspire you to!
I’ve input a mix of some of the best movies about Egypt (NOTE: these are my personal preferences!)! This includes movies from a cultural perspective (of course with a Hollywood spin) about daily life in Egypt. These stories are often shown from a foreigners perspective and we don’t often get to see a true locals perception. In many ways though, these East meets West stories, make it more relatable for the tourist traveler. I’ve also included movies that are not historically accurate (at all), but if you’re anything like me and you’re obsessed with Ancient Egypt, then these are the type of movies that will wake up your inner archaeologist and relic hunter!
I’ve listed them chronologically and also added in the genre. It’s nice to see that for almost any genre you can find an Egyptian movie to suit your mood!
Egyptian Culture Movies
Whatever Lola Wants (2007)
Genre: Romance/Drama
This movie follows the story of an American woman that leaves her life behind in the US and moves to Egypt to follow a man she thought she loved. When her plans of romance don’t go as expected, she instead decides to stay and to pursue a career as a belly dancer in Egypt. Lola seeks out to find the elusive Ismahan, that was once the starlet of the bellydancing world but because of a scandal became reclusive. When Ismahan takes her under her wing and teaches her the art of oriental dancing, she begins to uncover some long lost secrets. It’s a movie with many stories of love and friendship intertwined. This movie has a good storyline, entertaining dancing and you’ll feel the emotions of joy, defeat and achievement along with the characters!
Whatever Lola Wants is a light hearted movie that does a nice job of showcasing the more traditional and often judgemental sides of Egyptian culture. It’ll give you another appreciation for the vibe of Cairo and the cross-cultural East vs. West differences that help add comedic value to the film!
See the Whatever Lola Wants trailer
Cairo Time (2009)
Genre: Romance
When Juliette travels to Egypt to visit her husband who is working in nearby Gaza for the UN, her trip takes an unpredicted turn. When she arrives, instead of being greeted by her husband, she finds his friend Tareq. Her husband had sent him to be her local guide in this foreign land until he can join. Cairo Time, is not only about the unexpected love that develops between the two of them, but it’s also a love that develops for the city, Cairo.
What I love about this movie, is not only the beautiful scenes of Cairo, but the cultural references and insight into things like the local cafes (ahwa’s) and even the traditional men’s clothing (galabeya’s). I feel this is a great movie to watch to help provide a more in depth understanding than just the superficial of what local life and cultural habits are like. The movie can at times feel a little slow, but you’ll be too captivated by the soundtrack to notice or care. After watching this movie it’ll help you fall in love with Cairo even before you get there, and wish you could always be on Cairo time.
The Square (2013)
Genre: Documentary
This was a powerful documentary that profiled the events leading up, during and after the 2011 Egyptian revolution.
The film covers the protests and aftermath from different perspectives; from the young Egyptians who started the movement, to Muslim Brotherhood supporters and even celebrities like Khalid Abdalla (Kite Runner) who became a spokesman for the revolutionaries.
If you only watch one movie from this list, let it be this one! It’ll give you an appreciation of the more recent history and what led them to where they are today.
White Lie (2018)
Genre: Comedy
Now this movie was funny! Oddly enough this is the only Egyptian produced movie on the list. It’s a movie that my husband and I had been eager to watch because it feels like it was based off our life story – a foreigner meets an Egyptian, falls in love and then travels to Egypt to meet his family and adventure ensues!
Note: for some reason the movie is translated under several titles, so you may see it as Marriage: Impossible, Masrycany or White Lie.
Historical Egyptian Movies
Ok, I should say ‘historical’ Egyptian movies is a bit of a stretch. I mean they are set in history but again, most of them are not entirely factual. These are on the list, because I personally love the stories and the Egyptian influence integrated within.
Indiana Jones: Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)
Genre: Action
Unlike the others on this list, Raiders of the Lost Ark wasn’t set entirely in Egypt. That doesn’t however take away from the adventure and the fact that by many it’s still considered one of the greatest movies of all time.
If you’ve never heard of Indiana Jones, this was the first of a triliogy following this now infamous archaeologist around various parts of the world in search of rare artifacts, such as the Ark of the Convenant in this one. Of course there’s the usual oppositions of the villans in the quest and love interests and stories along the way!
Although of course it’s depictions of Egyptian archaeology aren’t entirely accurate, it is a classic nevertheless!
Watch the trailer for Indiana Jones: Raiders of the Lost Ark
Prince of Egypt (1998)
Genre: Musical/Drama
This animated movie is an absolute classic! If you remember back when animated movies were hand drawn and not in the more 3D style we know them today (remember those, or am I dating myself?!) This was a biblical adaptation of the famous story of the life of Moses and how he became the Prince of Egypt and beyond! You don’t have to be religious to appreciate the message of this film and the insight into some Ancient Egyptian history.
I remember growing up and watching this inspiring movie several times in school. The soundtrack was also a huge hit, in particular the duet between Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey, When you Believe (that even won an Oscar!).
Watch the trailer for Prince of Egypt
The Mummy (1999)
Genre: Action
I grew up watching this series and as corny as they are looking back, Egypt just looked like an amazing place in the 20s (I mean it’s still incredible now, but everything was just so refined then!).
Not to be confused with the latest 2017 ‘The Mummy’ movie, which was a bit more ‘horror’ than adventure. Not a personal favorite or something I feel will stand the test of time. In a sense though they’ve got very similar plot lines; mummy is awoken from the dead and comes back with a vengeance! What I love about this 1999 version is the period it’s set in and the more adventurous and comedic spirit.
Yes, I know it’s historically inaccurate, but that can’t stop me from loving it! If you enjoy this style there is a sequel! There is also a third, but the third takes place in China, which given my Egyptian obsessions is just a bit less exciting!
Watch the trailer for The Mummy
I genuinely enjoyed all of the movies on the list (many countless times) and I hope you will too! Is there something missing from this list? Any Egyptian themed movie recommendations you’ve got, please share them below!
Some additional guides that may help with your trip planning:
- Tipping Etiquette in Egypt with tips from a local (my hubby!)
- Honeymoon guide to Egypt – everything you need to know
- Where to stay in Cairo, advice on the best neighbourhoods
- Amazing pyramid view hotels you should consider staying at
- The best 15 spots in Cairo for instagram photos
- What to wear in Egypt a guide for women
- 4-day Nile Cruise review from Aswan to Luxor
- What are the most unique souvenirs to buy in Egypt
- A two-day itinerary for Alexandria Egypt
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