Depictions of the Middle East and Africa have been around since the beginning of cinema history, while Arab filmmakers are finally beginning to gain global notoriety. Here are the best movies featuring the Arabic language to stream now.
Timbuktu (2014)
7.4
A skillful, stunning depiction of the absurdities of occupation
Chronicle of a Disappearance (1996)
8.4
Absurdist comedy makes for unusual but powerful framing in this wry commentary on Palestinian identity
Turtles Can Fly (2005)
8.0
A realistic and well-made Kurdish drama that’s absolutely devastating
The Man Who Sold His Skin (2020)
8.0
A Syrian man becomes artwork in this fascinating drama based on a true story
All or Nothing (2002)
8.1
Mike Leigh goes all-in with this devastating drama
Incendies (2011)
9.9
Part melodrama, part war thriller, Incendies is gorgeous and heartbreaking from the first scene
Paris Je T’aime (2006)
7.6
An anthology ode to the City of Love stacked with talent behind and in front of the camera
Farha (2021)
8.0
A brutal coming-of-age film set at the start of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict
Cameraperson (2016)
8.5
Singular, moving, and surprising—a must-see documentary that reflects on craft, memoir, and the quiet roles we play in our own lives and beyond
Mayor (2020)
8.0
A unique portrayal of the mayor of the de-facto capital of Palestine
For Sama (2019)
8.6
An incredibly intimate account of war
The Old Oak (2023)
7.9
Ken Loach’s farewell film is a heart-wrenching celebration of community