Saudi Arabia’s film scene is fairly new, having been kickstarted by the 2018 opening of the country’s first movie theater in over 35 years, but has already made an international impact. Saudi films have been submitted for consideration to the Oscars, have been screened at international film festivals, and have even won a nomination for Best Foreign Film (“Wadjda” at the 2014 BAFTA Awards). Meanwhile, the Red Sea International Film Festival has allowed filmmakers from the region and around the world to showcase their works, and AlUla has emerged as a highly desirable location for filming. In an update to our 2021 recommendations, for those interested in Saudi cinema, here are some of the top movies and shows to come out of the country’s burgeoning film scene that audiences from around the world can stream from home:
Mandoob (Night Courier) (2023)
Saudi filmmaker Ali Kalthami’s Riyadh-based thriller tells the gripping tale of Fahad Algadaani, a mentally fragile man who, after getting fired, takes a job as a night courier and races against time to save his ailing father.
For more details: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt23642740
New Saudi Voices (2021)
A collection of short films showcasing new talents in the rich world of Saudi cinema, from Jeddah to Riyadh. This series of poignant short films — from a man struggling against a language barrier to a woman haunted by a demon — first premiered at the Red Sea International Film Festival.
For more details: https://www.netflix.com/title/81629755
Sattar (2022)
Directed by Abduallah Al-Arak, this film follows Saad, an unfulfilled office worker whose floundering personal and professional life motivates him to follow his childhood dream of becoming a freestyle wrestler.
For more details: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt24679190/
The Perfect Candidate (2019)
Directing icon Haifaa Al-Mansour’s film focuses on a determined young Saudi doctor’s surprise run for office in the local city elections, which sweeps up her family and community as they struggle to accept their town’s first female candidate. This movie was Saudi Arabia’s submission to the 92nd Academy Awards for Best International Feature Film.
For more details: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6971114
Hobal (2024)
Hobal is a dramatic story about a Bedouin family in the early 1990s that leaves their village to live in complete isolation in the desert on the strict instructions of the family’s patriarch. A series of events shakes the family’s foundation as they find themselves in a struggle between life and death.
For more details: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt16150082/
Hajjan (2023)
Brothers Matar and Ghanim live in the desert of Saudi Arabia. When tragedy strikes, young Matar takes on camel racing to keep his camel Hofira. After being hired by ruthless owner Jasser, Matar has to give everything to fight for Hofira’s life in this ageless coming of age drama.
For more details: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt15048870/
