As the body of cinema created in the Kingdom swells, it has grown to encapsulate a range of tastes and stories.
As various creative minds across Saudi Arabia find their footing in the world of media, the body of cinema created within the Kingdom by Saudi creators grows. It’s honestly too fast to catch up with, with new concepts and new films coming out all over the country, but the pursuit is definitely worth it.
To help you navigate the world of Saudi cinema, we’ve compiled this list of films from the Kingdom that you can stream online (and where you can stream them!)...
Wadjda
Apple TV
In a heartwarming picture, the 2012 film follows a young Saudi girl who sets out to get herself a green bicycle that caught her eye. To afford it, she signs up for her school’s Quran recitation competition to raise the remaining funds. As the first film made by a Saudi woman and shot entirely within Saudi Arabia, ‘Wadjda’ is a must-watch.
From the Ashes
Netflix
When a seemingly normal day at a school in Saudi ends in disaster thanks to a fire, questions are asked about whether or not the incident was an accident, or arson. This film is a quick and thrilling watch through its 92-minute run time.
Basma
Netflix
Since everyone knows the best detective movies are ones where the mystery is hidden by your own kin, ‘Basma’ is an exciting watch that delves into the secrets of a single Saudi family. The film follows the titular character, a young Saudi woman studying abroad, as she returns to Jeddah to uncover her family’s difficult truths.
Naga
Netflix
Lost in the desert sands of Riyadh, Sarah, a young Saudi woman, evades troubles and the wrath of an energetic camel after secretly leaving her parents' house for a romantic rendezvous. Perhaps a cautionary tale, the film is entertaining regardless.
The Tambour of Retribution
Shahid
If you’re a fan of forbidden romances, ‘The Tambour of Retribution’ should be your next watch. In a poor community, the swordsman's son develops feelings for the wedding singer's daughter, a forbidden union in a conservative society.
Sattar
Netflix
A superhero movie of sorts, ‘Sattar’ follows Saad as he chooses to chase his childhood aspirations of becoming a freestyle wrestler. However, what begins as a dream swiftly becomes a nightmare when he posts a clip of his auditions and the beating he takes. Saad meets a Pakistani wrestling trainer who kickstarts his redemption.
Hajjan
Shahid
Following the journey of a young dreamer on an unconventional camel racing track, ‘Hajjan’ is the story of a boy who aims to follow in his grandfather’s footsteps.’Hajjan’ is both a family tale and a thrilling action film.
Head to Head
Netflix
If you’re a fan of films where essentially everything goes wrong, but somehow comedically pieces itself back together, ‘Head to Head’ might just be your next favourite. The film follows a lovesick chauffeur and a bootleg mechanic who accidentally cross paths with a retired crime lord, igniting a wild, life-changing adventure.
