The Arabic-speaking world is a fascinating place, and across its many countries it incorporates ancient history and age old traditions, bustling cities and hyper-modern sky scrapers, dessert landscapes and hidden villages. One way to learn more about these diverse places and their cultures, is through films and series, and the great news is that there is so much available to watch on Netflix. Not only will you gain more of an understanding of the history and societies of the Arabic-speaking world, but your Arabic language comprehension will really start to improve. Here are a few of our favourite Arabic language films and series right now!
Films
From A to B
Recently we’ve enjoyed a really upbeat Arabic language movie called From A to B. This Emirati film tells the tale of three friends who have unfortunately now drifted apart. Sadly, what reunites them again is the passing of another friend, but in his honour they decide to embark on an adventure-filled road-trip together from Abu Dhabi to Beirut. With many comical occurrences during the trip, this is a real feel-good film and an opportunity to see lots of different locations.
Wadja
We couldn’t not mention the much loved and award-winning Wadjda. As the first feature-length movie to be filmed entirely in Saudi Arabia and by a female Saudi director, Wadjda took the world by storm when it was released. This uplifting film tells the tale of a girl who sets her heart on buying a bicycle. Her commitment to the cause is inspiring and at the same time the audience is offered a rare glimpse into day-to-day life in Riyadh.
Taxi Ballad
Our next one is a real gem – the wonderful film Taxi Ballad. New to the city of Beirut, humble Youssef strives to become the greatest taxi driver in the city. In his work, he meets lots of different characters, and forms an unlikely bond with an American Pilates instructor who loves hearing his stories. This feel-good film is perfect for right now, and a great option for Arabic language students.
Sand Storm
A must-watch is the international award-winning film, Sand Storm. The story places a spotlight on Bedouin culture and in particular the role and lives of Bedouin women. The film vividly displays the clash between tradition and modernity, and is a fascinating eye-opener really showcasing the ongoing collision of the two.
Barakah Meets Barakah
Known as the first Saudi Arabian rom-com, the Barakah Meets Barakah tells the tale of Barakah and Bibi, and their struggle to form a relationship amidst the realities of Saudi life. Many critics were surprised that the film actually made it past the country’s strict censorship, as it offers a rare insight for outsiders into Saudi culture. Despite the clear difficulties the young couple face, the film retains an upbeat feeling and is a top choice for Arabic language students.
Listen
This Lebanese film, Listen, tells a love story between a model, Rana, and a sound engineer named Joud. After Rana is involved in an accident, Joud tries to keep their love alive by recording messages for her and believing in the power of the senses. The film won several national awards including Best Lebanese Motion Picture in 2017, so is really worth the watch.
Series
Tango
Looking for a good series to binge over the coming weeks? Try Lebanese drama Tango! This gripping series is set in the aftermath of a car crash, when secrets starts to creep out and a group of friends start questioning everything they once thought to be true.
Cairo Class
Another show we’ve been really enjoying recently is Cairo Class which tells the tale of a group of women from Kuwait who move to Cairo to attend university. The series follows their time in the Egyptian capital as they embark on journeys of self-discovery filled with adventure and romance.
Al Kateb
Another must-see series is the Lebanese drama Al Kateb (The Writer). This gripping series tells the tale of a best selling crime writer, Younis, who finds himself accused of a murder eerily similar to that of one of his novels. As his life begins to form many parallels with his stories, he must untangle the plot and sidestep his mysterious enemies.
Disappearance
The dramatic Egyptian thriller, Disappearance, tells the tale of a lady working as a university lecturer in Russia who suddenly has to return home to Egypt following the disappearance of her husband. As she retraces his footsteps and tries to find out what has happened, the mystery deepens and the plot thickens. It’ll have you hooked for sure!
Al Hayba
Recently we’ve been binge-watching Al Hayba. This is a gripping, intense drama about a village on the border between Syria and Lebanon involved in arms smuggling. The series has it all as the characters deal with power struggles, family conflicts and complicated love stories.
Dollar
For something a bit more fun, we recommend the Lebanese series Dollar. To promote its grand opening, a Beirut bank sets up a marketing campaign and competition: a dollar bill is circulated around the city, and whoever ends up with this special note will win $1 million dollars… Let the hunt begin!
Secret of the Nile
The Egyptian series, Secrets of the Nile, was a smash hit when it was first released. The drama is set in the city of Aswan in the 1950s and follows the story of ‘Ali’. Ali travels to the city in search of his missing sister, who was employed by the prestigious Grand Hotel. He gains work as a waiter at the hotel in order to secretly find out more about his sister, and in so doing enters the world of the wealthy guests with all its twists and turns…
Justice: Qalb Al Adala
Looking for something gritty to sink your teeth into? Look no further than Justice: Qalb Al Adala. Set in Abu Dhabi, the series centres around recent law graduate Farah. Although her family expect her to join her father’s law firm she decides to go it alone, shaking up convention and pushing the boundaries of law and faith in so doing. With writers including an Oscar nominee and an Emmy award winner, it’s definitely worth a watch!
Want to learn more about the Arabic speaking world, not to mention the Arabic language? Then our Modern Standard Arabic courses are for you. Find out more about our Arabic classes here.