Netflix might rule the streaming game, but Amazon Prime is a strong contender. When it comes to accessibility to Arab films — Amazon wins.
From Nadine Labaki’s early works, to critically acclaimed indies, the streaming service is not short of typically hard-to-find films that most of us have been dying to watch.
Missed out on your local screening of ‘For Sama’ earlier this year? Amazon has you covered. Alongside the must-watch documentary, we’ve rounded up our favourite films on the site.
Wajib (2017)
The Palestinian drama sees a father and his son travel to hand deliver invitations for his daughter’s wedding in Nazareth. The film is played by a real-life father and son and offers beautiful insight into daily life in their community.
For Sama (2019)
The critically-acclaimed documentary ‘For Sama’, directed by Waad Al-Kateab and Edward Watt is now on Amazon Prime. The powerful, devastating documentary was shot over the course of five years in Aleppo, documenting Al-Kataeb’s life. The film sees her fall in love, get married and give birth to Sama.
Theeb (2014)
If you have yet to watch the award-winning 2014 film, Theeb, now is your chance. The film follows a young orphan who lives with his Bedouin tribe and his journey across the desert as his older brother escorts a British officer.
Where Do We Go Now (2012)
For fans of Nadine Labaki, ‘Where Do We Go Now’ is a must-watch. The film takes place in a rural Lebanese village, where a group of women work to ease out tensions between Christians and Muslims.
Djinn
The Arab world might not be most known for its horror films, but ‘Djinn’ is a good start. If you’re in the mood for thrilling suspense, watch this.
Ghadi (2013)
Set in a small Lebanese village, this heartwarming film follows the story of Ghadi, a young boy with special needs. When the townspeople begin to fear him, his father, a music teacher, comes up with an ingenious plan to convince them that Ghadi is not a demon, but rather an angel with the answers to their problems.
Resistance is Life (2017)
This documentary follows Evlin, an 8-year-old girl living in a refugee camp on the Turkish-Syrian border. The film captures her experiences as she and her family navigate the hardships of displacement during the Syrian Civil War. A deeply moving account of resilience and survival.
Capernaum (2018)
Another must-watch movie directed by Nadine Labaki, Capernaum tells the story of a young boy in Beirut who sues his parents for neglect after enduring a childhood filled with poverty and injustice. The film is a poignant exploration of survival and resilience.
Girls of the Moon (2018)
Directed by Tunisian filmmaker Hiba Dhaouadi, Girls of the Moon delves into the everyday struggles of several young girls living with Xeroderma Pigmentosum (XP), a rare genetic condition that makes any exposure to sunlight potentially fatal. By focusing on how they navigate life with a condition that forces them to avoid the sun entirely, the documentary brings their unseen and unheard struggles to the big screen, offering an emotional and enlightening perspective.
One Man and His Cow (2016)
This Algerian film tells the whimsical story of Fatah, a humble farmer, and his beloved cow, Jacqueline. His dream is to take her to the Paris Agricultural Show, and the film follows their heartfelt and humorous journey from Algeria to France.
The Elephant (2024)
This Lebanese comedy movie follows Fared, who was bullied as a child for his weight and nicknamed “The Elephant.” Now a successful businessman, Fared invites his childhood tormentors to a lavish party with plans for revenge. However, secrets quickly surface, and what starts as a reunion spirals into a thrilling adventure involving hidden debts and a daring heist.
