best saudi movies baraka

The 10 Best Saudi Comedy Films to Watch on ‘One of Those Days’

from lighthearted humor to exciting adventures

best saudi movies baraka

Saudi cinema has experienced a remarkable transformation in recent years, with a significant increase in film production, particularly in the comedy genre. Those searching for a good laugh are no longer pressed for options as there are now many Saudi comedy films to pick and choose from. Still, we decided to make your job easier and curated a list featuring 10 of the best, offering a range of comedic styles from lighthearted humor to exciting adventures. Read on to discover what made the cut. 

‘Sattar’ (2022) 

Director: Abdullah Al-Arak
Starring: Ibrahim Al-Hajjaj, Abdulaziz Al-Shihri

A Saudi comedy film that masterfully blends humor and action within the world of wrestling. The story follows Saad, a determined young man chasing his dream of becoming a professional wrestler. However, his path is filled with numerous obstacles, creating moments of dark comedy. The comedic journey kicks off when Saad suffers an embarrassing incident during a tryout, and a video of him goes viral online, making him the subject of ridicule. But life’s opportunities often come unexpectedly—wrestling promoter Ali Hogan decides to give him another shot at proving himself. Saad then embarks on an intense training journey with his coach Abdulkhaleq, preparing for the region’s biggest wrestling championship.

‘Ras Bras’ (2023)

Director: Malik Nejer
Starring: Abdulaziz Al-Shihri, Adel Redwan

Ras Bras is a Saudi comedy film that combines suspense and witty humor. The story revolves around Darwish, a taxi driver who accidentally finds himself transporting a retired crime boss. What starts as a regular shift quickly turns into a thrilling adventure filled with hilarious situations and high-stakes chases, especially when a gang begins pursuing them. With director Malik Nejer at the helm, this film is perfect for those seeking a blend of action and comedy. Ras Bras is available on Netflix.

‘Shams Al-Ma’arif’ (2020) 

Director: Faris Godus
Starring: Bara Alem, Suhaib Godus

A Saudi comedy film that taps into the experiences of Gen Z. Shams Al-Ma’arif follows Hassan, a high school student passionate about filmmaking and online content creation. Hassan’s ambitions extend beyond making short videos—he dreams of producing his own movie. When an opportunity arises, he gathers a group of enthusiastic friends to bring his vision to life. However, they quickly realize that filmmaking is far more challenging than they expected. As they navigate unpredictable obstacles, the movie unfolds with comedic brilliance, capturing the humorous side of young Saudis’ creative struggles in the digital age.

‘Masameer’ (2020) 

Director: Malik Nejer
Starring: Abdulaziz Al-Shihri, Youssef Al-Dakhil

Unlike other Saudi comedy films, Masameer stands out as the first Saudi animated film with a satirical comedy tone. Based on the hit animated series of the same name, the film brings new adventures with a socially relevant twist. Through its bold storytelling and unique animation style, Masameer became a milestone in Saudi films, with its characters becoming iconic in contemporary Saudi culture.

‘Keif Al-Hal?’ (2006) 

Director: Izidor Muslim
Starring: Hisham Al-Huwaish, Mais Hamdan

As one of the earliest Saudi comedy films, Keif Al-Hal? was released in 2006 and marked a turning point in Saudi cinema. Written by Mohamed Reda with dialogue by Bilal Fadl, the movie was directed by Palestinian filmmaker Izidor Muslim and Saudi director Haifaa Al-Mansour. Featuring a star-studded cast from Saudi Arabia and the Arab world, the film included Hisham Al-Huwaish, Fatima Al-Hosani, Mishaal Al-Mutairi, Ali Al-Sabe, Mais Hamdan, and Khaled Sami. The story is an exploration of the generational clash between conservatism and modernity, highlighting the lives of young Saudis navigating cultural shifts.

Barakah Meets Barakah’ (2016)

Director: Mahmoud Sabbagh
Starring: Hisham Fageeh, Fatima Al-Banawi

This Saudi comedy film takes a lighthearted and humorous approach to romance in a conservative society. It follows Barakah, a municipal employee and amateur theater actor, who falls for another Barakah—a vibrant Instagram influencer. The two must find creative ways to defy strict social norms that limit interactions between men and women in Saudi Arabia. By tackling personal freedoms in a comical manner, this Saudi comedy film gained international recognition and was Saudi Arabia’s official submission to the Academy Awards.

‘Manahi’ (2008) 

Director: Ayman Makram
Starring: Fayez Al-Maliki, Mona Wassef

Manahi follows a young Bedouin man who moves to the city, struggling to adapt to urban life. Packed with lighthearted humor, the film contrasts desert life with modern city living, making it a classic among Saudi comedy films. The movie was first released in 2008, before the cinema boom in the Kingdom, making it an early example of local storytelling.

What makes Manahi even more interesting is the participation of renowned Syrian actress Mona Wassef, playing an unconventional role in a Saudi comedy film. Her performance adds a unique touch to the viewing experience, making it an interesting watch for fans of Saudi films and Arabic cinema alike.

Al-Khallat+’ (2023)

Director: Fahad Al-Ammari
Starring: Ibrahim Al-Hajjaj, Abdulaziz Al-Shihri

One of the latest Saudi comedy films and the first Saudi production by Netflix, Al-Khallat+ is refreshing. The film, directed by Fahad Alammari, presents four separate yet interconnected stories, each offering a satirical take on deception and trickery in Saudi society.The plot centers on characters from different social classes in Saudi Arabia, each with varying  ethical perspectives. Some are willing to steal, lie, deceive, or even encourage marital infidelity—all portrayed through a comedic lens that explores an existential question: What drives people—regardless of their economic or social background—to deceive others for personal gain?

‘Iyad Fi Riyadh’ (2023)

Director: Abdullah Saeed
Starring: Khaled Al-Omari, Amal Al-Dabbagh

Following its successful release on Netflix, Emirati director Abdullah Saeed shared in an interview that his goal was to “create content that resonates with all family members, making it enjoyable for both young and old.” Enter: Iyad Fi Riyadh. The film follows a wealthy divorced father who sends his daughter abroad for higher studies. However, upon returning to Saudi Arabia after five years, she refuses to conform to her family’s expectations—particularly an arranged marriage with her cousin. Determined to take control of her own fate, she embarks on a mission to find a simple man to marry. What ensues is a hilarious and chaotic journey.

‘ Al-Hamour H.A.’ (2022)

Director: Abdulillah Al-Qurashi
Starring: Fahad Al-Qahtani, Ismail Al-Hassan

Few films tackle true stories with a comedic spin, but Al-Hamour H.A. stands out among Saudi comedy films for doing just that. Inspired by a notorious financial scam that shook early 2000s Saudi Arabia, the film takes a humorous yet dramatic approach to storytelling. The plot follows a security guard who amasses immense wealth through a fraudulent investment scheme, persuading victims to invest by promising huge returns. However, as law enforcement tightens its grip on the operation, the scam spirals out of control, leading to an inevitably hilarious downfall.

 

Also Read: 5 of the Best Arab Films on Netflix

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