After years of action and comedy films dominating Egyptian cinema, romance is making a strong comeback with seven new Egyptian romantic films, either recently released or set to premiere soon. This revival breathes new life into a genre that has long been an integral part of Egyptian cinema’s history. The 2000s witnessed the rise of iconic romantic films like El Selem Wel Te’ban and Sahar El Layali, which helped shape the careers of stars who still shine today. Now, Egyptian romantic films are returning with compelling stories, prominent actors, and heartfelt narratives that explore love, loss, and deep emotional experiences. Read on to discover the ones to add to your watch-list now.
‘Al-Hawa Sultan’ – Menna Shalaby and Ahmed Dawood in a Complex Love Story
Director: Heba Yousry
Writer: Heba Yousry
Starring: Menna Shalaby, Ahmed Dawood, Gihan El Shamashergy, Ahmed Khaled Saleh, Sawsan Badr
Where to Watch: Already in cinema
After a two-year hiatus, Menna Shalaby returns to the big screen in Al-Hawa Sultan, reuniting with Ahmed Dawood following their previous success in Maa’ El Khodra Wel Wesh El Hassan. As one of the most talked-about new Egyptian romantic films, it topped the box office, grossing 82 million EGP, and sparked discussions about millennial relationships and the challenges of modern love.
For her feature-length directorial debut, Heba Yousry adopts a simple yet deeply emotional approach, exploring how romantic relationships shape individuals. The story follows Sara, a young woman haunted by her troubled past with her father, which prevents her from fully embracing love. With a stellar cast, including Sawsan Badr, Gihan El Shamashergy, and Ahmed Khaled Saleh, Al-Hawa Sultan stands out as one of the most compelling Egyptian romantic films of 2024.
‘Hepta: The Final Debate’ – A Sequel to a Romantic Classic
Director: Hadi El Bagoury
Writers: Mohamed Sadek, Mohamed Galal
Starring: Menna Shalaby, Karim Fahmy, Karim Kassem, Mayan El Sayed, Asmaa Galal, Salma Abu Deif
Release Date: Early 2025
If you look back at the most influential Egyptian romantic films of the past decade, Hepta (2016) is bound to be on the list. Adapted from Mohamed Sadek’s bestselling novel, the film was a major box-office hit, prompting the creation of a long-awaited sequel: Hepta: The Final Debate. Expected to be among the biggest romantic films of 2025, the sequel delves even deeper into the complexities of love, capturing its evolution through different life stages.
To match or even surpass the success of its predecessor, the film brings together a stellar cast of established stars and rising talents, including Menna Shalaby, Karim Fahmy, Karim Kassem, Salma Abu Deif, Asmaa Galal, and Mayan El Sayed. With high anticipation from audiences who adored the original, Hepta: The Final Debate is set to deliver another emotionally charged and relatable romantic experience.
‘6 Days’ – A Love Story That Spans Time
Director: Karim Shaaban
Writer: Wael Hamdy
Production: C Cinema Productions (Hani Nagib & Ahmed Fahmy)
Starring: Ahmed Malek, Aya Samaha
Release Date: January 15, 2025, in Egypt | January 16, 2025, across the Arab world
Among the highly anticipated new Egyptian romantic films of 2025, 6 Days stands out for its unique approach to storytelling, using time as a central element in its narrative. The film follows a young couple who first meet as teenagers in 2006, only to be separated by unforeseen circumstances. Seven years later, they reunite, and from that point on, they meet on the same day every year—each encounter revealing dramatic changes in their lives.
With an intimate focus on just the two protagonists, 6 Days avoids side characters and subplots, deepening the emotional connection between them. The film also reflects generational shifts in love, exploring the impact of technology, the internet, and global events like the COVID-19 pandemic on modern relationships. If you’re looking for a fresh take on romance, 6 Days is a must-watch.
‘A Few Hours on One Day’ – Hisham Maged and Hana El Zahed in a Romantic Drama
Director: Othman Abu Laban
Writer: Mohamed Sadek
Producer: Ahmed El Sobky
Starring: Hisham Maged, Mai Omar, Hana El Zahed, Ahmed Saadany, Nahed El Sebai, Asmaa Galal, Mohamed El Sharnouby, Huda El Mufti, Mohamed Salam, Mayan El Sayed, Khaled Anwar
Release Status: Now Showing in Egypt and Saudi Arabia
Following their success in the comedy film A Break from Sweet Moments, Hisham Maged and Hana El Zahed reunite for a romantic drama inspired by Mohamed Sadek’s acclaimed novel A Few Hours on One Day. Known for his ability to craft deeply moving love stories, Sadek has established himself as a leading voice in Egyptian romance films.
Directed by Palestinian filmmaker Othman Abu Laban, who previously helmed acclaimed romantic dramas like Qesset Hob and Twins of the Soul, this film unfolds over a single day, weaving together multiple love stories that capture different stages of relationships—from the magic of new beginnings to the heartbreak of farewells. Now screening in Egypt and Saudi Arabia, the film has already garnered attention from romance lovers, offering an alternative to conventional love stories.
‘Ashiq’ – Ahmed Hatem and Asmaa Abu El Yazid in a Forbidden Love Story
Director: Amr Salah (Main), Amir Alawi (Assistant)
Writer: Mahmoud Zahran
Starring: Ahmed Hatem, Asmaa Abu El Yazid, Mohsen Mohieddin, Sami Maghawry, Mahmoud El Lithy, Hana El Zahed
Ashiq joins the growing list of new Egyptian romantic films, blending love with suspense. Ahmed Hatem and Asmaa Abu El Yazid lead the story of a psychiatrist specializing in addiction treatment who falls for one of his patients, creating a moral and emotional dilemma.
With an unconventional storytelling approach, writer Mahmoud Zahran introduces elements of mystery and tension, while director Amr Salah maintains a fast-paced, gripping narrative. For those looking for a romance with a twist of intrigue, Ashiq promises to be a captivating watch.
‘The Remaining Days Story’ – An Egyptian Romantic Film with a Lebanese Touch
Director: Mohamed Gamal El Adl
Writer: Mohamed Sadek
Starring: Ahmed Hatem, Carmen Bsaibes, Mariam El Khosht, Mourad Makram, Samah Anwar, Hanan Suleiman
Bringing a mix of romance and sci-fi elements, The Remaining Days Story is a fresh addition to Egyptian romantic cinema. Carmen Bsaibes, known for her remarkable performances in El Aref and Layali Eugenie, stars alongside Ahmed Hatem in a narrative that intertwines deep emotions with futuristic elements.
The film follows a married couple facing significant challenges, with Ahmed Hatem playing a computer engineer struggling to maintain his family life while his wife (Carmen Bsaibes) attempts to find balance amidst their conflicts. Blending romance with speculative fiction, this film offers a unique take on love and destiny.
‘In Imagination, There is Love’– A Romance Between a Professor and His Student
Director: Sara Razeq
Writer: Sara Razeq
Starring: Ahmed Salah Saadany, Mayan El Sayed, Omar Razeq, Farida Ragab, Seif Hameda, Afaf Mostafa
This unconventional romantic drama follows a reserved university professor whose life takes an unexpected turn when a bold student enters his world. In her directorial debut, Sara Razeq brings a modern, thought-provoking take on relationships, starring Ahmed Salah Saadany and Mayan El Sayed. More than just a love story, the film challenges societal norms and traditions, making it a standout in the lineup of new Egyptian romantic films.
Also Read:
Everything You Need to Know About Hande Erçel and Barış Arduç’s ‘Ruzgara Birak’
Hande Erçel and Barış Arduç Reunite in ‘Remember Love’ (Aşkı Hatırla)
