Saudi Arabia’s film industry is rapidly growing, gaining global recognition with high-quality productions and major festivals like the Red Sea International Film Festival. As 2025 unfolds, a diverse lineup of films will showcase the Kingdom’s rich culture, blending historical dramas, thrillers, and thought-provoking indie films.
From stunning cinematography to compelling storytelling, these movies highlight the talent and creativity of Saudi filmmakers. Here are thirteen must-watch Saudi films in 2025.
Sattar
This story follows Saad, a passionate young man who dreams of becoming a professional wrestler. When EEW, a major wrestling promotion, announces auditions in Riyadh, he sees it as his golden opportunity. However, after failing to make the cut, his hopes are nearly shattered—until he meets Ali Hogan, an eccentric yet determined manager who promises to transform his life. With Ali’s guidance, Saad dives into the world of smaller wrestling promotions in Riyadh, where he encounters a diverse group of Saudi wrestlers, each with their own unique persona. As he fights his way up the ranks, Saad remains determined to one day prove himself worthy of EEW and achieve his ultimate dream.
Baraka Meets Baraka
Barakah Meets Barakah is a 2016 Saudi Arabian drama-comedy directed by Mahmoud Sabbagh. It tells the story of Barakah, a middle-class civil servant, and Bibi, a wealthy social media influencer, as they navigate romance in a society with strict public policies. Through humor, the film critiques modern Saudi social restrictions by contrasting them with the more open past.
The film premiered at the 66th Berlin International Film Festival, becoming the first Saudi feature to do so, and won the Prize of the Ecumenical Jury. It was also selected for the Toronto, Cairo, and Morelia film festivals, making history as Saudi Arabia's first entry at several international events. Although it was submitted for the Best Foreign Language Film at the 89th Academy Awards, it was not nominated.
Barakah Meets Barakah was theatrically released in multiple countries, including Germany, UAE, Egypt, and Tunisia. It later became the first Saudi film to stream on Netflix globally (except in the MENA region) in 2017.
Wajda
Wadjda (2012) is a groundbreaking Saudi Arabian drama directed by Haifaa al-Mansour, the first feature film shot entirely in Saudi Arabia and the first by a female Saudi director. It gained international acclaim, winning multiple awards and becoming Saudi Arabia's first-ever submission for the Best Foreign Language Film at the 86th Academy Awards, though it was not nominated.
Set in Riyadh, the film follows Wadjda, a determined 10-year-old girl who dreams of owning a green bicycle to race her friend Abdullah, despite societal restrictions against girls riding bikes. She tries to earn the money herself and eventually wins a Quran recital competition, but her prize money is donated to Palestine without her consent. Meanwhile, her mother struggles with the news that her husband is taking a second wife. In a heartwarming gesture, her mother surprises Wadjda by buying her the bike, allowing her to achieve her dream of racing—and winning—against Abdullah.
Night Courier
Night Courier (2023) is a Saudi Arabian black comedy crime thriller directed by Ali Kalthami in his feature debut. Starring Mohamad Aldokhei, the film follows Fahad, a struggling 30-year-old who works in customer service while trying to support his sick father and divorced sister. After losing his job, he turns to the underground world of alcohol delivery and theft to make ends meet.
The film premiered at the 48th Toronto International Film Festival on September 8, 2023, in the Discovery section, earning attention for its dark humor and social commentary.
The Perfect Candidate
The Perfect Candidate (2019) is a Saudi Arabian drama directed by Haifaa al-Mansour. The film follows a young female doctor, Maryam, who decides to run for office in the local elections, challenging her conservative community and family’s expectations. Her candidacy becomes a symbol of change as she navigates the challenges of being the first female candidate in her town.
The film was selected to compete for the Golden Lion at the 76th Venice International Film Festival and was Saudi Arabia's entry for Best International Feature Film at the 92nd Academy Awards, though it was not nominated.
From the Ashes
Prepare for an emotionally charged and gripping tale with From the Ashes, a Saudi film on Netflix that draws inspiration from a real-life tragedy. Set in an all-girls' school, the story begins with an ordinary school day that turns into chaos when a fire breaks out in the school’s basement. As panic spreads, students and teachers must confront impossible decisions in the face of disaster.
Directed by Khaled Fahed and produced by Ideation Studios, the film features a talented cast, including Shaima AlTayeb, Khairyeh Abu Laban, Adwa Fahad, Darin AlBayed, and Aesha AlRefai. With strong performances and a poignant narrative, From the Ashes promises to leave a lasting emotional impact on its audience.
The Book of Sun (Shams Al-Ma’arif)
Shams Al-Ma'arif (2020) is a Saudi comedy film directed by Faris Godus, exploring the impact of the internet and content creation on the lives of Saudi teens. Set in 2010, the film follows Husam, a high school student about to graduate, who becomes obsessed with creating content during the rise of Saudi YouTube culture. His passion leads him to make a low-budget horror film with the help of his best friend Maan, his rival Ibrahim, and their physics teacher Orabi.
The film provides a nostalgic look at the evolution of content creation in Saudi Arabia, drawing from the Godus brothers' own experiences with YouTube. It premiered in Jeddah in July 2020 and was later released widely across Saudi Arabia.
Maskoon
Maskoon, directed by Lina Malaika and David Darg, is a Saudi thriller that follows an American archaeologist (Paris Verra) working with the Saudi Ministry of Culture on excavations in Al-Balad, Jeddah. Her work takes a mysterious turn when she discovers an ancient box and has a disturbing encounter with a local antique dealer. As strange events unfold, unease grows, hinting at hidden secrets lurking beneath the historic city.
Route 10
Route 10, produced by Image Nation Abu Dhabi and MBC Studios, is a Saudi thriller about siblings Maryam and Nasser, who embark on a road trip from Riyadh to Abu Dhabi for their father’s wedding. Their journey takes a terrifying turn when they are pursued by a mysterious and relentless stranger, forcing them into a desperate fight for survival in the vast desert.
El Seniour
The story follows Salem, a skilled Saudi engineer who, in a bold move to secure a high-profile job, pretends to be an Italian expert. Taking advantage of the widespread preference for foreign specialists, he successfully lands a position at a prestigious company. However, his deception soon entangles him in a web of danger when he unknowingly crosses paths with a ruthless gang. As the stakes rise, Salem must navigate a world of deceit, danger, and unexpected consequences while trying to keep his true identity hidden.
Al Hamour H.A
This film, based on true events, follows the meteoric rise of a security guard who amasses billions through a fraudulent investment scheme. Along with his partners, he deceives people by promising quick and massive returns. As they indulge in a life of luxury and excess, their empire attracts the attention of the authorities, putting everything they built at risk.
Alkhallat+
AlKhallat+ is a Saudi Arabian anthology film blending black comedy and drama through four distinct stories. Filmed entirely in Riyadh, it builds on the success of the original 22-episode series of the same name. Praised for its sharp humor and witty dialogue, the film offers a fresh and entertaining take on everyday situations, making it a must-watch for fans of clever storytelling.
The Arabian Warrior
Directed by Aymen Khoja, the film explores the struggles of a young Saudi man who, after excelling in soccer and studying at an American university, finds himself caught between his father's traditional values and the independence he experienced in the United States.
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