Movies and TV Shows with Arab Leads

The need for accurately portrayed Arab characters is clear—and this list puts titles with Arab actors and experiences front and center. Like several underrepresented groups in media, Arabs and Arab Americans have long been portrayed stereotypically or relegated to stereotypical movie roles. But the entries on this list disregard that tendency in favor of more authentic storytelling. Some titles center exclusively on Arab stories, others celebrate the work of Arab actors across different film locations and genres — and many do both. From tender stories of romance to tales of family and sisterhood, there's humor, grit, and a ton of heart to be found on this list. For more resources that celebrate culture and community, try these links and articles.

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MOVIE

Lamya's Poem

age 9+

Animated refugee story has mature themes, peril.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2023)
MOVIE

Wadjda

age 9+

Beautiful, nuanced tale of an independent Saudi girl.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2013)
MOVIE

Koran by Heart

age 10+

Moving, sensitive documentary challenges stereotypes.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2012)
MOVIE

Bohemian Rhapsody

age 13+

Exuberant music, electric performance in routine biopic.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2018)
MOVIE

Ali's Wedding

age 14+

Engaging Australian romcom has some language.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2018)
TV

Mo

age 14+

Immigrant dramedy has violence, language, some drugs.

Network: Netflix (2022)
MOVIE

The Swimmers

age 14+

Inspiring true refugee story has sexual violence and peril.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2022)
TV

AlRawabi School for Girls

age 15+

Violent Arab mean-teen drama better with cultural knowledge.

Network: Netflix (2021)
MOVIE

Farha

age 15+

Intense historical drama has violence, mature themes.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2022)
MOVIE

For Sama

age 15+

Powerful, intense docu about young mother's war-torn life.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2019)
MOVIE

The Kite Runner

age 15+

Best seller-based drama has harrowing moments.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2007)
MOVIE

The Little Things

age 15+

Flawed but well-made, violent, bloody serial killer tale.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2021)
MOVIE

The Old Oak

age 15+

Hopeful British drama has themes of racism, strong language.

In Theaters (Release Year: 2024)
TV

Ramy

age 15+

Language, sex in comedy about balancing faith, modern life.

Network: Hulu (2019)
TV

We Are Lady Parts

age 15+

Brilliant comedy rejects stereotypes; swearing, smoking.

Network: Peacock (2021)
MOVIE

Capernaum

age 16+

Powerful, gritty Lebanese drama shows kids in danger.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2018)
TV

Mr. Robot

age 16+

Computer-hacking antihero navigates anarchy, social anxiety.

Network: USA (2015)
TV

Search Party

age 16+

Dark but goofy comedic mystery explores millennial culture.

Network: TBS (2016)