Top 10 Detective Films Featuring Arabs

Description: While primarily a drama, this French-Tunisian film involves elements of mystery as the protagonist navigates family secrets and cultural identity, making it a subtle detective story.

Fact: It won the César Award for Best Film in 2008, making it one of the few non-French language films to achieve this honor.

Description: This Israeli film, while primarily a comedy-drama, has a detective-like subplot as characters from an Egyptian police band lost in Israel try to find their way back, uncovering cultural misunderstandings.

Fact: It won the Un Certain Regard Award at the 2007 Cannes Film Festival and was Israel's submission for the Best Foreign Language Film at the 80th Academy Awards.

Description: This semi-autobiographical film by Elia Suleiman includes elements of mystery as it explores the life of a Palestinian family over several decades, with the protagonist often investigating his own identity and history.

Fact: The film was screened in the Un Certain Regard section at the 2009 Cannes Film Festival.

Description: Set in the Ottoman province of Hijaz during World War I, this film follows a Bedouin boy who becomes involved in a dangerous mission, uncovering secrets along the way.

Fact: "Theeb" was Jordan's submission for the Best Foreign Language Film at the 88th Academy Awards and won several international film festival awards.

Description: Set in Cairo, this film follows a police officer investigating the murder of a singer, uncovering corruption and political intrigue. It's a gritty, realistic portrayal of detective work in Egypt.

Fact: The film won the Nordic Council Film Prize in 2017, marking the first time a Swedish-Egyptian co-production received this honor.

Description: While not a traditional detective film, this French-Lebanese drama involves a surgeon who becomes a detective of sorts, trying to understand why his wife committed a suicide bombing. It's a compelling narrative on identity and justice.

Fact: The film was based on the novel by Yasmina Khadra and was selected as the Lebanese entry for the Best Foreign Language Film at the 86th Academy Awards.

Description: While not a traditional detective film, this Israeli-French-German co-production involves a family drama with elements of mystery as characters navigate personal and political secrets.

Fact: The film was inspired by real events and was shot in the Golan Heights.

Description: This Egyptian film, set in Cairo, intertwines several stories, one of which involves a detective unraveling a murder mystery within the iconic Yacoubian Building. It's a deep dive into Egyptian society, politics, and the quest for justice.

Fact: The film was adapted from a best-selling novel by Alaa Al Aswany and was Egypt's submission for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film in

Description: This Palestinian thriller involves a young baker who becomes entangled in a web of betrayal and investigation after being accused of murder, making it a compelling detective story.

Fact: It was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film in

Description: This post-apocalyptic thriller set in the Middle East features a group of survivors who must solve the mystery of their predicament, making it a unique take on the detective genre.

Fact: The film was shot in the United Arab Emirates and was the first feature film directed by Ali F. Mostafa.