From high-octane action and laugh-out-loud comedies to nostalgic reunions and true-story inspirations, 2026 is shaping up to be an exciting year for Arab cinema. The upcoming slate brings together some of the region’s biggest names alongside fresh faces and ambitious new projects, reflecting an industry that’s growing more confident and playful with every release. Whether it’s a Egyptian film fans have been waiting years to see, or ones that mark Long-time-coming reunions, these are the movies everyone will be talking about this year.
El Gawahergy
Genre: Comedy
Directed by: Islam Khairy
Mohamed Henedy returns to cinema after a two-year absence to co-star in El Gawahergy alongside Mona Zaki, marking over 25 years since their last collaboration. As it is usually with Henedy, the film, written by Omar Taher and directed by Islam Khairy, is a comedy that revolves around the troubles of married life. The film also features Tara Emad, Lebleba, and Reem Mustafa.
Although seemingly ready, the film release witnessed a series of continuous delays, but all we can hope for is watching it this summer.
Red Flag
Genre: Drama
Directed by: Mahmoud Karim
Red Flag, written by Ahmed Mohy and starring Ahmed Hatem, Jamila Awad, and Sherif Mounir, blends drama and mystery.
The film, directed by Mahmoud Karim, revolves around red flags in relationships and the trust between spouses, with Hatem playing the roles of a pilot and an advertising executive.
Egy Best
Genre: Drama
Directed by: Marwan Abdel Moneim
Egy Best is a highly anticipated new Egyptian film starring Ahmed Malek and Salma Abu Deif, and marking the acting debut of rapper Marwan Pablo.
Inspired by true events surrounding the world of film piracy and the infamous website “Egy Best,” the film is written by Ahmed Hosny, directed by Marwan Abdel Moneim, and produced by The Planet Studio.
El Kesas
Genre: Drama
Directed by: Abu Bakr Shawky
Set against the backdrop of Egypt’s political and social turmoil between 1967 and 1984, El Kesas follows the story of a young Egyptian pianist who plans to travel to Vienna after an exchange of letters with an Austrian friend.
The film stars Amir El-Masry, Nelly Karim, Karim Kassem, and Sabry Fawaz, and is written and directed by Abu Bakr Shawky.
El Crush
Genre: Romcom
Directed by: Mahmoud Karim
Ahmed Dawood is to star in the romantic comedy El Crush, playing an accountant who meets a businesswoman (Mirna Gamil) and falls in love at first sight.
The film is written by Louay El-Sayed and directed by Mahmoud Karim.
Khali Balak Men Nafsak
Genre: Action Comedy
Directed by: Moataz El Touni
Ahmed El Sakka and Yasmine Abdel Aziz come together in the movie “Khali Balak Men Nafsak” directed by Moataz El Touni, a film combining action, social drama, and sophisticated comedy.
The film marks a return of the two after an absence of more than 22 years since their famous work in the play “Keda Okeh”.
Sakr w Kanrya
Genre: Action Comedy
Directed by: Hussein El Menbawy
Early this year, director Hussein El Menbawy announced wrapping up the shooting of his upcoming film “Sakr W Kanarya” starring Mohamed Emam.
The film marked their third collaboration after they previously reunited in two films “Lelet Hana w Sror” and “3amohom”.
Bershama
Genre: Comedy
Directed by: Khaled Diab
Last year, Hesham Maged announced via Instagram Story that he has started shooting his new film “Bershama”, a social comedy that revolves around the phenomenon of cheating in exams in a satirical way.
The film is directed by Khaled Diab, marking their second reunion after their success with “Ashghal Shaqa” with its two seasons.
Asad
Genre: Historical Action
Directed by: Mohamed Diab
Asad is a highly anticipated Egyptian historical action film starring Mohamed Ramadan, scheduled for release on the first day of Eid al-Fitr in 2026.
Directed by Mohamed Diab, the film features a star-studded cast including Razane Jammal and Maged El Kedwany, portraying a 14-year-long slave revolt against the Abbasid Caliphate.
