Ghosts and spirits have long been a source of fascination and intrigue in Arabic culture and folklore, with many stories and legends depicting these otherworldly beings as both terrifying and captivating. In recent years, a number of Arabic movies have explored this theme in new and inventive ways, offering audiences a fresh perspective on the world of ghosts and the supernatural. In this article, we will take a look at some of the most noteworthy Arabic movies that have tackled ghosts and spirits.
“The Blue Elephant” (Egypt, 2014)
Directed by Marwan Hamed, “The Blue Elephant” is a psychological thriller that tells the story of a psychiatrist named Yehia who is haunted by the ghost of a former patient. As Yehia tries to unravel the mystery of the ghost’s identity and motives, he is drawn into a dark and twisted world of secrets and deception. The movie is known for its inventive visual style and atmospheric soundtrack, and was a critical and commercial success upon its release.
“Djinn” (UAE, 2013)
Directed by Tobe Hooper, “Djinn” is a horror movie that explores the supernatural world of Islamic mythology. The movie tells the story of a young couple who move into a new apartment in Dubai, only to discover that it is haunted by malevolent djinn spirits. As the couple tries to uncover the truth behind the haunting, they are forced to confront their deepest fears and darkest desires. “Djinn” is a visually stunning movie that offers a unique perspective on the world of ghosts and spirits.
“Haunted Hearts” (Lebanon, 2014)
Directed by Hadi El Bagoury, “Haunted Hearts” is a romantic comedy with a supernatural twist. The movie tells the story of a young woman named Hana who falls in love with a ghost named Farid. As Hana tries to navigate the challenges of dating a ghost, she must also contend with the disapproval of her family and society. “Haunted Hearts” is a light-hearted and entertaining movie that offers a fresh take on the supernatural genre.
“The Housemaid” (Tunisia, 2016)
Directed by Mohamed Ben Attia, “The Housemaid” is a drama that explores the intersection of class and the supernatural. The movie tells the story of Selma, a young housemaid who is hired by a wealthy family to care for their infant son. As Selma begins to experience strange and frightening visions, she becomes convinced that the family’s deceased former maid is haunting the house. “The Housemaid” is a thought-provoking and suspenseful movie that offers a commentary on the social and economic dynamics of contemporary Tunisia.
“Zinzana” (UAE, 2015)
Directed by Majid Al Ansari, “Zinzana” is a thriller that takes place in a single location: a jail cell. The movie tells the story of Talal, a man who wakes up in a jail cell with no memory of how he got there. As Talal tries to piece together his past, he is confronted by a series of mysterious and malevolent characters, including a ghostly inmate named Dabaan. “Zinzana” is a tense and claustrophobic movie that explores the themes of memory, identity, and the supernatural.
“Havel” (Egypt, 2014)
Directed by Tarek El-Erian, “Havel” is a horror movie that tells the story of a family who moves into a new home, only to discover that it is haunted by the ghost of a young girl who was killed in the house years earlier. As the family tries to uncover the truth behind the ghost’s identity and motives, they are drawn into a web of secrets and danger. “Havel” is a chilling and atmospheric movie that offers a fresh take on the haunted house genre.
“The Ring of the Ghosts” (Morocco, 2017)
Directed by Hakim Noury, “The Ring of the Ghosts” is a comedy that tells the story of a group of friends who discover a mysterious ring that allows them to communicate with ghosts. As the friends try to make sense of their newfound abilities, they are forced to confront their own fears and anxieties. “The Ring of the Ghosts” is a lighthearted and entertaining movie that offers a unique perspective on the supernatural.
“Soraya” (Lebanon, 2014)
Directed by Assad Fouladkar, “Soraya” is a drama that explores the theme of guilt and redemption in the aftermath of a tragic accident. The movie tells the story of a young woman named Soraya who is haunted by the ghost of her former boyfriend, who died in a car accident that Soraya caused. As Soraya tries to come to terms with her guilt and make amends for her past mistakes, she must also confront the ghostly presence that haunts her every move. “Soraya” is a poignant and powerful movie that offers a deep exploration of the human psyche and the consequences of our actions.
Whether through horror, comedy, or drama, these Arabic movies offer a diverse and engaging exploration of this rich and fascinating cultural tradition. From the ancient tales of Arabian mythology to the modern anxieties of contemporary Arab society, ghosts continue to capture the imaginations of audiences across the Arab world and beyond.