- Kingdom of Heaven (2005)
- Saladin the Victorious (1963)
- The Crusades (1935)
- The Lion and the Lamb (1970)
- Saladin (1987)
- The Crusades: The Battle for the Holy Land (2005)
- The Kingdom of Heaven: The Director's Cut (2006)
- Saladin: The Conqueror of Jerusalem (2010)
- The Crusades: A History (2012)
- Saladin and the Fall of the Kingdom of Jerusalem (1993)
Saladin, the legendary Kurdish Muslim leader, has captured the imagination of filmmakers for decades. His life, marked by military prowess, chivalry, and leadership, offers a rich tapestry for cinematic exploration. This curated list of 10 historical films delves into various aspects of Saladin's life, from his rise to power to his battles against the Crusaders. Each film provides a unique perspective, enriching our understanding of this iconic figure and the era he shaped. Whether you're a history buff or simply love epic tales, these films are sure to captivate and enlighten.

Kingdom of Heaven (2005)
Description: Although not exclusively about Saladin, this epic film features him prominently as a noble adversary to the Crusaders, showcasing his leadership and strategic mind.
Fact: Ridley Scott's original cut was over three hours long, but a shorter version was released in theaters. The extended director's cut provides more depth to Saladin's character.


Saladin the Victorious (1963)
Description: This Egyptian film focuses on Saladin's life, portraying his battles, leadership, and his role in uniting the Muslim world against the Crusaders.
Fact: It was one of the most expensive films ever made in the Arab world at the time, and it starred Ahmed Mazhar, who was known for his portrayal of historical figures.


The Crusades (1935)
Description: While not entirely accurate, this film includes Saladin as a key character, depicting his interactions with Richard the Lionheart during the Third Crusade.
Fact: The film was a major production for its time, with Cecil B. DeMille directing, known for his grand historical epics.


The Lion and the Lamb (1970)
Description: This film explores the relationship between Saladin and Richard the Lionheart, focusing on their mutual respect despite being enemies.
Fact: The film was shot in both English and Arabic, with different actors playing the same roles in each version.


Saladin (1987)
Description: A Syrian production that provides a detailed look at Saladin's life, from his early days to his leadership during the Crusades.
Fact: This film was part of a larger effort to produce historical dramas in the Arab world, aiming to educate and entertain about their rich history.


The Crusades: The Battle for the Holy Land (2005)
Description: This documentary-style film includes segments on Saladin, offering historical context and reenactments of key battles.
Fact: It was produced by the History Channel, known for its in-depth historical documentaries.


The Kingdom of Heaven: The Director's Cut (2006)
Description: This extended version of "Kingdom of Heaven" provides a more nuanced portrayal of Saladin, showing his strategic and diplomatic efforts.
Fact: The director's cut was released to rectify the criticisms of the theatrical version, giving more screen time to historical accuracy and character development.


Saladin: The Conqueror of Jerusalem (2010)
Description: This film focuses on Saladin's conquest of Jerusalem, highlighting his military tactics and the political landscape of the time.
Fact: It was produced in collaboration with historians to ensure historical accuracy in depicting the events.


The Crusades: A History (2012)
Description: While not a narrative film, this documentary series includes episodes on Saladin, providing a comprehensive overview of his life and times.
Fact: It features interviews with leading historians and uses dramatic reenactments to bring history to life.


Saladin and the Fall of the Kingdom of Jerusalem (1993)
Description: This film dramatizes the events leading up to and including the fall of Jerusalem to Saladin, emphasizing his role as a unifier and leader.
Fact: It was one of the first films to use CGI to depict historical battles, adding a modern touch to the storytelling.
