The New Kingdom of Ancient Egypt, spanning from 1550 to 1070 BC, was a period of immense cultural, artistic, and military achievements. This curated list of films transports viewers back in time, offering a glimpse into the lives of pharaohs, the construction of monumental architecture, and the intricate political and religious systems of this fascinating era. Each film provides not just entertainment but also an educational journey through one of history's most captivating civilizations.

The Ten Commandments (1956)
Description: This classic film, while focusing on the Exodus, includes scenes set in the New Kingdom, showcasing the opulence of the pharaoh's court and the monumental architecture of the time.
Fact: The film was nominated for seven Academy Awards, winning one for Best Visual Effects. The parting of the Red Sea was a groundbreaking special effect for its time.


Cleopatra (1963)
Description: Although Cleopatra's reign was after the New Kingdom, this epic film provides a lavish depiction of ancient Egyptian court life, politics, and the grandeur of the Ptolemaic period, which was influenced by New Kingdom traditions.
Fact: It was one of the most expensive films ever made at the time, with Elizabeth Taylor's costumes alone costing millions. The film's sets were so vast they were used for other movies.


The Mummy (1999)
Description: While not strictly historical, this adventure film captures the essence of the New Kingdom with its depiction of ancient Egyptian curses and the quest for immortality, set against the backdrop of the pyramids and temples.
Fact: The film was shot in Morocco, with sets designed to replicate ancient Egyptian structures. The mummy's curse was inspired by real-life myths and legends.


The Prince of Egypt (1998)
Description: This animated epic tells the story of Moses, set during the New Kingdom, offering a visually stunning portrayal of ancient Egypt's landscapes, culture, and the monumental events leading to the Exodus.
Fact: The film was the first traditionally animated feature to be produced by DreamWorks Animation. It features a score by Hans Zimmer and songs by Stephen Schwartz.


The Scorpion King (2002)
Description: Set in a fictionalized version of ancient Egypt, this film explores themes of power, betrayal, and the rise of a warrior king, loosely inspired by the New Kingdom's military campaigns.
Fact: Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson made his feature film debut in this movie. The film's setting was inspired by the real-life Scorpion King of ancient Egypt.


The Pyramid (2014)
Description: While more of a horror film, it explores the mystique and dangers of ancient Egyptian architecture, set during the New Kingdom's era of pyramid construction.
Fact: The film was inspired by the real-life discovery of a previously unknown pyramid in Egypt. The set design was meticulously researched for authenticity.


The Curse of King Tut's Tomb (2006)
Description: This made-for-TV movie explores the legend of King Tut's curse, set against the backdrop of the New Kingdom's fascination with the afterlife and tomb construction.
Fact: The film was shot in Egypt, with some scenes filmed at actual archaeological sites. It delves into the historical context of Tutankhamun's reign.


The Egyptian (1954)
Description: This film delves into the life of a physician during the reign of Akhenaten, offering insights into the religious and cultural shifts of the New Kingdom.
Fact: The film was based on a novel by Mika Waltari, which was inspired by the discovery of the tomb of Tutankhamun. It was one of the first films to use CinemaScope.


Pharaoh (1966)
Description: Although set in a fictionalized Egypt, this Polish film captures the essence of the New Kingdom's political intrigue, military campaigns, and the struggle for power.
Fact: The film was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. It was one of the most expensive Polish films ever made.


The Night of Counting the Years (1969)
Description: This Egyptian film, set in the late 19th century, deals with the discovery of ancient artifacts from the New Kingdom, highlighting the cultural significance of the period.
Fact: The film was inspired by the real-life discovery of the royal mummies in the Deir el-Bahri cache. It was Egypt's submission for the Best Foreign Language Film at the Oscars.
