Top 10 Fantasy Films Set in the Middle East

Description: A timeless tale of adventure, this film features a young thief who falls in love with a princess and battles a wicked vizier, set against the backdrop of an exotic Middle Eastern fantasy world.

Fact: The film's special effects, particularly the flying carpet sequence, were groundbreaking for their time. It won three Academy Awards.

Description: This classic adventure film features Sinbad on a quest involving a sorcerer, a genie, and mythical creatures, all set in a fantastical Middle Eastern landscape.

Fact: Ray Harryhausen's stop-motion animation brought the film's creatures to life, influencing many fantasy films that followed.

Description: This Disney animated classic is set in the fictional Arabian city of Agrabah, blending elements of Middle Eastern folklore with a modern twist on the tale of Aladdin and his magic lamp.

Fact: The film was the first Disney animated feature to be adapted into a Broadway musical. Robin Williams' improvisational talents contributed significantly to the character of the Genie.

Description: This animated adventure follows Sinbad, the legendary sailor, on a quest to retrieve the Book of Peace, set in a fantastical version of the Middle East.

Fact: The film was originally intended to be the first in a trilogy, but due to its box office performance, the sequels were never produced.

Description: While not strictly Middle Eastern, this film's setting in ancient Mesopotamia and its mythical elements make it a suitable inclusion, focusing on the rise of a warrior king.

Fact: Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson made his feature film debut in this movie, which was originally conceived as a spin-off from "The Mummy Returns."

Description: Based on the popular video game, this film follows Dastan, a prince who must use a magical dagger to turn back time and prevent a catastrophe. Its setting in ancient Persia makes it a fitting addition to this list.

Fact: The film's production involved constructing a massive set in Morocco to replicate ancient Persia. Jake Gyllenhaal underwent extensive training to perform his own stunts.

Description: Although not set in the Middle East, this film's adaptation of Mozart's opera includes elements of Middle Eastern fantasy, with its magical settings and themes of enlightenment.

Fact: The film was directed by Kenneth Branagh, who also played the role of Sarastro.

Description: One of the earliest animated feature films, this German production tells the story of Prince Achmed, inspired by "The Arabian Nights," with a setting reminiscent of the Middle East.

Fact: It was created using silhouette animation, a technique that gives the film a unique visual style.

Description: This film adaptation of "One Thousand and One Nights" features a collection of stories told by Scheherazade to save her life, set in a fantastical Middle Eastern setting.

Fact: The film was one of the first to use Technicolor, enhancing the visual storytelling with vibrant colors.

Description: An early silent film that tells the story of a princess who disguises herself to escape an unwanted marriage, set in a mythical Baghdad.

Fact: This film was one of the first to feature a strong female lead in a Middle Eastern setting.