Embark on a cinematic journey through the mystical landscapes of Iraq with our curated list of fantasy films. This collection not only showcases the rich tapestry of Iraqi culture and folklore but also brings to life enchanting tales that blend the ancient with the fantastical. Whether you're a fan of epic adventures, mythical creatures, or tales of magic, these films offer a unique perspective on fantasy storytelling, making them a must-watch for any film enthusiast looking to explore beyond the typical fantasy realms.

The Thief of Bagdad (1940)
Description: A classic tale of adventure and magic, this film is set in the legendary city of Baghdad, showcasing flying carpets, genies, and enchanted treasures, making it a cornerstone of fantasy cinema.
Fact: The film won three Academy Awards, including Best Cinematography, Color.


The 7th Voyage of Sinbad (1958)
Description: Another adventure of Sinbad, this film includes mythical creatures like the Cyclops and a dragon, set against the backdrop of Baghdad, blending fantasy with Middle Eastern folklore.
Fact: Ray Harryhausen's stop-motion animation for the creatures in this film was groundbreaking at the time.


The Golden Voyage of Sinbad (1973)
Description: Continuing the adventures of Sinbad, this film features magical artifacts and mythical creatures, with settings inspired by the Middle East, including Iraq.
Fact: The film was one of the last to use Ray Harryhausen's stop-motion animation techniques.


Aladdin (1992)
Description: While primarily set in the fictional city of Agrabah, the film's setting draws heavily from Middle Eastern culture, including elements reminiscent of Baghdad, Iraq. It's a timeless tale of magic, adventure, and romance.
Fact: Robin Williams improvised much of his dialogue as the Genie, leading to a unique and memorable performance.


Sinbad: Legend of the Seven Seas (2003)
Description: Although not explicitly set in Iraq, the story of Sinbad, a legendary sailor from Baghdad, captures the essence of Middle Eastern fantasy. This animated adventure features mythical creatures and magical artifacts.
Fact: The film was DreamWorks Animation's last hand-drawn animated film before they transitioned to computer animation.


The Scorpion King (2002)
Description: This action-packed fantasy film takes place in ancient Mesopotamia, which includes modern-day Iraq. It follows the journey of Mathayus, a warrior who becomes the Scorpion King, blending historical settings with mythical elements.
Fact: Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson made his feature film debut in this movie. The film was originally conceived as a prequel to "The Mummy Returns."


Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time (2010)
Description: This film, based on the video game series, is set in ancient Persia, which historically includes parts of modern-day Iraq. It features time manipulation and epic battles, blending fantasy with historical settings.
Fact: The film's production involved constructing a massive set in Morocco to replicate ancient Persian architecture.


The Magic Carpet (1951)
Description: Set in Baghdad, this film involves a magic carpet, a wicked vizier, and a quest for power, blending fantasy with historical settings from the Middle East.
Fact: The film was one of the many adaptations of the Arabian Nights tales during the early days of cinema.


Arabian Nights (1942)
Description: This film adaptation of "One Thousand and One Nights" includes stories set in Baghdad, featuring magical elements like genies and enchanted objects, capturing the essence of Middle Eastern fantasy.
Fact: The film was part of a series of adaptations of the Arabian Nights tales by Universal Pictures.


The Princess of Baghdad (1920)
Description: A silent film that tells the story of a princess from Baghdad, incorporating elements of fantasy and romance, showcasing early cinematic attempts at Middle Eastern fantasy.
Fact: This film is one of the earliest examples of fantasy cinema with a Middle Eastern setting.
