10 Compelling Films Exploring Persian History and Culture
10 titles
- 1
The Stoning of Soraya M.Movie · 2009 · 114m · Crime, DramaIn 1986 Iran, Sahebjam's car breaks down in a remote village, where he meets Zahra. Zahra tells him the story of her niece, Soraya, whose arranged marriage to an abusive man ended tragically.Stream onIMDb 7.9TMDB 7.6
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BBC HorizonMovie · 2004 · 176m · War, History, ActionAlexander, King of Macedonia, commands his army in a campaign against the vast Persian Empire. Following victory over the Persians, he leads his forces on a journey across the known world, pushing eastward into India further than any Westerner had previously traveled.Stream onIMDb 5.6TMDB 6.0
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Prince of Persia: The Sands of TimeMovie · 2010 · 116m · Adventure, Fantasy, ActionA prince who doesn't care about rules is forced to team up with a mysterious princess. Together, they must stop dangerous enemies from getting their hands on an old dagger. This dagger can unleash the Sands of Time, a divine gift that lets whoever holds it change the past and control the world.Stream onIMDb 6.5TMDB 6.3
- 4
The PhysicianMovie · 2013 · 155m · Adventure, Drama, HistoryEngland, 1021. Rob Cole, a boy from a poor mining town, dreams of becoming a doctor to fight disease and death. His difficult journey to gain knowledge, filled with hardship and sacrifice, takes him to Isfahan, Persia, where he encounters Ibn Sina, the most renowned healer of his era.Stream onIMDb 7.2TMDB 7.3
- 5
One Night with the KingMovie · 2006 · 123m · Drama, HistoryDuring the time of the Persian king's search for a new queen from among his subjects, a young woman hides her Jewish identity.Stream on - 6
SyrianaMovie · 2005 · 128m · Drama, ThrillerThis tense drama unfolds against the backdrop of the Middle Eastern oil industry, connecting several storylines. Bennett Holiday, an American lawyer, is tasked with arranging a questionable merger between oil companies. Bryan Woodman, a Swiss energy analyst, navigates personal loss and a chance encounter with Arabian royalty. Simultaneously, CIA agent Bob Barnes discovers a disturbing assassination plot with surprising roots.Stream on - 7
Queen of the DesertMovie · 2015 · 128m · Drama, Adventure, HistoryThis is the story of Gertrude Bell, a pioneering traveler, writer, archaeologist, and explorer who worked for the British Empire in the Near and Middle East at the start of the 1900s. Her deep understanding of local tribal leaders proved crucial, enabling the British to establish the kingdoms of Iraq, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia.Stream onIMDb 5.7TMDB 5.9
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Arabian Nights: Volume 1, The Restless OneMovie · 2015 · 125m · DramaTo avoid execution, Scheherazade tells King Shahryar incomplete stories each night, leaving him wanting more. This way, she breaks his vow to kill his new wives after their wedding night. Her tales are full of surprising and extraordinary events, blending tragedy and comedy, and featuring characters from all walks of life – the rich and the poor, the powerful and the powerless. These are not stories found in any book.Stream on - 9
Not Without My DaughterMovie · 1991 · 116m · Drama, ThrillerThis is a gripping story about an American woman living in Iran, where she is controlled by her husband. She struggles with the strict rules of a new culture while determined to rescue her daughter from this difficult situation.
The film balances fear and hope as the woman bravely plans an escape despite facing many obstacles. It explores themes of strength and a mother's love, showing how far she'll go for her child's freedom.
Dealing with cultural differences and societal pressures, the story reveals a powerful example of resilience. It reminds us that even in oppressive circumstances, the desire to survive and protect family can inspire incredible actions.Stream on - 10
EstherMovie · 1999 · 87m · Adventure, Drama, TV Movie"Sparks" is a light sitcom about two families who become neighbors. It explores friendship, family, and the unexpected connections that happen when strangers become close. The show mixes humor with everyday situations, offering a fresh look at the challenges and joys of two different families becoming one. With an engaging story and relatable characters, "Sparks" is an entertaining sitcom that captures modern family life and keeps viewers laughing.Stream onIMDb 6.6TMDB 6.7
