Egypt is an incredible setting for any movie, and it has long been a location that Hollywood projects love to use. With the historical atmosphere due to the pyramids and the Sphinx, Egypt is one of the most notable and recognizable locations in the world.
As for the movies which have been set there over the years, they range from historical epics to modern, swashbuckling adventures and everything in between. Egypt can be exciting, romantic, or legendary, and these films proved it beyond all doubt with their memorable setting.
8 Death On The Nile
One of the more recent films that took inspiration from the location of Egypt, Death on the Nile is a Hercule Poirot whodunit that takes a grand cast, including Kenneth Branagh as the titular detective, Gal Gadot, Armie Hammer, Letitia Wright, Emma Mackey, and Sophie Okondeo to name but a few, as the players at a wedding which turns deadly.
The boat set, the weaving mystery, and the intriguing scenes between a variety of characters that had great chemistry together made for a fascinating watch that used the landscapes and sights of Egypt to great success.
7 Cleopatra
While many films, books, plays, and other forms of media have included or revolved around Cleopatra, this 1963 epic was the most infamous version of her story. The Queen of Egypt, Cleopatra becomes the mistress of Julius Caesar in order to save her kingdom but later becomes the ally and lover of Mark Anthony following Caesar’s demise.
With an incredible cast including Elizabeth Taylor, Rex Harrison, and Richard Burton, this film which is nearly four hours in length deals with the incredible life of a remarkable historical figure with aplomb. While the film has aged somewhat, it is another one that used the sights and setting of Egypt to help become a beautiful tale of love.
6 The Spy Who Loved Me
James Bond is just one of the many globetrotting action franchises that have seen action sequences set in and around Egypt. While Sean Connery’s Bond went to Cairo first in Diamonds are Forever, it was Roger Moore’s stint in Egypt that became the franchise’s more memorable appearance there.
Featuring one of the greatest Bond stories as 007 falls for a soviet spy, the first act of this film was particularly memorable as the two first met in Egypt and had to navigate the dangerous assassin known as Jaws. All of this helped The Spy Who Loved Me become one of the most beloved James Bond adventures.
5 The Ten Commandments
Another incredible epic tale told in Egypt, this one handled the story of Moses and Rameses later told again numerous times in other films. From the moment that Rameses I ordered the execution of all Hebrew male babies until God delivered the Ten Commandments unto Moses on Mount Sinai, this religious epic was one of the biggest films of all time when it was released in 1956.
Starring Charlton Heston and Yul Brynner, this is one of the most legendary religious epics and the biggest made by Cecil B DeMille. While this is another film that has aged over the years, it remains respected for the incredible effort which was put into bringing it together.
4 The Mummy (1999)
Another film and tale which has been around as long as Hollywood has, and even longer, The Mummy deals with the legend of a creature that is synonymous with Egypt. Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz as adventurers who inadvertently witness the resurrection of Imhotep, a horrible creature that has superhuman powers and wants to destroy Egypt and rule the world.
In order to stop him, Rick O’Connell and his friends must find an ancient book that can reverse the process that brought him back to life before he sacrifices their friend to bring back his ancient lost love. This film was one of the biggest of Fraser’s career before his recent return to the screen and remains a beloved action film and a great example of late 90s campy action style.
3 The Prince Of Egypt
Another telling of the Moses and Rameses II story, The Prince of Egypt is one of the most beloved movies by DreamWorks Animation. From the delightful animation itself to the wonderful music created for the film, and the impressive voice cast it boasted, The Prince of Egypt is a religious film that remains memorable for all the right reasons.
Despite dealing with heavy subjects for an animated film meant to be watched by kids, The Prince Of Egypt handled everything it attempted to do with aplomb, and it managed, as a result, to win the best original song at the Academy Awards, as well as scoring a nomination for the best-animated feature.
2 Khartoum
Another British epic film, this time set in Sudan during the Mahdist War in 1883, Khartoum is about an English general who led the defense of a Sudanese garrison against a rebellion by Muslim forces. The film is another epic that has been well-regarded by history despite having aged since its original release.
Despite this, Khartoum is one of the greatest war films set in Africa, it managed to tell a fascinating story and is still a hugely enjoyable watch today. Laurence Olivier and Ralph Richardson are just two of the biggest stars that appeared and are remembered for this fine film.
1 Raiders Of The Lost Ark
Possibly the most notable action film ever to set foot in Egypt, Raiders of the Lost Ark was the first adventure of Indiana Jones on the big screen. It is notable for the incredible turn by Harrison Ford as the archeology professor turned swash-buckling adventurer, and it is remembered as one of the greatest action films of all time.
Indiana Jones is sent to try and find the Ark of the Covenant, a legendary religious relic that the Nazis are attempting to get their hands on. In his search, Indy is joined by Marion, an old flame, and Salah, an Egyptian friend of his, as they attempt to navigate the ancient clues leading to the Ark as well as the Nazis and a particularly irritating French rival.