‘Papicha’ has put Algerian movies in the limelight, which is a wonderful thing. During Algeria’s decades-long struggle for independence, the country’s film industry went into hibernation, but now it is thriving again.
Whoever is interested in modern, post-Black Decade Algerian filmmaking should start with these films. Zhinmag has gathered all the best Algerian films for you.
What Are the Best Algerian Movies?
In the following list, you’ll find the most popular Algerian movies, so sit back and enjoy.
Héliopolis (2021)
IMDM Rating: 8.4/10
Director: Djaffar Gacem
Heliopolis, a tiny town in Guelma’s district, is home to an Algerian family’s everyday routines. After the end of World War II was proclaimed, Algerians demonstrated against France’s colonial rule and for freedom, which was brutally crushed by the French army. As a result, it is known as the Sétif and Guelma mass slaughter.
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Z (1969) | Algerian Movies
IMDM Rating: 8.2/10
Director: Costa-Gavras
Despite the death of a senior politician and doctor during a violent protest, military and government authorities have kept their hands off the investigation. However, a diligent judge is committed to ensuring that they do not get away with their crimes without being punished.
Days of Glory (2006)
IMDM Rating: 7.0/10
Director: Rachid Bouchareb
Four soldiers from North Africa enroll in the French army during World War II to help rescue their homeland from the Nazis and fight against French injustice.
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Papicha (2019)
IMDM Rating: 7.0/10
Director: Mounia Meddour
Anti-Islamic terrorists were prevalent in Algiers in 1997, and they seek to resurrect a bygone Islamic state. In fact, they suffocate women, attempting to control their bodies, dress, and public spaces via oppression. On the other hand, Nedjma, a high school student, has a lifelong desire to stage a fashion show.
Rachida (2002)
IMDM Rating: 6.9/10
Director: Yamina Bachir
Rachida, a schoolteacher in one of Algeria’s school districts, provides a unique perspective on terrorist activity.
Lotfi (2015) | Algerian Movies
IMDM Rating: 7.1/10
Director: Ahmed Rachedi
The film tells the story of Colonel Lotfi. His actual name is Benali Boudghene, and the story starts with his days as an advocate in Tlemcen, Algeria, when he and his high school friends posted the FLN’s appeal to the Algerian citizens in November 1, 1954.
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Fadhma N’Soumer (2015)
IMDM Rating: 6.9/10
Director: Belkacem Hadjadj
This Algerian movie tells the story of a young Algerian lady. In fact, she fought valiantly for her ancestor’s property in the Djurdjur” as Mountains during the early years of the French occupation.
Le puits (2015) | Algerian Movies
IMDM Rating: 7.8/10
Director: Lotfi Bouchouchi
Drama set during the Algerian Civil War (revolution). France’s army surrounds an isolated community in southern Algeria and forces its residents to face a threat or starve to death.
Mascarades (2008)
IMDM Rating: 6.6/10
Director: Lyès Salem
Mounir Mekbek is an Algerian farmer who lives in a remote area with his family. He is a self-assured individual with just one goal in mind: to be recognized and respected by the people in his community.
Also, it’s Rym, his strong-willed, insomniac sister, who’s ruining his carefully cultivated image by falling asleep everywhere she goes. Then, while he was out drinking one night, Mounir comes home and claims that he has found his sister the perfect man.
Actually, it doesn’t take long until the fabricated tale about the suitor turns him into a wealthy, blonde Australian. But there’s no groom insight as the villagers get serious about wedding preparations.
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Zabana! (2012) | Algerian Movies
IMDM Rating: 5.7/10
Director: Saïd Ould Khelifa
Algeria’s Best Foreign Language Film nominee, “Zabana,” is based on the life of Algerian independence fighter Ahmed Zabana. He took part in the Battle of Algiers for his country. In fact, it tells the story of Zabana’s struggle for freedom and death at the hands of the French government in this film.
Krim Belkacem (2014)
IMDM Rating: 7.1/10
Director: Ahmed Rachedi
It tells the inspiring narrative of Algerian revolution leader Krim Belkacem and his bravery and determination along the way.
