via Ida'at
This year marked the release of the blockbuster film “Beit El Ruby,” which garnered the approval of critics and audiences alike. The film’s reactions remind us of hit movies released in the past decade that similarly grossed millions of Egyptian pounds at the box office. These movies climbed the charts to be the highest-grossing films in cinematic history. And we think it’s well-deserved to recount the list of those masterpieces to appreciate and rewatch.
1- Beit El Ruby (2023)
This Eid Al-Adha release was a hit, earning almost 120 million Egyptian pounds. The comedy-drama film, directed by Peter Mimi and starring Karim Abdelaziz and Karim Mahmoud Abdelaziz, tackled the dangers of social media and showcased the vibrant stories of Cairo's bustling city life. The film also emphasised the importance of family, which no doubt contributed to its success at the box office and surpassing its competitors during the Eid season.
2- Kira Wa El-Gin (2022)
via Youm 7
Adapted from Ahmed Mourad’s “1919” novel, this epic movie sheds historical light on the period in which Egyptians fought the British occupation undercover. The film narrates the patriotic stories of Egyptian heroes and cinematically showcases the blood, sweat, and tears they exerted in freeing Egypt. With Ahmed Mourad’s writing, Marwan Hamed’s directing, Synergy Films’ production, and the collaboration of acting giants Karim Abdel Aziz and Ahmed Ezz, it’s no wonder this movie grossed so well! The film became the highest-grossing film in Egyptian history, with a box office revenue of over 100 million EGP.
3- Blue Elephant 2 (2019)
via Sky News
Another film written by Ahmed Mourad that changed the history of cinema is Blue Elephant 2. While the first part was a profitable blockbuster that received high praise, the sequel grossed over 100 million EGP at the box office, making it the second-most-grossing movie of all time. This movie is also directed by Marwan Hamed and stars Karim Abdel-Aziz alongside an incredible cast. The sequel picks up the story five years after the first film’s events when Karim Abdel-Aziz’s character, Yehia, is brought in to consult on another psychological case residing a supernatural presence.
4- Sons of Rizk 2 (2019)
via Drama Cafe
The “Sons of Rizk” sequel is set three years after the first film and stars Ahmed Ezz, Amr Youssef, Ahmad El-Fishawi, and Karim Kassem as the notorious Rizk brothers who attempt to keep their oath to stay away from the life of crime they led in the first part. But unexpected events occur that place them in the crossfire of professional criminals. The sequel is crazier and more intense than the first film and grossed 99 million EGP at the box office.
5- Kasablanka (2019)
via Ida'at
The year 2019 continued to change cinematic history with the action film “Kasablanca”, written by Hesham Helal. The movie follows three Alexandria pirates, one of whom, Omar El-Mor, played by Amir Karara, is imprisoned but refuses to tell the authorities about his accomplices. He later discovers that he has been betrayed and must rescue his kidnapped brother. The film, shot in cities including Casablanca and Marrakech, was a flaming success and grossed almost 80 million EGP.
6- The Suit (2018)
via Al-Bilad Press
“The Suit” is a comedy film that had people rushing to the cinema in 2018. The characters of Hamada and Waleed, played by Tamer Hosny and Akram Hosni, are indubitably unsuccessful in their personal and professional lives. But when they dress as cops for a costume party, things take a hilariously unexpected turn! The acting duo was so in sync that it undeniably led to the movie’s grand success and grossing of approximately 70 million EGP.
