Movies Like Once Upon a Time in the Middle East (2026)

Once Upon a Time in the Middle East is a 2026 drama, war film from Wen Muye with a MovieMagicScore of 9.1/10. Here are 20 similar films, ranked by real viewer ratings — starting with The Menu and Kings of Pastry.

Drama War

The Menu

2022

A young couple travels to a remote island to eat at an exclusive restaurant where the chef has prepared a lavish menu, with some shocking surprises.

7.2

MagicScore

Kings of Pastry

2009

The collar awarded to the winners of the Meilleur Ouvrier de France (Best Craftsman in France) is more than the ultimate recognition for every pastry chef - it is a dream and an obsession. The 3-day competition includes everything from delicate chocolates to precarious six foot sugar sculptures and requires that the chefs have extraordinary skill, nerves of steel and luck. The film follows Jacquy Pfeiffer, founder of The French Pastry School in Chicago, as he returns to France to compete against 15 of France's leading pastry chefs. The filmmakers were given first time/exclusive access to this high-stakes drama of passion, sacrifice, disappointment and joy in the quest to have President Sarkozy declare them one of the best in France.

6.9

MagicScore

House of Spoils

2024

An ambitious chef opens a restaurant on a remote estate where she battles kitchen chaos, crushing self doubts… and a haunting presence who threatens to sabotage her at every turn.

5.5

MagicScore

The Way to the Heart

2024

Ava, an award-winning chef at a big-city restaurant, has lost her spark. Her boss sends her out to find herself to save her menu and her job. She returns home and finds little to inspire her, but when she reunites with her childhood friend Logan, Ava has to get her head out of the clouds and her foot out of her mouth to rediscover her passion for food.

9.9

MagicScore

Desert Warrior

2026

In 7th-century Arabia, Princess Hind becomes a warrior to defy the ruthless Emperor Kisra. Forged into a warrior and aided by legendary bandit Hanzala, Hind unites warring tribes for a last stand—the historic Battle of Dhi Qar—that will change history.

5.8

MagicScore

Just Add Romance

2019

When Carly and Jason, exact opposites, compete on a famed cooking show for the chance at their own restaurant, what will matter more – their culinary careers or their potential love?

6.4

MagicScore

Noma: My Perfect Storm

2015

A creative journey into the unique mind of René Redzepi, chef and co-owner of Noma, voted best restaurant in the world four times.

6.3

MagicScore

Official Secrets

2019

The true story of British intelligence whistleblower Katharine Gun who—prior to the 2003 Iraq invasion—leaked a top-secret NSA memo exposing a joint US-UK illegal spying operation against members of the UN Security Council. The memo proposed blackmailing member states into voting for war.

7.2

MagicScore

Warfare

2025

A platoon of Navy SEALs embarks on a dangerous mission in Ramadi, Iraq, with the chaos and brotherhood of war retold through their memories of the event.

7.1

MagicScore

#10

Ben-Hur

1959

In ancient Judea, a Jewish aristocrat opposing Roman occupation of his homeland reunites with his childhood friend, now a Roman commander — setting in motion a saga of betrayal, adventure, tragedy, revenge, and faith.

7.9

MagicScore

#11

Estômago: A Gastronomic Story

2007

In a dog-eat-dog world, Raimundo Nonato has found an alternative way to move ahead: he cooks. No matter what social strata this deceptively innocent young man inhabits, he hones his skills and sharpens his knives—and then he falls in love. Jorge's nimble comic fable provides a smartly constructed gastronomic allegory for ambition and survival.

7.9

MagicScore

#12

Eat Drink Man Woman

1994

Retired and widowed Chinese master chef Chu lives in modern day Taipei, with his three attractive daughters, all of whom are unattached. Soon, each daughter encounters a new man in their lives. When these new relationships blossom, stereotypes are broken and the living situation within the family changes.

7.6

MagicScore

#13

Midnight Diner

2014

A restaurant opens at midnight. Both the menu offerings and personality of the owner draw a series of flawed patrons including Tamako, whose boyfriend has passed away, live-in worker Michiru, and ruckus-raising Kenzo.

7.6

MagicScore

#14

Tony

2026

A 19-year-old Anthony Bourdain travels to Provincetown and stumbles into the chaotic world of a restaurant kitchen, setting off a summer that will shape the course of his life.

7.5

MagicScore

#15

Ustad Hotel

2012

When his father refuses to support his choice of a career, an aspiring chef tries to fulfil his dream by helping his grandfather run his small eatery.

7.5

MagicScore

#16

Sweet Bean

2015

The master of a dorayaki pastry store hires a 76-year-old woman whose talents attract customers from all over. But she's hiding a troubling secret. Life's joys are found in the little details, and no matter what may be weighing you down, everyone loves a good pastry.

7.4

MagicScore

#17

Midnight Diner 2

2016

The Master’s late-night diner welcomes a woman troubled by funeral fans, an elderly scam victim, and a noodle delivery man struggling with love.

7.4

MagicScore

#18

Delicious

2021

France, 1789 - just before the Revolution. When talented chef Manceron is dismissed from his prestigious position by the Duke of Chamfort, he loses the taste for cooking. But when he meets the mysterious Louise, together they decide to create the very first restaurant in France.

6.9

MagicScore

#19

Ramen Shop

2018

Masato is a young ramen chef in Japan. When he finds his late mother's journal after the sudden death of his emotionally distant father, he takes it with him to her native country, Singapore, hoping to piece together the story of his family and his life.

6.9

MagicScore

#20

The Last Recipe

2017

A famous chef who is tasked with tracking down a 70-year-old missing recipe.

6.8

MagicScore

Frequently asked

What are the best movies like Once Upon a Time in the Middle East?

The top films similar to Once Upon a Time in the Middle East by MovieMagicScore are The Menu (7.2), Kings of Pastry (6.9), House of Spoils (5.5). Each shares drama/war themes and is ranked by real viewer ratings, not critics or studios.

Is Once Upon a Time in the Middle East worth watching?

Once Upon a Time in the Middle East holds a MovieMagicScore of 9.1/10 from 37 viewer ratings, putting it among the better-reviewed titles in its genre.

What kind of movie is Once Upon a Time in the Middle East?

Once Upon a Time in the Middle East (2026) is a drama, war film directed by Wen Muye, starring Teng Shen, Jiang Qiming, Omar Sherif.

Where can I find more recommendations like Once Upon a Time in the Middle East?

Browse the full ranked list above, or explore more drama recommendations on MovieMagicScore, where every list is ordered by genuine viewer ratings.

Keep exploring

Movies like The Menu Movies like Kings of Pastry Movies like House of Spoils Movies like The Way to the Heart Movies like Desert Warrior Movies like Just Add Romance

About movies like Once Upon a Time in the Middle East

This ranked list pairs Once Upon a Time in the Middle East (2026), a drama and war film from Wen Muye, with similar titles by genre, theme and cast overlap (fans of Teng Shen take note). Unlike critic-driven sites, every position here is ordered by MovieMagicScore — a rating built only from real viewers, with no studio marketing or paid placement. Scores update as more people rate, so the list stays current.

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