Yeah—there are Western-made movies where Muslims are portrayed as heroes, allies, or fully human protagonists (not just background stereotypes). They’re rarer than they should be, but here are solid examples 👇
Clearly positive / Muslim protagonists The Kite Runner (2007) – Hollywood adaptation of Khaled Hosseini’s novel. Afghan Muslims are shown with emotional depth, moral struggle, and humanity. The Reluctant Fundamentalist (2012) – US-backed production starring Riz Ahmed. A nuanced, sympathetic Muslim lead navigating post-9/11 identity and politics. The Message (1976) – Western-financed historical epic about the rise of Islam, directed by Moustapha Akkad. Reverent and respectful; Muslims are unequivocally the heroes. Lion of the Desert (1981) – International (incl. Western) production about Omar Mukhtar, a Libyan Muslim resistance leader fighting Italian colonialism. Muslims = heroic, dignified, principled. Western films where Muslims are good guys / allies The Visitor (2007) – Gentle indie drama about a Syrian Muslim immigrant; empathetic and human, no villain framing. Rendition (2007) – Strong critique of torture and profiling; Muslim characters are victims and moral centers, not villains. Three Kings (1999) – Iraqi Muslim civilians are portrayed sympathetically; Americans who help them are framed as doing the right thing. Syriana (2005) – Complex geopolitical thriller; Muslim characters include reformers, families, and workers—not cartoon villains. Mixed but still important Kingdom of Heaven (2005) – Saladin (a Muslim leader) is portrayed as honorable, ethical, and arguably the most moral character in the film. A Hologram for the King (2016) – Set in Saudi Arabia; Muslim characters are normal, kind, and cooperative rather than threatening.
If you want, I can:
narrow this down to action, drama, or historical epics list TV shows (there are some great ones) or focus specifically on post-9/11 films that push back against stereotypes
Just say the vibe 🎬
-ChatGPT
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