5 Times Animated Films were Better in Egyptian Arabic than English

5 Times Animated Films were Better in Egyptian Arabic than English

It is no secret that animated films seep into viewers’ emotions—their impact not bound by the age of the audience. The most successful animated films are often the ones made by the international production houses dominating the industry—such as Disney and Pixar Animation Studios—which have produced some of the most memorable films to both children and adults alike.

Yet, because most of these films are made in English, and the subtitles do not always do them justice, many studios have taken the responsibility of dubbing the English language into spoken Arabic to have them become more authentic in tone.

The dubbed films did not only make the films accessible to a wider audience in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, but they have also become widely loved and watched in Egyptian Arabic, rather than in the original English language—even for viewers who have no trouble understanding the original.

The only two movies that are better off dubbed in Arabic are monsters inc and finding nemo.

— nour (@virginiawoof666) August 19, 2013

For many, the films in Egyptian Arabic are funnier, more relatable, and easy to understand. Although many films have been translated into formal Arabic, it is the spoken Arabic dub that has left a greater impact.

When Pixar’s famous Monsters, Inc.’s main character Mike Wazowski was translated into Mared Washweshny, dubbed by Egypt’s celebrated comedian Mohamed Henedy, it was evident that this film would become iconic.

Mohamed henedy carried the Arabic version of monsters inc

— nado (@elsawynadeen) December 13, 2021

Monsters inc in arabic > any other kids movie

— Lina (@linamesh3aleina) June 4, 2020

Entertaining and funny, here are some fan-favorite films that have been dubbed from English to Arabic, shaping the childhoods of many in the region.

MONSTERS, INC.

TARZAN

FINDING NEMO

THE LION KING

HERCULES

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Farah Rafik

Farah Rafik is a graduate from the American University in Cairo (AUC) with a dual degree in Multimedia Journalism and Political Science. After being an active participant in Model United Nation (MUN) conferences both locally and internationally, Farah discovered her love for writing. When she isn’t writing about Arts & Culture for Egyptian Streets, she is busy watching films and shows to review. Writing isn’t completed without a coffee or an iced matcha latte in hand—that she regularly spills. She occasionally challenges herself in reading challenges on Goodreads, and can easily read a book a day.