When did Once Upon a Time in the Middle East come out?

Once Upon a Time in the Middle East was released in US theaters on October 9, 2026.

How long is Once Upon a Time in the Middle East?

Once Upon a Time in the Middle East runs 2h 21m (141 minutes).

What is Once Upon a Time in the Middle East rated?

Once Upon a Time in the Middle East is rated NR in the US.

Who directed Once Upon a Time in the Middle East?

Once Upon a Time in the Middle East was directed by Wen Muye.

Who stars in Once Upon a Time in the Middle East?

Once Upon a Time in the Middle East stars Shen Teng, Jiang Qiming, Omar Sherif and Aarif Rahman.

Once Upon a Time in the Middle East

Name: Once Upon a Time in the Middle East
Genre: Drama, War
Released: 2026-08-08
Duration: 2 h 21 min
Cast: Shen Teng, Jiang Qiming, Omar Sherif, Aarif Rahman, Sherif Sabry

August 8, 20262h 21mNR

“Eat well, stay alive.”

Seeking a fresh start, chef Xu Fu travels to the Middle East to support his family and repay his debts. Alongside restaurant manager Ma Junsheng, he transforms the struggling Dragon Restaurant into a thriving business. But when war engulfs the city, their hard-won success is shattered and the restaurant becomes a refuge for those caught in the conflict. As danger closes in, Xu Fu must risk everything to protect his newfound community and preserve a small beacon of hope amid the devastation.

Where to Watch Once Upon a Time in the Middle East

Once Upon a Time in the Middle East isn’t available to stream, rent or buy in the US yet.

US availability. Streaming data by JustWatch via TMDB.

Movie Details

Rated: NR
Runtime: 2h 21m
Director: Wen Muye
Written by: Wen Muye, Lang Qunli, Wei Zhong
Box office (worldwide): $306 million

US release dates

In theaters (limited): October 9, 2026

100%

Critic Score

% positive of 1 critic review (tone read from each review)

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Audience Score

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Once Upon a Time in the Middle East Cast

Quick Answers

When did Once Upon a Time in the Middle East come out?: Once Upon a Time in the Middle East was released in US theaters on October 9, 2026.
Is Once Upon a Time in the Middle East streaming?: Not yet. Once Upon a Time in the Middle East isn't available to stream, rent or buy in the US right now.
How long is Once Upon a Time in the Middle East?: Once Upon a Time in the Middle East runs 2h 21m (141 minutes).
What is Once Upon a Time in the Middle East rated?: Once Upon a Time in the Middle East is rated NR in the US.
Who directed Once Upon a Time in the Middle East?: Once Upon a Time in the Middle East was directed by Wen Muye.
Who stars in Once Upon a Time in the Middle East?: Once Upon a Time in the Middle East stars Shen Teng, Jiang Qiming, Omar Sherif and Aarif Rahman.

Critic Reviews

Variety

by Guy Lodge

Positive

Not since Zhang Yimou’s 2002 wuxia spectacle “Hero” has China landed an Oscar nomination for Best International Feature — and this dry spell surely won’t be broken with this year’s bombastic submission “Once Upon a Time in the Middle East.” Like most of the country’s entries over the past decade, this blockbuster epic — a […]

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