Djinn (2013)

A supernatural horror from Tobe Hooper set in the UAE, where ancient evil lurks behind the walls of a modern apartment.

Djinn - Movie Information

  • Original Title: Djinn
  • Release Year: 2013
  • Directed by: Tobe Hooper
  • Type: Movie
  • Genres: Horror
  • Runtime: 1h 25m
  • Original Language: English
  • Spoken Languages: Arabic, English
  • Release Date (Theatrical): October 31, 2013 (United Arab Emirates), July 20, 2015 (Germany - 18)
  • Production Companies: Image Nation Abu Dhabi, FilmWorks
  • Production Countries: United Arab Emirates

Djinn - Plot

Desperate to put the traumatic loss of their infant child behind them, newlywed couple Khalid and Salama return to their home in the United Arab Emirates. Unknown to the couple, their new luxury apartment block, Al Hamra, was built on the site of an old abandoned fishing village of the same name. Legend has it the village was abandoned after malevolent beings haunted its inhabitants. Unsettled by her new surroundings and the eerie hallways of Al Hamra, Khalid worries his wife is failing to battle her personal demons – but could it be something far more sinister?

Djinn - Trailer

Watch the official trailer and see what awaits inside Al Hamra:

Evil wants an heir.

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Djinn - Cast & Crew

Director(s)

  • Tobe Hooper

Main Cast

  • Khalid Laith
  • Aiysha Hart
  • Razane Jammal
  • May Calamawy
  • Carol Abboud
  • Paul Luebke
  • Abdullah Al Junaibi
  • Soumaya Akaaboune
  • Militzia Radmilovic
  • Kristina Coker

Writers

  • David Tully

Producers

  • Tim Smythe
  • Daniela Tully

Djinn - FAQs

What is Djinn about?

Djinn follows a couple, Khalid and Salama, who return to the UAE after losing their baby, hoping for a fresh start. Their new luxury apartment, Al Hamra, was built on an old fishing village said to be haunted by malevolent supernatural beings — and something sinister begins closing in on Salama.

What are djinn in Arab folklore?

In Arab and Islamic folklore, djinn (also spelled jinn) are supernatural beings made of smokeless fire, capable of taking human or animal form. They inhabit a parallel world alongside humans and can be benevolent or deeply malevolent. The film draws directly on this rich cultural mythology to fuel its horror.

Who directed Djinn and why does it matter?

Tobe Hooper directed Djinn — the same legendary filmmaker behind The Texas Chain Saw Massacre and Poltergeist. His involvement gave the project serious genre credibility. Djinn was notably one of the first horror films produced in the United Arab Emirates, making it a landmark production for Middle Eastern cinema.

Who are the main actors in Djinn?

The cast is led by Khalid Laith and Razane Jammal as the couple at the heart of the story, with Aiysha Hart, May Calamawy, Carol Abboud, Paul Luebke, Soumaya Akaaboune, Militzia Radmilovic, Kristina Coker, and Abdullah Al Junaibi rounding out the ensemble.

Is Djinn based on a true story or legend?

Djinn is not based on a specific true story, but it draws heavily from authentic Arab and Islamic folklore surrounding djinn — supernatural entities deeply embedded in Gulf culture. The fictional setting of Al Hamra echoes real legends about abandoned villages in the UAE said to be haunted by these beings.

Where can you stream or watch Djinn?

You can watch Djinn on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home — all offering rental or purchase options. If you prefer free viewing, it's also available on The Roku Channel, Pluto TV, and Plex Channel with ads.

When was Djinn released?

Djinn had its initial release on October 31, 2013, in the United Arab Emirates — a fittingly Halloween-timed debut for a horror film. It later received a release in Germany on July 20, 2015, where it carried an 18 certificate.

What are similar movies to Djinn?

If Djinn's supernatural dread appeals to you, check out The Deliverance (2024), Never Let Go (2024), May the Devil Take You Too (2020), Post Mortem (2020), and Death Whisperer (2023). Baba Yaga: Terror of the Dark Forest (2020) and Succubus (2024) are also worth exploring for fans of folk-horror.

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