Lion of the Desert
1981, English. Directed by Moustapha Akkad.
He was a man of honor in a war without any.
Resistance leader Omar Mukhtar opposes Italian colonization before World War II. The brutal guerrilla war against Italian General Rodolfo Graziani and the Fascist forces of Benito Mussolini highlights the struggle for Libyan independence and the harsh tactics utilised by the colonisers.
- Runtime
- 2h 53m
- Post-credits
- None listed
- Language
- English
- Rated
- PG
Start now and it ends at ….
Worth the Hype
Clear your evening for this.
7.3/10 from 211 TMDB viewer ratings.
Seen it? Give your verdict.
Saved privately on this device.
Where to watch Lion of the Desert
Lion of the Desert isn’t on a subscription OTT platform in India, but you can watch it free or rent it online.
Plex
Amazon VideoCast & crew
- Moustapha AkkadDirector
- Anthony QuinnOmar al-Mukhtar
- Oliver ReedGeneral Rodolfo Graziani
- Irene PapasMabrouka
- Raf ValloneColonel Diodiece
- Rod SteigerBenito Mussolini
- John GielgudSharif El Gariani
- Andrew KeirSalem
- Gastone MoschinMajor Tomelli
- Stefano PatriziLieutenant Sandrini
- Adolfo LastrettiColonel Sarsani
- Sky du MontPrince Amadeo
- Şahin ÇelikPrince Amadeo (voice)
Details
- Released
- 17 April 1981
- Country
- Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, United States of America, United Kingdom
- Written by
- David Butler, H.A.L. Craig
- Budget
- $35M
- Box office
- $1.5M
Check ratings elsewhere
News & fan talk
What Lion of the Desert is based on
Lion of the Desert is based on a true story.
Source details from Wikidata and TMDB.
If you liked Lion of the Desert
Palestine 36
2025 · 7.6/10
Worth the HypeRecommended by TMDB viewers
The Longest Day
1962 · 7.6/10
Worth the HypeRecommended by TMDB viewers
Overlord
1975 · 6.8/10
Popcorn FlickRecommended by TMDB viewers
Bonhoeffer: Pastor. Spy. Assassin
2024 · 6.8/10
Popcorn FlickRecommended by TMDB viewers
Empire of the Sun
1987 · 7.5/10
Worth the HypeRecommended by TMDB viewers
Flyboys
2006 · 6.5/10
Popcorn FlickRecommended by TMDB viewers
Battle of the Bulge
1965 · 6.9/10
Popcorn FlickRecommended by TMDB viewers
God on Trial
2008 · 6.8/10
Popcorn FlickRecommended by TMDB viewers
The Scarlet and the Black
1983 · 7.1/10
Worth the HypeRecommended by TMDB viewers
The Six Triple Eight
2024 · 7.6/10
Worth the HypeRecommended by TMDB viewers
Lion of the Desert: quick answers
Is Lion of the Desert worth watching?
Our verdict is Worth the Hype: Clear your evening for this. It scores 7.3/10 from 211 TMDB viewer ratings.
How long is Lion of the Desert?
Lion of the Desert runs 173 minutes (2h 53m).
Does Lion of the Desert have a post-credits scene?
None is listed for Lion of the Desert. Viewers tag these on TMDB, so a brand-new film may not be tagged yet.
Lion of the Desert parents guide: is it suitable for kids?
Lion of the Desert is rated PG in India. That rating means it is generally fine for children.
Which OTT platform is Lion of the Desert on?
Lion of the Desert isn’t on a subscription OTT platform in India, but you can watch it free or rent it online. (Checked 13 November 2026.)
What movies are like Lion of the Desert?
If you liked Lion of the Desert, try Palestine 36, The Longest Day, Overlord.
Who directed Lion of the Desert?
Lion of the Desert (1981) was directed by Moustapha Akkad and stars Anthony Quinn, Oliver Reed, Irene Papas.
What is Lion of the Desert based on?
Lion of the Desert is based on a true story.