Books about Morocco and Movies Set in Morocco
Morocco has long captured the imaginations of travelers, writers, and filmmakers with its vibrant culture, dramatic landscapes, and rich history. From the bustling souks of Marrakech to the serene Sahara Desert, the country provides an atmospheric backdrop for stories filled with adventure, romance, mystery, and intrigue. Movies and books about Morocco are the perfect way to explore the sights, sounds, colors, and tastes of this vibrant country…without leaving home.
As usual, I’ve tried to include a variety of genres in this list of books about and movies set in this captivating country. There are quite a few stories from expatriates, but there are also exciting thrillers set in the desert, historical fiction showing how the country developed and changed from colonialism, a cozy mystery, and, of course, one of the most famous movies of all time…
Whether you’re planning a trip or simply armchair traveling, this list of books and movies will take you on an unforgettable journey through Morocco. Get ready to explore stories that reflect the beauty, challenges, and enchantment of this fascinating North African country.
Ten Books about Morocco
Author: Peter Mayne
Genre: Nonfiction, Biography/Memoir
Places Featured: Marrakesh, Morocco
Peter Mayne is an English travel writer and A Year in Marrakesh (originally published as The Alleys of Marrakesh) is his most popular book and one of the original travelogues set in Morocco. He explains Moroccan food, traditions, art, architecture, and delves into its history. Particularly notable, is that Mayne spends a lot of time with local people–and they’re fascinating. It’s an immersive read that offers readers a unique perspective on a city steeped in tradition and brimming with life, so it’s a must-read for anyone interested in exploring Moroccan culture and history. (Though I will remind you that it was written in the 1950s.)
The Caliph’s House: A Year in Casablanca
Author: Tahir Shah
Genre: Nonfiction, Biography/Memoir, Self-Discovery/Change
Places Featured: Casablanca, Morocco
With fond memories of some childhood vacations and a desire for life to slow down, Tahir Shah decides to move his family from London to Casablanca to live in a mansion that used to be a grand palace owned by a caliph (believed to be a successor of Muhammad). Living in Morocco is different from visiting and the house isn’t as grand as it used to be, so the whole experience ends up being a big learning lesson…Shah learns about himself, his new house, and his new country. It’s hard to not compare this book to Under the Tuscan Sun (which is one of my favorites)–as it’s a memoir about renovating a house, but it’s also a memoir about his own growth exploring a new country. If you’ve ever dreamed of packing up and creating a home somewhere new (and, of course, if you want to learn about Morocco), this is a good choice. (And the critics agree–this book was named one of Time magazine’s Ten Best Books of the Year.)
Author: Lawrence Osborne
Genre: Fiction, Psychological Thriller
Places Featured: Morocco
In The Forgiven, a group of privileged Westerners (think rich and famous) find themselves in the Moroccan desert for a big party at a fancy holiday mansion. Nothing is ever quite as it seems and as secrets begin to be revealed, tensions rise and everyone must face their own demons. The story digs into the difference between the haves and have nots, Westerners and Moroccans, and guilt and forgiveness. Osborne is actually more known for his nonfiction travel stories (Bangkok Days is the most popular), so there is also good descriptive writing of the Moroccan desert. (Note: it’s also been made into a movie which is included below.)
Author: Esther Freud
Genre: Fiction
Places Featured: Marrakech, Morocco
Set in the 1970s, Hideous Kinky follows two young sisters from England, Lucy and Bea, as they accompany their free-spirited mother on a journey to Morocco in search of spiritual enlightenment. As they live a nomadic and unconventional lifestyle, the girls experience cultural clashes, encounter eccentric characters, and witness their mother’s romantic “entanglements”. Although it is a novel, Hideous Kinky was inspired by Freud’s own childhood living in Marrakech with her sister and mother. (Fun fact: the author is the granddaughter of the famed Sigmund Freud.) The novel is a bittersweet coming-of-age tale that delves into the hazy line between adventure and irresponsibility. (It’s also a movie included on the list below.)
Note from Jen: This book is also featured on my list of Romance Travel Books.
Hope and Other Dangerous Pursuits
Author: Laila Lalami
Genre: Fiction
Places Featured: Strait of Gibraltar
Hope and Other Dangerous Pursuits follows four Moroccan immigrants attempting to cross the Strait of Gibraltar in an inflatable raft and make their way to Spain. Each character has their own hopes, dreams, and challenges, but they are all looking for a better life. By sharing what made each immigrant decide to make the attempt and what happened to each immigrant afterwards, the book explores themes of migration and political and economic struggles (along with life in Morocco) in a beautiful, thoughtful way.
A House in Fez: Building a Life in the Ancient Heart of Morocco
Author: Suzanna Clarke
Genre: Nonfiction, Biography/Memoir
Places Featured: Fez, Morocco
Suzanna Clarke and her husband were on vacation in Morocco when they decided it might be time to leave their London life and create a home in Fez, Morocco. As the couple navigates the challenges of renovating a crumbling riad and adapting to the intricacies of Moroccan culture, Clarke takes readers on a vivid and immersive exploration of the city’s vibrant streets, rich history, and colorful characters. A House in Fez is a beautifully written tale of adventure, cultural discovery, and the importance of finding home.
Author: Julia Drosten
Genre: Historical Fiction
Places Featured: Mogador (Essaouira), Morocco
In the mid-1800s, Sibylla Spender doesn’t quite fit in with proper upper class London. So when she has the chance to move to Mogador Morocco with her husband, she jumps at the chance. Life in Morocco (and her marriage) isn’t quite what she thought it was going to be. As she learns that her husband isn’t who she thought he was, she learns that she is actually way more than she thought she was. It’s well-written (an exceptional translation from German) and an interesting exploration of Morocco, differences between Western and Eastern cultures, and life in the 1800s.
Note from Jen: The story was a little slow, but great for seeing life in Morocco in the 1800s.
May Day in Morocco (The Holiday Adventure Club #4)
Author: Stephanie Taylor
Genre: Fiction, Romance
Places Featured: Kelaat-M’Gouna, Morocco
May Day in Morocco is actually the fourth book in a series that follows Lucy Landish and her Holiday Adventure Club (a group that travels around the world for various holidays). Even though it’s the fourth book, I wanted to include it as a little bit of a lighter choice–in this iteration, Lucy is taking her group to Morocco for the country’s annual rose festival. While learning a few things about Morocco (and a unique event there), you’ll also read about some romance, some family drama, and someone who’s just trying to figure it all out. (There are 11 books in the series–and most are available for free on Kindle Unlimited–so if you like this one, you have plenty of others to choose from, too!)
Author: Deborah Rodriguez
Genre: Fiction, Romance
Places Featured: Fez, Morocco
Amina, currently living in California, travels to her family’s home in Fez for her sister’s wedding. Her best friend, Charlie, and Charlie’s eccentric grandmother, join her. They are all hiding secrets, though, that eventually must come out. I don’t want to give too much away, but trust me that this is an intriguing story that will keep your attention as you read through the descriptions of food, landscapes, and people of Morocco.
Murder in Morocco (The Aunt Jessica Mysteries Book 1)
Author: Judith Cranswick
Genre: Fiction, Crime/Mystery, Cozy Mystery
Places Featured:
Judith Cranswick is actually known for the Fiona Mason Mystery Series that follows Fiona Mason, a tour manager, as she travels around Europe solving mysteries. This book follows a similar storyline with Harry and his Aunt Jessica on a history tour through Morocco when one of their group members is murdered and his wife is arrested. Harry and Aunt Jessica want to prove her innocence. It’s a murder mystery, but also a travelogue with insight into Moroccan cuisine, customs, and history. (Cranswick also has a brand new book set in Morocco as a part of another cozy mystery series: Journey to Casablanca.)
Honorable Mention Books about Morocco:
- In Arabian Nights: A Caravan of Moroccan Dreams by Tahir Shah
- The Tenth Gift by Jane Johnson
- The Saffron Trail by Rosanna Ley
Bonus Children’s Books about Morocco:
- Makanaka’s World: Adventure in Morocco by Christina Mapondera Talley
- The Amazing Travels of Ibn Battuta by Fatima Sharafeddine
- The Street Cats of Marrakech by Dee S Toth-Jones
Ten Movies Set in Morocco
Casablanca (1942)
Rating: PG
Genre: Military and War, Romance
Places Featured: Casablanca, Morocco
Of course a list of movies set in Morocco has to include Casablanca (which I think many would say is one of the greatest movies of all time). This classic won several awards, including the Oscar for Best Picture, starred the unforgettable Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman, had a popular theme song (As Time Goes By), and, of course, has one of the most memorable movie lines ever. It’s the story of an expatriate who has run away from the war to own a bar in Casablanca (Rick’s Cafe). Unexpectedly the love of his life who left him without explanation shows up with her husband–a fugitive resistance leader–and it seems Rick might hold the key to their future. It’s hard to capture the impact this movie has had on American culture and on the film business–it’s a must-see for anyone.
The Man Who Knew Too Much (1956)
Rating: PG
Genre: Thriller
Places Featured: Marrakech, Morocco
Alfred Hitchcock’s The Man Who Knew Too Much is a suspenseful classic starring James Stewart and Doris Day. The film opens in Marrakech, where an innocent family on vacation becomes entangled in an international assassination plot. Morocco’s vibrant streets, bustling markets, and exotic atmosphere play a crucial role in setting the stage for this exciting thriller that became one of Hitchcock’s most well-known films.
Hideous Kinky (1998)
Rating: R
Genre: Drama
Places Featured: Morocco
Hideous Kinky is based on a book by Esther Freud (yes, the granddaughter of *that* Freud) that is also included above and is considered semi-autobiographical as it’s about a young mother (played by Kate Winslet) who moves from London to Morocco and finds love in an exciting and different locale. The movie follows a young English mother and her two daughters as they travel to Marrakech in the 1970s. It beautifully captures the colors, sights, and atmosphere of Morocco while exploring themes of self-discovery and cultural clash (and I’m just a huge fan of Kate Winslet).
Note from Jen: I really am just a huge fan of Kate Winslet–she’s recently starred in a biopic about war photographer, Lee Miller, which is a great choice for a movie discussion club.
A Door to the Sky (1989)
Rating: Not Rated
Genre: Drama
Places Featured: Fez, Morocco
A Door to the Sky is a Moroccan film directed by Farida Benlyazid, a well-known figure in Moroccan cinema. The film follows Nadia, a Moroccan woman living in France, who returns to her homeland upon her father’s death. In Fez, she reconnects with her heritage and decides to turn her family’s home into a shelter for women. This is a great choice for exploring Moroccan culture and attitudes and is highly recommended for those interested in female empowerment and spirituality.
Note: As of this posting, this movie isn’t available on any streaming services, so it might be a tough one to find.
The Sheltering Sky (1990)
Rating: R
Genre: Drama
Places Featured: Sahara Desert, Tangier, Morocco
Based on Paul Bowles’ novel, The Sheltering Sky is a tough exploration of life and human frailty. John Malkovich and Debra Winger play an American couple who travel to Northern Africa in an attempt to save their failing marriage (hey, we all try crazy things). Morocco’s deserts and remote towns provide a striking backdrop to their increasingly tense and disorienting journey. The desolate landscapes serve as a metaphor for the couple’s emotional and spiritual alienation.
Looking for My Wife’s Husband/In Search of My Wife’s Husband (1993)
Rating: Not Rated
Genre: Comedy
Places Featured: Casablanca, Morocco
This Moroccan comedy is a humorous and light-hearted take on relationships and marriage…but, admittedly, is different for us Westerners to identify with sometimes (not to be a spoiler, but polygamy plays a big role). It tells the story of a woman who remarries, only to discover her first husband is still alive after being missing for years. Looking for My Wife’s Husband shows a different (humorous) side of Moroccan society, set against the busy backdrop of Casablanca.
Note: This is another onet hat’s hard to find on streaming services, but it’s worth it.
Babel (2006)
Rating: R
Genre: Drama, Thriller
Places Featured: Ouarzazate, High Atlas Mountains, Morocco
It’s cheating a little bit to use this film because it takes place in so many different locations (it connects four stories from around the world), but the Moroccan location is the one that starts it all. Directed by Alejandro González Iñárritu and starring Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett, the Morocco segment follows a tragic accident that sets off a series of misunderstandings and conflicts. The vast landscapes of the Moroccan desert show the isolation and disconnect between the characters, making it a gripping and visually stunning part of the film.
Goodbye, Morocco (2012)
Rating: PG
Genre: Thriller
Places Featured: Tangiers, Morocco
Goodbye, Morocco is a French-Moroccan thriller directed by Nadir Moknèche (note: the movie is only available in French, but you can watch with English subtitles). The story follows a single mother living in Tangier, who becomes involved in an illicit archeological excavation to fund her dreams of a better life with her son and her lover. When a worker mysteriously disappears at the dig site, the film takes a turn into a tense exploration of betrayal, greed, and survival. Against the backdrop of Morocco’s evolving socio-political landscape, Goodbye, Morocco offers a gripping narrative of moral complexities, all while addressing themes of identity, power, and the clash between traditional and modern values.
The Forgiven (2021)
Rating: R
Genre: Drama
Places Featured: High Atlas Mountains, Morocco
Based on the book mentioned above, The Forgiven is a tense drama about the what happens when privelge meets local culture (and not in a good way). Starring Ralph Fiennes and Jessica Chastain, the story unfolds over the course of a weekend in the High Atlas Mountains, where a wealthy couple’s actions lead to a tragic event. Morocco’s rugged and majestic landscapes enhance the film’s exploration of guilt, morality, and cultural disconnection.
The Blue Caftan (2023)
Rating: R
Genre: Drama, Romance, LGBTQ
Places Featured: Salé, Morocco
Set in one of Morocco’s oldest medinas, this critically-acclaimed romantic drama follows a husband and wife who run a traditional caftan store, specializing in hand-sewn, made-to-measure garments. They hire a handsome young apprentice to help with the store that sets off a slew of unexpected emotions. The movie explores the real meaning of love, patience, and understanding.
Honorable Mention Movies set in Morocco:
- Morocco (1930)
- TV Show: Sahara with Michael Palin (2003)
Bonus Children’s Movies set in Morocco:
- Disney’s Wish (2023) (not exactly set there, but the animators used Morocco as the inspiration for the setting)
