Riyadh is getting ready to welcome back one of its most talked-about cultural events.

The Riyadh Film Music Festival by the Royal Commission for Riyadh returns from July 30 to August 8, offering a rare kind of experience of classic films screened with their soundtracks performed by an orchestra, live as you watch.

This year’s edition will take place at the Red Hall Theatre inside Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University. Instead of just hearing the music through speakers, an orchestra conducted by Maestro Ernst Van Tiel, with 80 performers coming all the way from Armenia, will perform every note live, adding emotion, energy, and something a little unexpected to each film.

What's Playing, When & How Can I Book?

Top Gun: Maverick

Top Gun @topgunmovie

Top Gun: Maverick reunites Tom Cruise’s Pete “Maverick” Mitchell with the Top Gun program as he trains a new generation of elite pilots for a nearly impossible mission, blending emotional stakes with breathtaking aerial action. This sequel to the iconic ‘80s film, brings fast-paced action and emotional depth, with a music score by the legendary Hans Zimmer - this is one not to miss!

July 30 - August 2
From 8.30pm - 11pm
Starting at 150 SAR
Tickets available here

The Lion King

LionKing_screen_WSO2-1

The Lion King follows young Simba’s journey from exiled cub to rightful king as he overcomes betrayal and guilt to restore harmony to the Pride Lands. And now the animated classic returns with its unforgettable soundtrack by Hans Zimmer and songs by Elton John. Hearing Circle of Life and Can You Feel the Love Tonight performed live with an orchestra is bound to make the experience even more memorable.

August 1 & 2
From 4-6:40pm and 8:30pm-11pm
Prices starting at SAR150
Tickets available here

Back to the Future

Back to the Future - Back to the future website

Back to the Future is a 1985 sci-fi adventure in which teenager Marty McFly races a DeLorean time machine back to 1955, fighting to unite his parents before erasing his own future. And you'll be able to relive the time-traveling adventures of Marty alongside Alan Silvestri’s incredible musical score. This film showing accompanied by a live orchestra is bound to concert brings a nostalgic vibe, especially when The Power of Love is played live.

5 & 6 August
From 8.30pm - 11pm
Prices starting at SAR150
Tickets available here

Pirates of the Caribbean

Pirates of the Caribbean - Disney Website

A modern classic, Pirates of the Caribbean follows the eccentric Captain Jack Sparrow and skilled blacksmith Will Turner as they battle cursed undead pirates, to rescue Elizabeth Swann, and attempt to reclaim the legendary ship, the Black Pearl. During the Riyadh Film Music Festival, this adventure will be brought to life with Hans Zimmer’s now iconic score . The live music brings out the drama, humour, and chaos of every scene on deck.

7-8 August
From 4-6:40 PM and 8:30 PM-11 PM
Starting at 150 SAR
Tickets available here

A broader look at Riyadh's summer entertainment programs

Riyadh MDLBeast Soundstorm

2023-10/Riyadh MDLBeast Soundstorm

Cultural events like these highlight Riyadh as a leading city in Saudi for cultural experiences, entertainment, and arts, aligning with Vision 2030.

Earlier this month, Ithra brought beloved Disney films The Lion King and Frozen in its theatre, with a live orchestra, and of course, a Hans Zimmer score.

The second edition of the Riyadh Film Music Festival is a part of a wider summer entertainment program taking place alongside the Esports World Cup, and MDLBEAST AFT-R. Upcoming events include Riyadh Comedy Festival which will bring major names such as Kevin Hart, Pete Davidson, and Russell Peters.

Riyadh Film Music Festival 2025
Wednesday July 30 until Friday August 8
The Red Hall Theatre, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University
Tickets are available now through webook.com

back-to-the-future