September 5, 2025 | Dubai, UAE: As the UAE long weekend approaches, many of us are already plotting out how to spend those extra days of freedom. For some, that means family trips, for others, much-needed rest. But for the binge-watchers and cinema lovers, it’s about finding the best movies and series to watch. Whether you’re in the mood for Bollywood drama, Hollywood thrills, South Korean mystery, or heartfelt coming-of-age, this holiday offers something bold, brash, and completely unmissable.

The buzz this week is high, and the line-up is packed. From Tiger Shroff’s intense Baaghi 4 to the newsroom laughs of The Paper, plus Netflix gems like Queen Mantis and Inspector Zende, this is a weekend for screen-hopping. If you’re wondering what to add to your list, here’s your guide to the best movies and series to watch this UAE long weekend.

High Rollers: Cash Out 2 – A Casino Heist That Doubles the Stakes

For fans of neon-soaked thrillers, High Rollers: Cash Out 2 is your top pick in UAE cinemas. John Travolta returns with slick charm, playing a master thief risking it all for love and loot. Expect double-crosses, impossible odds, and heart-pounding action. It’s the kind of over-the-top fun that makes it one of the best movies and series to watch this UAE long weekend.

The Paper – Newsroom Chaos With Comic Flair

If you’re craving laughs, The Paper on OSN+ delivers. This mockumentary spins workplace antics into newsroom madness, with eccentric journalists trying to save a struggling paper. Think The Office, but with deadlines instead of staplers in Jell-O. For anyone seeking light-hearted bingeing, it’s easily among the best movies and series to watch this holiday stretch.

Baaghi 4 – A Darker Turn for Tiger Shroff

Action fans, rejoice, Tiger Shroff is back with Baaghi 4. This time, the story takes a darker, psychological twist as Ronny battles grief, hallucinations, and heartbreak after a tragic train crash. With Sonam Bajwa adding emotional depth and Sanjay Dutt stealing scenes, it’s more layered than past entries but still packed with jaw-dropping stunts. Perfect cinema outing for the UAE long weekend.

The Summer I Turned Pretty (Season 3) – Drama at Cousins Beach

On Amazon Prime, The Summer I Turned Pretty continues to stir hearts with new episodes. Belly is finding her independence in Paris, while Jeremiah spirals into chaos back home. The show balances romance, heartbreak, and youthful exploration in ways that hit close to home. If you’re chasing emotions, it’s one of the best movies and series to watch while lounging this UAE long weekend.

Madharaasi – Tamil Action With Heart

For fans of Tamil cinema, Madharaasi storms into theatres with a mix of adrenaline and emotion. Sivakarthikeyan shines as a Special Task Force officer caught in a mafia war, while Rukmini Vasanth and Vidyut Jamwal elevate the drama with intensity. Expect gunfights, romance, and sacrifice, it’s a cinematic cocktail that feels larger than life.

Inspector Zende – The Chase of a Lifetime

Netflix’s Inspector Zende offers a gripping cat-and-mouse chase inspired by real-life cop Madhukar Zende’s arrest of Charles Sobhraj. Manoj Bajpayee’s streetwise inspector locks horns with Jim Sarbh’s smooth-talking conman, delivering witty banter and high tension. It’s stylish, smart, and easily among the best movies and series to watch for crime-drama fans this UAE long weekend.

Queen Mantis – A Family Feud With a Killer Twist

If dark K-drama is your thing, Queen Mantis promises chills. Go Hyun-jung plays a mother hiding her past as a serial killer, while her detective son (Jang Dong-yoon) confronts family secrets more dangerous than crime scenes. With stellar performances and weekly drops leading to a finale on September 27, it’s your next obsession.

Lokah: Chapter One – Chandra – A Superhero Epic With Folklore

Malayalam cinema breaks new ground with Lokah: Chapter One, Chandra. Kalyani Priyadarshan steps into superhero territory, balancing myth, spectacle, and heart. With Dulquer Salmaan backing the project, the film proves regional cinema can dream big. If you want to experience something fresh and proudly local, this is a must-watch at the theatres.

From high-octane heists to heartfelt drama and bold experiments in world cinema, this UAE long weekend has something for everyone. Whether you’re hitting the big screen with friends or curling up on the couch, the choices are endless. So grab your popcorn, call your loved ones, and dive into the best movies and series to watch this holiday, you deserve it.

Also Read: UAE Public Holiday 2026: Your Friendly Guide to All the Days Off Ahead