This research explores the factors that explain the evolving portrayals of the Muslim Brotherhood in Egyptian cinema, comparing representations during the Hosni Mubarak era (1981–2011) with those in the Arab Spring and post-Arab Spring periods (2011–2013). The study investigates how these cinematic depictions shifted in response to Egypt’s changing political and social landscapes, examining the complex relationship between media, power, and public perception. Through the selection of Egyptian-produced films from both periods that feature the Brotherhood, the research focuses on how these portrayals correspond to broader political and societal transformations. Employing visual discourse analysis, the study examines film narratives, character representations, and symbolic imagery to uncover how filmmakers conveyed political ideologies and social attitudes in alignment with shifting political contexts. Understanding these shifts is significant because Egyptian cinema has long been a cultural and political tool, reflecting societal values while shaping public discourse. These two periods were chosen for their contrasting political climates: the Mubarak era represents authoritarian stability, with media narratives framing the Brotherhood as a destabilizing force, while the Arab Spring/post-Arab Spring period marks the Brotherhood's rise to power, governance, and eventual removal, offering a dynamic backdrop for shifting portrayals. By examining how portrayals of the Muslim Brotherhood evolved in Egyptian cinema, this research aims to explain the relationship between media narratives and political power, offering insights into how cultural production both influences and is influenced by broader socio-political transformations. The study further seeks to demonstrate how Egyptian cinema not only reflects but actively participates in constructing political and ideological transformations, offering insights into how filmmakers navigate censorship, ideological pressures, and audience expectations. Ultimately, the study underscores the role of cinema as a vital medium for shaping contested political narratives, emphasizing its impact on framing the Brotherhood’s evolving image during Egypt’s transformative journey from dictatorship to revolution.