The 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center and Pentagon are among the most significant events in recent American history, deeply impacting the national consciousness and leading to substantial changes in global politics, security measures, and how the United States engaged with the world. As such, these events have been the subject of various films, which explore the attacks from multiple angles: the day itself, the personal stories of those affected, the global repercussions, and the heroism displayed during the tragedy. These films range from documentaries aiming to capture the reality of the event, to dramas that explore the impact on individuals and families, to action films that delve into the aftermath and the fight against terrorism. Below is a list of films about 9/11 that reflect a spectrum of perspectives on the tragic day.
“Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close”, 2011
Director: Stephen Daldry
Based on the novel by Jonathan Safran Foer and directed by Stephen Daldry, this film tells the story of a young boy who lost his father in the World Trade Center attacks. The boy embarks on a journey across New York City, looking for a lock that matches a mysterious key left by his father, encountering various individuals who are all touched by grief in their own way.
Starring: Thomas Horn, Max von Sydow, Tom Hanks, Sandra Bullock, Jeffrey Wright, Viola Davis, John Goodman, Zoe Caldwell, Dennis Hearn, Paul Klementowicz;
Production year: 2011;
Genre: drama, detective, adventure;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 129 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,9;
More information about the film “Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close” on the website imdb.com
“9/11”, 2017
Director: Martin Guigui
A documentary by Jules and Gedeon Naudet, and FDNY firefighter James Hanlon, which originally aimed to be a film about a rookie firefighter but turned into a firsthand account of 9/11. The filmmakers were with firefighters during the initial response to the World Trade Center, capturing some of the only direct footage of the tragedy as it unfolded.
Starring: Charlie Sheen, Whoopi Goldberg, Gina Gershon, Luis Guzmán, Wood Harris, Olga Fonda, Faune Chambers Watkins, Whitney Avalon, Bruce Davison, Dahlia Waingort Guigui;
Production year: 2017;
Genre: action, drama;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 90 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 4,5;
More information about the film “9/11” on the website imdb.com
“The Report”, 2019
Director: Scott Z. Burns
While not exclusively about the events of 9/11, “The Report,” directed by Scott Z. Burns, focuses on the investigation into the CIA's use of torture following the attacks. It’s a political drama that digs into the moral and ethical questions surrounding America's response to terrorism.
Starring: Adam Driver, Corey Stoll, Evander Duck Jr., Jon Hamm, Linda Powell, Annette Bening, Sandra Landers, John Rothman, Victor Slezak, Guy Boyd;
Production year: 2019;
Genre: thriller, drama, crime, biography, history;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 119 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,2;
More information about the film “The Report” on the website imdb.com
“Reign Over Me”, 2007
Director: Mike Binder
Directed by Mike Binder, this film stars Adam Sandler and Don Cheadle and tells the story of a man who lost his family on 9/11 and is still struggling to cope with his loss. It explores themes of friendship, grief, and healing.
Starring: Adam Sandler, Don Cheadle, Jada Pinkett Smith, Liv Tyler, Saffron Burrows, Donald Sutherland, Robert Klein, Melinda Dillon, Mike Binder, Jonathan Banks;
Production year: 2007;
Genre: drama;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 124 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,4;
More information about the film “Reign Over Me” on the website imdb.com
“Zero Dark Thirty”, 2012
Director: Kathryn Bigelow
Directed by Kathryn Bigelow, this film chronicles the nearly decade-long international manhunt for al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden, culminating in his death during a SEAL Team Six raid. It explores the complexities and controversies of the intelligence and military efforts in the war on terror.
Starring: Jessica Chastain, Jason Clarke, Kyle Chandler, Jennifer Ehle, Mark Strong, Fares Fares, Harold Perrineau, Joel Edgerton, Chris Pratt, James Gandolfini;
Production year: 2012;
Genre: thriller, drama, history, war;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 157 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,4;
These films, each in their own way, attempt to grapple with the implications, emotions, and global impact of September 11, offering viewers a range of perspectives on an event that has left an indelible mark on the 21st century.
The cinematic exploration of the events surrounding September 11, 2001, has journeyed through a landscape of raw emotions, political narratives, and human resilience. Films about 9/11, from the visceral storytelling of “United 93” to the poignant narratives in “World Trade Center,” have not only served as somber reminders of the tragedy but also as beacons of the indomitable human spirit. These motion pictures, in their essence, have woven a complex tapestry of grief, heroism, and the relentless pursuit of hope. They stand as vital cultural artifacts, embodying the collective memory and the transformative aftermath of a day that has irrevocably altered the global socio-political landscape. In navigating through the delicate balance of respecting memory while fostering artistic expression, films about 9/11 achieve a profound engagement with viewers, inviting reflection, understanding, and, ultimately, healing.
