Must-See: The 9 Best Films About 9/11

In the wake of the appalling terrorist atrocities on September 11th, 2001, directors have strived to depict most accurately the disaster in New York City and Washington, D.C. Through powerful documentaries and narrative films, and directors have sought to memorialize the day and honor its victims. Here is an enumeration of nine movies concerning 9/11 that have been released in the past which are essential to viewing.

United 93 (2006)
Directed by Paul Greengrass, United 93 recounts the story of United Airlines Flight 93, hijacked by terrorists on September 11th, 2001. This docudrama is a profoundly stirring film that displays the bravery of the people on board who strove to overcome their hijackers and impede them from achieving their intended target. It is a harrowing yet inspiring look at one of the most catastrophic events in American history.

World Trade Center (2006)
Detected by Oliver Stone, World Trade Center represents the occurrences at Ground Zero on 9/11. The picture follows two police officers entangled in the wreckage after the Twin Towers fell and their awe-inspiring tale of endurance despite all chances. It is an emotionally charged film that captures the chaos and gallantry of those present during this dreadful day.

Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close (2011)
Directed by Stephen Daldry, Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close follows a young boy’s quest for answers after his father perishes in one of the towers during 9/11. This movie is an emotional roller coaster, exploring grief, loss, and hope through its poignant story. It is a poignant reminder of how this tragedy impacted people’s lives worldwide.

The Guys (2002)
Detected by Jim Simpson, The Guys is a drama based on Anne Nelson’s play about two firefighters killed in the Twin Towers on 9/11. The film follows a journalist who helps a fire captain write eulogies for his fallen comrades. It is an intimate and moving look at how loved ones responded to their grief after this tragedy.

The Fallen (2004)
Directed by David Leland, The Fallen is a documentary that recounts the lives of five firefighters lost in the line of duty on 9/11. It is an intimate examination of how their families and friends managed to grapple with their sorrow and honor their memories. Through interviews and archival footage, this film captures the horror of that day and the bravery and fortitude of those affected.

Remember Me (2010)
Directed by Allen Coulter, Remember Me is a passionate drama in New York City on September 11th, 2001. The film chronicles a youthful duo whose existences are perpetually altered by the circumstances of that day. It is an emotionally vehement tale about amour and grief during one of the most somber instants in American history.

102 Minutes That Changed America (2008)
Directed by Martin Kunert, 102 Minutes That Changed America is a documentary that tells the story of 9/11 through archival footage from that day. The film uses first-hand accounts from those who experienced it to recreate the 102 minutes between when the first plane hit and the towers collapsed. It is an intense yet poignant look at what happened during this dark historical moment.

In Memoriam: New York City, 9/11/01 (2002)
Directed by Ellen Goosenberg Kent, In Memoriam: New York City, 9/11/01 is a documentary exploring how New Yorkers confronted the calamity 9/11. Through interviews with survivors, first responders, relatives, and spectators of the assaults, this film captures the distress and fortitude of those touched. It is an informative yet heartbreaking look at how people were able to progress after such a disastrous occurrence.

9/11 The Falling Man (2006)
Directed by Henry Singer, The Falling Man portrays one of the most renowned images from 9/11: a man plummeting from one of the towers as it succumbs. This influential documentary investigates who this individual was and why he jumped instead of remaining inside the tower until it fell. It is an unforgettable look at one man’s narrative amidst such calamity and terror on that fateful day.

These nine films are potent symbols of the extensive sway 9/11 had on our sphere and lives. Through drama, amour, terror, and expectation, they chronicle what took place on that day and how we have been able to grapple with its repercussions over time. They are imperative viewing for anyone desiring to grasp more about this catastrophic event in American history.