Photos: Netflix
Today is the 23rd anniversary of the September 11 attacks, which saw the destruction of the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in New York City and other attacks in the United States. What documentaries and films covering the events of that day are on Netflix? Here's a look at what's streaming in 2024, which is virtually unchanged from the 2023 list.
While Netflix has a few titles, as we'll explain in just a second, its library of docs and scripted titles covering important days in global history still pales in comparison to some of its competitors. Prime Video, in particular, has a myriad of docs available as part of Prime Video or through FreeWatch. Disney+ also has National Geographic (four of which were released in 2022,
We've heard that a title is in the works at Netflix, but we're unable to provide any additional information at this time.
The turning point: 9/11 and the war on terrorism
Release on Netflix: September 1, 2021
Available on Netflix: Globally
Courtesy of NETFLIX
Netflix released its first documentary series detailing this day to mark its 20th anniversary in 2021. Directed by Brian Knappenberger (The Internet's Own Boy: The Story of Aaron Swartz), the series uses interviews and exclusive footage to tell the events before and after.
Five episodes were released, and the series goes in multiple directions. Episode 1 focuses primarily on the day, while the others focus on its short-term and long-term repercussions.
The docu-series has an 83% rating from critics on RottenTomatoes. Quote from Nick Schager of The Daily Beast“Director Brian Knappenberger’s five-part documentary series…is a disturbing, infuriating and largely fair history lesson about the last two decades.”
Worthy
Released on Netflix: September 3, 2021
Available on Netflix: Globally
This scripted feature film by Obama production company Higher Ground was also released on Netflix on the 20th anniversary of the attacks.
Directed by Sara Colangelo, the film follows an emotionally distraught and difficult struggle a lawyer goes through as he attempts to assess the value of the lives lost on that fateful day.
What Is Life Worth?: The Unprecedented Effort to Compensate the Victims of 9/11 by Kenneth Feinberg was the inspiration for the film, starring Michael Keaton, Stanley Tucci, Amy Ryan, Tate Donovan.
Talia Balsam and Laura Benanti.
Anthrax attacks in the shadow of 9/11 (2022)
Release on Netflix: September 8, 2022
Available on Netflix: Globally
A week after 9/11, a series of biological attacks took place in the US capital, killing five people and wounding 17. This documentary, directed by Dan Cross, is based on those events.
Clark Gregg (Pain reliever, agents of SHIELD) makes an appearance in the documentary, playing Bruce Edwards Ivins, a microbiologist and vaccinologist who becomes central to the legal case.
Espionage Ops (Episode 1 – Operation Jawbreaker)
Release on Netflix: September 8, 2023
Available on Netflix: Globally
Image: Netflix
The new eight-part documentary 'Spy Ops', released on Netflix last year, details some of the most prolific operations and conspiracies of the last few decades using expert testimony from British MI6 and American CIA insiders.
The first episode highlights events a few weeks after the 9/11 attacks, when CIA agents arrived in Afghanistan in the hopes of eliminating the Taliban.
History 101 (Season 1 – Oil and the Middle East)
Release on Netflix: 22 May, 2022
Available on Netflix: Globally
History 101 is a two-season Netflix docuseries that highlights many different topics, including nuclear power, fast food, the rise of China, GPS, and more.
One episode in Season 1 covered how oil and the Middle East have evolved over the years, and perhaps more importantly, how this has destabilized the region, resulting in events that played a role in 9/11.
How to become a dictator? (Episode 2 – Crush Your Rivals)
Release on Netflix: July 9, 2021
Available on Netflix: Globally
Image: Netflix
This documentary series highlights some of the greatest tyrants in human history, with the second episode highlighting Saddam Hussein, who was President of Iraq from 1979 to 2003.
9/11 was one of the key events leading to the eventual war in Iraq, and is intrinsically linked to the rise of Saddam Hussein, who was at one point believed to be behind the attacks (President Bush later said so). admitted it wasn't the case,
Documentaries and films about 9/11 available internationally on Netflix
Note: Availability will vary by country. Availability data is correct as of September 2024.
- United 93 (2006) – Streaming on Netflix: Belgium, France and Switzerland
- 12 Strong (2018) – Streaming on Netflix in Australia, Belgium, Italy, the Netherlands, Singapore, South Korea, and Spain
Are you going to watch any of Netflix's 9/11-related offerings? Let us know in the comments.
