Image credit: Netflix
Today marks the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, a milestone reflected in the destruction of the World Trade Center Twin Towers in New York City and coordinated attacks across the United States.
If you’re looking to understand, reflect on, or learn more about the events of that fateful day and its far-reaching ramifications, you’re probably wondering what documentaries and movies Netflix has to offer. Over the past two years, Netflix has significantly expanded its product lineup. Here’s our updated 2026 monitoring guide.
Although Netflix boasts a strong lineup of titles — as we’ll detail below — its library of historical documentaries still faces stiff competition. Prime Video offers countless docs available directly or through Freevee, and Disney+ also has a huge selection via National Geographic (Four of them are scheduled to be released in 2022).
Note: Netflix Official category code For TV shows and movies related to the events of September 11 it is: 840233.
American Hunt: Osama bin Laden
Released on Netflix: May 14, 2025
Available on Netflix:Globally
Image credit: Netflix
The latest addition to the acclaimed American pursuit Documentary franchise, that is Three-part series From directors Daniel Sivan and Mor Lushy, it delves into the hunt for the terrorist architect behind the September 11 attacks. The first episode in particular covers the devastating events of that day in meticulous detail.
The docu-series is currently one of the highest-rated docuseries on Netflix, with the official synopsis saying: “Espionage agents and military insiders reveal the methods they used to hunt down Osama bin Laden in this investigative true crime series.”
The turning point: September 11 and the war on terror
Released on Netflix: September 1, 2021
Available on Netflix:Globally
Released to coincide with the 20th anniversary of the attacks, it was Netflix’s first comprehensive documentary series to cover the day in detail. Directed by Brian Knappenberger (The Internet’s Own Boy: The Aaron Swartz Story), the series uses exclusive footage and powerful interviews to chronicle the events leading up to September 11 and its ongoing repercussions.
Over its five episodes, the documentary series takes multiple directions. The first show focuses squarely on the day of the attacks, while subsequent episodes address the short- and long-term global ramifications.
The series has a rating of 83% on Rotten Tomatoes Nick Schagher of The Daily Beast calls it “A disturbing, angry, and largely balanced history lesson about the past two decades.”
The turning point: The September 11 generation
Released on Netflix: September 2026
Available on Netflix:Globally
Image credit: Netflix
Five years after his acclaimed docuseries and marking the 25th anniversary of the tragedy, director Brian Knappenberger returns with this feature-length documentary. Instead of focusing only on historical and political strategies, The turning point: The September 11 generation She turns her lens to the people who have grown up in her wake — specifically Millennials and Generation Z.
The 98-minute film offers an emotional, street-level view of the post-9/11 world and its massive impacts, from the Bush administration’s war on terror to the rise of conspiracy theories and the militarization of public spaces. while Some critics noted While the sprawling subject matter might have been better served in another multi-episode format, it remains a poignant entry. Standout moments include heartbreaking first-hand accounts, such as Laurel Homer, daughter of the late Flight 93 pilot Leroy Homer Jr.
He deserves
Released on Netflix: September 3, 2021
Available on Netflix:Globally
Image credit: Netflix
Also released for its 20th anniversary, this feature film is produced by Barack and Michelle Obama’s Higher Ground Productions.
Directed by Sarah Colangelo, The movie It follows a lawyer who faces an emotional reckoning and a huge uphill battle as he is tasked with determining the dollar value of the lives lost on that fateful day.
Based on Kenneth Feinberg’s memoir, What’s Life Worth?: The Unprecedented Effort to Compensate the Victims of September 11The film features stellar performances from Michael Keaton, Stanley Tucci, Amy Ryan, Tate Donovan, Talia Balsam, and Laura Benanti.
Anthrax Attacks: In the Shadow of the Events of September 11
Released on Netflix: September 8, 2022
Available on Netflix:Globally
Image credit: Netflix
Just weeks after 9/11, a series of biological attacks rocked the American capital, spreading further terror throughout an already grieving nation. Five people were killed and 17 others injured by letters contaminated with anthrax. This hybrid documentary, directed by Dan Krause, explores the subsequent FBI investigation.
clark gregg (Pain reliever, Shield agents) gives a chillingly dramatic performance in the documentary reenactment, portraying Bruce Edwards Ivins, a microbiologist and vaccinologist who becomes the prime suspect in the case.
Espionage operations (Episode One – Jaw Fracture)
Released on Netflix: September 8, 2023
Available on Netflix:Globally
Espionage operationsan eight-part documentary series released in 2023, uses expert testimony from insiders at Britain’s MI6 and the US CIA to detail some of the most prolific intelligence operations and conspiracies of recent decades.
The first episode, “Operation Jawbreaker,” takes a look at the immediate response a few weeks after the September 11 attacks, after CIA agents arrived in Afghanistan with the goal of dismantling the Taliban.
History 101 (Season 1 – Oil and the Middle East)
Released on Netflix: May 22, 2022
Available on Netflix:Globally
Image credit: Netflix
History 101 is a mini-documentary series from Netflix that covers a wide range of global topics, from nuclear power and fast food to the rise of China and GPS technology.
A key episode from the first season explains how oil and the West’s dependence on the Middle East developed over the course of the 20th century. Most importantly, it highlights how this economic dynamism destabilized the region and created the geopolitical conditions that ultimately led to the events of 9/11.
How to become a tyrant (Episode Two – Crush Your Competitors)
Released on Netflix: July 9, 2021
Available on Netflix:Globally
Image credit: Netflix
This darkly satirical documentary series analyzes the rules of the game for some of the most famous tyrants in human history. The second episode focuses specifically on Saddam Hussein, who served as President of Iraq from 1979 until 2003.
The effects of 9/11 are intrinsically linked to Saddam Hussein’s regime, which was one of the primary catalysts of the Iraq War. Although some initially believed it had something to do with the attacks, President George W. Bush later He admitted that Hussein had no role.
Will you be checking out any of the 9/11 Netflix shows? Let us know in the comments below.