On September 11th, 2001, the United States (and the whole world) looked on with horror as several airplanes crashed into the side of the World Trade Centers in New York City. These attacks were followed shortly by additional hijackings, and the day would go down in history as one of the most pivotal moments in US society’s progression as a whole. To commemorate the anniversary of this tragic event, let’s take a look back at several of the most influential creative works inspired by this monumental tragedy.
United 93
A riveting, real-time account of the fateful United Flight 93, this movie was one of the most shocking depictions of what happened that day ever portrayed by the media at large. Upon its initial release in 2006, the film was highly controversial, with many arguing that it was “too soon” for the story to be retold in such a graphic, yet authentic manner.
Pedestrians walk past an advertisment for the new film ‘United 93’ April 28, 2006 in New York City. ‘United 93’ by Paul Greengrass, is a drama about the lone hijacked commercial airliner that failed to reach its target on September 11, 2001. The controversial film has been getting positive reviews. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)
Nonetheless, the movie would go on to become one of the most successful and influential releases of the decade, providing insight into the horrors faced by the passengers who decided to fight back against their would-be hijackers.