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World Trade Center

World Trade Center

The world saw evil that day. Two men saw something else.

2006129 minPG-13Midcredits score: 44th percentile of all films
Director
Oliver Stone
Starring
Nicolas Cage, Maria Bello, Connor Paolo, Anthony Piccininni

Two police officers struggle to survive when they become trapped beneath the rubble of the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001.

Where to watch

Where can I watch World Trade Center?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists World Trade Center streaming on Peacock via Prime Video and Tubi (free) and to rent or buy on Apple TV and Prime Video.

Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about World Trade Center?

World Trade Center earns 8 badges, led by Box Office Hit and Award Winner.

  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office
  • Content
  • Cast

Reception

Is World Trade Center worth watching?

World Trade Center's Midcredits score is the 44th percentile of all films, from 151K ratings across 6 sources. 41% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

44th percentile

Better received than 44% of films

41st percentile among Drama43rd percentile among 2000s
Acclaim (how much people like it)49th
Approval (how many liked it)39th

61 /100

49th percentile of all films

47th percentile among Drama48th percentile among 2000s

Critics 66 · Audience 61

Critics liked it more than audiences did.

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 6.1 — solid but not unanimous.

41% liked it

39th percentile of all films

35th percentile among Drama37th percentile among 2000s
41% rated it 7–1059% rated it 1–6

Critics 66% · Audience 60%

On Rotten Tomatoes, a bigger share of critics approved than audiences.

Awards

0 Oscars won · 0 Oscar noms · 2 wins / 12 noms overall

97th percentile

151K ratings across platforms

98th percentile among Drama94th percentile among 2000s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Down 35% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$65M
Opening weekend$19M
Domestic gross$70M
Worldwide gross$163M

Returned 2.5× its budget — 98th percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

The film focuses narrowly on two Port Authority cops trapped in the rubble, telling a survival story rather than a broad account of 9/11.

Fans praised

  • gripping depiction of survival and camaraderie between two trapped men
  • restrained, apolitical approach from a director known for conspiracy theories
  • strong performances from Cage, Peña, Bello, Gyllenhaal and Shannon

Detractors panned

  • boring, repetitive scenes with nothing happening for long stretches
  • generic disaster-movie script that could be about miners, not 9/11
  • exploitative jingoism that cheapens the tragedy and ignores the 2,700+ dead

What stands out

Acting72

Cage, Peña commendable despite limited mobility; Bello and Gyllenhaal effective but underwritten

Atmosphere65

captures confusion and claustrophobia well in first act

CharactersDivisive55

thinly sketched; viewers don't learn much about the men before the collapse

Emotional impactDivisive55

moving for those reliving the day, but many found it forced and unearned

Plot and storyDivisive42

no real story structure beyond waiting; predictable outcome deflates tension

Dialogue38

stilted, exposition-heavy, clichéd; memorable only for unintentional corniness

PacingDivisive30

second act drags interminably with trapped men's static conversations

Originality25

generic rescue-drama formula interchangeable with any disaster scenario

Preferred by

Critics vs users

Preferred by Critics

Critics scored it 12 points higher than users.

US vs non-US

Preferred by US Viewers

US viewers scored it 15 points higher than non-US viewers.

No notable difference between the other groups: each pair ranks it within 10 percentile points.

  • Women vs men 3 points apart
  • Under-30s vs over-30s 5 points apart

Watch experience

What is World Trade Center like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Tense and gripping: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you are ready for heavy feelings, and you want something tense that holds you to the end.

It is intense and leaves you hopeful. Skip it when you want an easy night.

ToneFeelDemandwhat the answer rests onexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

Room for heavy feelings.

What it feels like

Tense and gripping.

The answer rests on this: Moods
TenseHopefulMelancholic
Heaviest: middle
Register
Solemn: Grave and dignified; treats its subject with weight and respect.Warm
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film treats its real-life subject with solemn sincerity and respect, never undercutting the emotional weight of the events.
The rideThe middle section — the entrapment under rubble — carries the highest tension and emotional weight, while the opening and resolution are comparatively calmer.
StructureThe story unfolds chronologically from the morning of September 11 through the collapse and eventual rescue, following a conventional dramatic arc.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Hopeful.

HopefulBittersweet
Why it leaves you this wayDespite the tragedy, the film emphasizes the resilience of the human spirit and the joy of survival, leaving viewers with hope alongside the sorrow.
How it ends · evidence
Bittersweet ending

Story archetype

where it sits among all films
Monster — 21% of films. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of films. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 10% of films. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 4% of films. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 11% of films. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 9% of films. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 13% of films. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 7% of films. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 22% of filmsPredator — 6% of films. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 6% of films. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of films. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 2% of films. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of films. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of films. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of films. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of films. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of films. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of films. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — under 1% of films. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of films. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of films. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of films. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of films. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 4% of films. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 5% of films. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of films. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — 1% of films. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of films. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 2% of films. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — 1% of films. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of films. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — 1% of films. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 4% of films. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of films. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of films. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of films. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 1% of films. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of films. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — 2% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 2% of films. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 2% of films. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 3% of films. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 3% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 5% of films. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of films. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 2% of films. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of films. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 5% of films. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 2% of films. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).Voyage
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21%: Predator 6% · Tyrant 6% · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 2% · Corporate villainy 1% · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3%: Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent under 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 10%: Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 4% · Mission 5% · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage 1%
  • Voyage 4% (this title): Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 2% · Survival ordeal 1% (this title) · Time displacement under 1% · Descent 1%
  • Comedy 11%: Romantic comedy 4% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 1%
  • Tragedy 9%: Hubris 1% · Obsession 2% · Corruption arc 2% · Doomed love 2% · Crushed by fate 3%
  • Rebirth 13%: Redemption 3% · Healing 5% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Voyage and return: Into a strange world and back again, changed. · Survival ordeal: Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).

4% of films fit this archetype

Why this archetypeTwo port authority officers are trapped under the rubble after the World Trade Center collapse and must survive until rescue, a classic survival ordeal framed as a voyage into a hostile environment and return.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 27% of filmsSelf — 22% of filmsPower — 7% of filmsMorality — 16% of filmsSurvival — 15% of filmsSociety — 9% of filmsIdeas — 5% of filmsRomantic love — 15% of filmsMarriage — 2% of filmsFamily bonds — 21% of filmsParenthood — 2% of filmsFriendship — 9% of filmsLoyalty — 4% of filmsIdentity — 14% of filmsComing of age — 5% of filmsAging — under 1% of filmsSelf-worth — 7% of filmsAmbition — 7% of filmsPurpose — 9% of filmsMemory — 3% of filmsObsession — 3% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 2% of filmsCorruption — 3% of filmsGreed — 3% of filmsClass — 3% of filmsOppression — 4% of filmsFreedom — 5% of filmsJustice — 13% of filmsDuty — 2% of filmsRevenge — 4% of filmsGuilt — 3% of filmsRedemption — 6% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — 1% of filmsSacrifice — 4% of filmsBetrayal — 5% of filmsDeception — 9% of filmsSurvival — 17% of filmsWar — 1% of filmsViolence — 4% of filmsMortality — 2% of filmsGrief — 6% of filmsTrauma — 7% of filmsMental illness — 1% of filmsAddiction — 1% of filmsIllness and disability — under 1% of filmsCommunity — 14% of films. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 5% of filmsPrejudice — 3% of filmsDisplacement — 1% of filmsFaith — 3% of filmsTradition vs change — 2% of filmsFame — 3% of filmsLegacy — 4% of filmsFate — 1% of filmsFree will — under 1% of filmsTruth — 4% of filmsHope — 5% of filmsNature — 2% of filmsArt — 4% of filmsTechnology — 1% of filmsSelfFamilybonds
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27% (this title): Romantic love 15% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% (this title) · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% · Loyalty 4%
  • Self 22%: Identity 14% · Coming of age 5% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 7% · Purpose 9% · Memory 3% · Obsession 3%
  • Power 7%: Power 2% · Corruption 3% · Greed 3% · Class 3% · Oppression 4% · Freedom 5%
  • Morality 16%: Justice 13% · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% (this title) · Betrayal 5% · Deception 9%
  • Survival 15%: Survival 17% (this title) · War 1% · Violence 4% · Mortality 2% · Grief 6% · Trauma 7% · Mental illness 1% · Addiction 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 9%: Community 14% · Isolation 5% · Prejudice 3% · Displacement 1% · Faith 3% · Tradition vs change 2% · Fame 3% · Legacy 4%
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 4% · Hope 5% · Nature 2% · Art 4% · Technology 1%

Bonds

Family bondsSurvivalSacrifice · 4% of films
Celebrates its theme: Affirms its theme — this is good and worth having.Intimate stakes: Consequences reach a person or a household.Dual lead
How it treats its themeThe film centers on the familial love and duty that sustains the trapped officers and their waiting wives.
StanceThe film celebrates family bonds and the will to survive by focusing on the personal resilience and love of the two officers and their families, despite the national tragedy.

The world

ContemporaryUrbanInstitutionalIn transitRealistic
Orchestral classicalSupportive music · original score
SettingLower Manhattan, World Trade Center complex, during the September 11 attacks

Content guide

Is World Trade Center okay for kids?

PG-13

World Trade Center is rated PG-13: “Rated PG-13 for intense and emotional content, some disturbing images and language” (MPAA). As of October 3, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at intense (65/100), sexual content at mild (15/100), language at moderate (54/100), drug and alcohol content at mild (31/100) and frightening material at severe (87/100). Overall it is heavier than 97% of PG-13-rated films.

Ratings in 19 other countries
  • UK12A
  • AustraliaM
  • Germany12
  • France12
  • Ireland15
  • South Korea12
  • Brazil12
  • Belgium12
  • Denmark15
  • FinlandK-12
  • Greece13
  • Hungary16
  • ItalyT
  • Netherlands12
  • Norway15
  • Poland12
  • PortugalM/12
  • Spain12
  • Sweden11
Overall
Intense · all five categories
Heavier than 68% of all filmsHeavier than 97% of PG-13-rated films
Violence & Gore
Intense
heavy for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 83%
Sex & Nudity
Mild
light for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 20%
Profanity
Moderate
heavy for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 78%
Alcohol & Drugs
Mild
typical for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 46%
Frightening / Intense
Severe
heavy for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 98%

Point along a line to see a well-known title at that level.

The reason to think twice is frightening material and violence.

Source: Midcredits content scores, 0 (none) to 100 (severe) per category, with each standing ranked against other films that have them.

What content warnings does World Trade Center have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in World Trade Center?

Cast

3 of the 10 billed cast had never appeared on screen; 1 of the cast already had the standing of a top-10% working actor.

Nicolas Cage
as John McLoughlin
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Maria Bello
as Donna McLoughlin
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Connor Paolo
as Steven McLoughlin
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Anthony Piccininni
as JJ McLoughlin
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Alexa Gerasimovich
as Erin McLoughlin
First film: No prior film role; they had worked in television.
Morgan Flynn
as Caitlin McLoughlin
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Michael Peña
as Will Jimeno
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
newcomer then · star now
Armando Riesco
as Antonio Rodrigues
Jay Hernandez
as Dominick Pezzulo
Rising: A short career with a standing when this film came out above the median working actor today.
Joe Starr
as Subway Rider
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.

Crew

More like this

What are movies like World Trade Center?

Movies like World Trade Center include Backdraft (1991), Ladder 49 (2004) and Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps (2010). Of the 12 closest matches, several are survival ordeal stories, and most are films set in New York.

Balanced: every group counts the same, and production only breaks ties.

8 of these 12 share its subject: family bonds. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with World Trade Center?

770 other films share the rarest tag below, premise: castaway. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.