United 93
Performance & Direction: United 93 Review
Last updated: January 24, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is United 93 (2006) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 7.1/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Drama.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Drama is often anchored by its ensemble, and United 93 features a noteworthy lineup led by J.J. Johnson . Supported by the likes of Gary Commock and Polly Adams , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of United 93 (2006) is generally positive. With an audience rating of 7.1/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Story & Plot Summary: United 93
Quick Plot Summary: United 93 is a Drama, History, Crime, Thriller, Action film that explores complex human emotions and relationships through detailed character development. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Story Breakdown
This character-driven narrative explores the internal and external conflicts that define the human experience. A real-time account of the events on United Flight 93, one of the planes hijacked on 9/11 that crashed near Shanksville, Pennsylvania when passengers foiled the terrorist plot. The screenplay takes time to develop its characters, allowing audiences to connect emotionally with their struggles and triumphs. Each scene builds upon the last, creating a cumulative emotional impact.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: We meet the main character in their ordinary world, establishing the emotional baseline before the inciting incident disrupts their life.
- Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. The arc is present but occasionally predictable.
- Climax & Resolution: The emotional climax brings character arcs to their natural conclusion, providing catharsis while staying true to the story's core themes.
Ending Explained: United 93
Ending Breakdown: United 93 resolves its central conflict while maintaining thematic consistency. The finale has been praised for its approach to drama resolution.
The final reveal recontextualizes earlier scenes, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes with clear resolution of its central conflicts, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Main characters complete meaningful transformations, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the drama themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of United 93 reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
United 93 Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
United 93 draws heavily from documented historical records. As a drama, history, crime, thriller, action film, it navigates the space between factual accuracy and narrative engagement.
Historical Context
The film balances historical fidelity with cinematic storytelling. Core events maintain connection to source material while adapting for theatrical presentation.
The production demonstrates respect for its source material, with attention to period detail and historical context.
Accuracy Assessment: United 93 adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.
Who Should Watch United 93?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Drama films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want a character-driven story with emotional moments
Box Office Collection: United 93
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $15.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $76.3M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
United 93 Budget
The estimated production budget for United 93 is $15.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
Top Cast: United 93
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Where to Watch United 93 Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Amazon VideoUnited 93 Parents Guide & Age Rating
2006 AdvisoryWondering about United 93 age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of United 93 is 111 minutes (1h 51m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 7.1/10, and global performance metrics, United 93 is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 2006 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is United 93 worth watching?
United 93 is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies. It has a verified rating of 7.1/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find United 93 parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for United 93 identifies it as R. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of United 93?
The total duration of United 93 is 111 minutes, which is approximately 1h 51m long.
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Critic Reviews for United 93
A remarkable film that I didn't want to watch but felt compelled to and felt numb at the very end. Stunningly stark in its portrayal of the events of that day, Paul Greengrass produced a film that one can never forget.
**United 93 is not an easy film to watch, but it honors the unprecedented circumstances of United 93 on September 11.** United 93 is the sobering story of the bravery of the hostages that fought to retake United 93 on September 11, 2001. Paul Greengrass masterfully captured the chaos and panic of September 11 as the military, government, FAA, and airlines all scrambled to respond to the terrorist crisis. The movie takes a few minutes before the frenzy is unleashed, but once it does, the tension and heart-pounding don’t stop until the credits roll. This film is not a feel-good or heartwarming movie because it perfectly depicts the terror the passenger experienced and the power of their courage in such extraordinary circumstances. It’s significant to see, understand, and experience that day through the perspectives of so many trying to protect the lives of those in danger.
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.