World Trade Center
Performance & Direction: World Trade Center Review
Last updated: January 31, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is World Trade Center (2006) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 6.1/10. 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 World Trade Center features a noteworthy lineup led by Nicolas Cage . Supported by the likes of Maria Bello and Connor Paolo , 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?
Story & Plot Summary: World Trade Center
Quick Plot Summary: World Trade Center is a Drama, History, Thriller 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. Two police officers struggle to survive when they become trapped beneath the rubble of the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. 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: World Trade Center
Ending Breakdown: World Trade Center concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents 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 by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the drama themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of World Trade Center reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
World Trade Center Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
World Trade Center draws heavily from documented historical records. As a drama, history, thriller film, it navigates the space between factual accuracy and narrative engagement.
Historical Context
The film takes creative liberties to enhance dramatic impact. Core events maintain connection to source material while adapting for theatrical presentation.
Creative interpretation shapes the final narrative, with attention to period detail and historical context.
Accuracy Assessment: World Trade Center adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.
Who Should Watch World Trade Center?
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: World Trade Center
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $65.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $163.2M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
World Trade Center Budget
The estimated production budget for World Trade Center is $65.0M. 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: World Trade Center
All Cast & Crew →
Where to Watch World Trade Center Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Apple TV Store
Amazon Video🏷️ Buy on
Apple TV StoreWorld Trade Center Parents Guide & Age Rating
2006 AdvisoryWondering about World Trade Center age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of World Trade Center is 129 minutes (2h 9m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.1/10, and global performance metrics, World Trade Center is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 2006 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is World Trade Center worth watching?
World Trade Center is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies. It has a verified rating of 6.1/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find World Trade Center parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for World Trade Center identifies it as PG-13. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of World Trade Center?
The total duration of World Trade Center is 129 minutes, which is approximately 2h 9m long.
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Critic Reviews for World Trade Center
This film marks the end, the absolute end of Oliver Stone's work. Alexander wasn't great, but you still had that Oliver Stone vibe when you watched it. You still knew who was making it. World Trade Center is Stone directing a Lifetime movie with an enormous budget. It's competently made...but it's doesn't feel like it's Oliver Stone signed sealed, and delivered. Once upon a time you could sit down and watch a movie and knew he directed it without even knowing the title. Now, well, after Alexander, you can tell he had a hand in the script and that's really it. WTC doesn't have the mark of Oliver Stone on it and, honestly it sucks because of it.
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.
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