What were you doing on September 11, 2001? Anyone who is old enough to remember the September 11th attacks likely still remembers precisely where they were and what they were doing that day. I was in college at the time and working at a chain drug store. That Tuesday morning, I was at work when I heard from a customer that an airplane had just crashed into the World Trade Center. At first, we all thought maybe they were wrong or that it was an accidental crash. We turned on a small TV in the pharmacy to find out what was happening and watched in horror as a second plane hit the south tower. Then we knew immediately that it was no accident.

Most of us probably remember September 11th so clearly that it doesn’t seem like it happened that long ago. It’s hard to believe that it was actually 20 years ago. It recently occurred to me that kids who are currently school age weren’t even born yet on 9/11/2001. It’s essential that we teach our kids about September 11th. One way to do that is by using videos. These are some of the videos I’ve found about September 11th. Most of them are suitable for all ages unless noted otherwise. However, I recommend that you preview them first to make sure they are appropriate for your children.

September 11th Videos

The Man in the Red Bandana – This video tells the story of equity trader and former Boston College lacrosse player Welles Crowther, who led numerous people to safety after terrorists struck the World Trade Center.

BOATLIFT – An Untold Tale of 9/11 Resilience – Tom Hanks narrates this story of how boat captains evacuated half a million people from the piers and seawalls of Lower Manhattan after the September 11th attack. This became the largest sea evacuation in history.

In My Seat – This is the story of First Officer Steve Schreiber, who expected to pilot American Airlines Flight 11 from Boston to Los Angeles, but never got the call. Mr. Schreiber shares his Christian faith in this video.

BrainPOP: September 11th – BrainPOP’s animated video explains what happened on September 11th and why. The website also provides worksheets, a quiz, related reading, and other resources to accompany the video.

Reading Rainbow: The Tin Forrest – Host LeVar Burton visits a school in New York City a year after September 11th to ask a class about their experiences. Jeff Bridges reads The Tin Forest, which is a story about a lonely man who builds a metal forest of trees and animals in hopes of attracting real animals to ease his sadness.

9-11 Video – This video gives a simple explanation of September 11th using illustrations. The video is from a Christian perspective and was created for younger kids.

What Happened On September 11, 2001? – This video explains the events of 9/11 using images and text. Because the video isn’t narrated, it likely wouldn’t be a good fit for children who can’t read yet.

September 11: Explanation and Heroes – Elementary school principal Randy Maurer explains what happens on September11th. The video also features the September 11 Memorial and celebrates heroes.

PragerU: What Happened on 9/11? – CJ Pearson, of PragerU, explains the events and causes of the September 11th terrorist attacks.

Hero Dogs of 9/11– This is a tribute to the more than 300 search and rescue dogs that helped in the rescue effort at the World Trade Center.

The Little Chapel That Stood – The children’s book, The Little Chapel That Stood, is read aloud in this video. The book explains what happened on September 11th and how the chapel next to the World Trade Center withstood the attacks.

Ducksters: September 11 Attacks – Ducksters provides a brief video explanation of the attacks, an article, and a multiple-choice quiz.

CrashCourse: Terrorism, War, and Bush 43 – CrashCourse’s video for high school students covers the presidency of George W. Bush, the September 11th attacks, and The War on Terror.

Remembering September 11 – A teacher put this video together to show her students. It’s a memorial slideshow set to instrumental music.

9/11 Facts for Kids – Two children share details about the September 11th terrorist attacks.

NeoK12: 9/11 Attack – This video is a compilation of news clips about the September 11th attacks. The video is suggested for middle school and high school aged students.

9/11 Memorial & Museum – Explore the museum with this interactive video-based virtual tour. Viewers can select different paths through the museum’s exhibits.

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Note: This post was originally published on August 26, 2020 and has been updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.