War of the Worlds and 9/11: A Blockbuster Reappraisal
Originally published Jun 9, 2026
By Matt Goldberg · Letterboxd Journal
AI-generated summary based on Letterboxd Journal · Aggregated by Filmarian · Human-reviewed and approved on Jul 3, 2026
Key points
- Steven Spielberg's War of the Worlds redefined blockbuster filmmaking by addressing the chaos of 9/11.
- The film's alien invasion parallels the real-life trauma and fear experienced during the 9/11 attacks.
- Unlike other films of the era, Spielberg's approach offered a nuanced and emotionally resonant portrayal of disaster.
As Disclosure Day approaches, Matt Goldberg reflects on how Steven Spielberg's 2005 film War of the Worlds redefined blockbuster filmmaking by confronting the chaos and trauma of 9/11. The film's depiction of alien invasion parallels the real-life events of September 11, 2001, capturing the fear, confusion, and devastation experienced by civilians. Unlike earlier films that either leaned into jingoism or attempted to find meaning in the aftermath, Spielberg's approach offered a more nuanced and emotionally resonant portrayal of disaster. The article highlights how War of the Worlds stood out in the 2000s by addressing the scale and emotional weight of 9/11 in a way that resonated with audiences.
Read the original story: Letterboxd Journal — by Matt Goldberg
