Windows on the World was once one of the most famous restaurants in Manhattan. It occupied the 106th and 107th floors of the World Trade Center’s North Tower and was a popular destination for celebrity customers, who visited for its mesmerizing and sweeping views of the city. It was no different on September 11, 2001, when the restaurant was filled with people.

However, Windows on the World was destroyed when the North Tower collapsed that morning during the attacks. One of Manhattan’s most iconic establishments was destroyed in a matter of minutes, along with the loss of thousands of lives, in a tragedy that continues to haunt people to this day. While the horrors of the devastating event have been explored in numerous documentaries and films, is there a documentary that gives a glimpse inside the restaurant and shows what Windows on the World was like before September 11?

Yes, there is a documentary about Windows on the World. Titled Top of the World, the film is directed by Julie Cohen and Betsy West. It is based on the famous book The Most Spectacular Restaurant in the World by Tom Roston. 

The film explores the history of the restaurant, which opened on April 19, 1976, until its destruction in 2001. Following its limited release on August 28, 2026, through CNN Films, the documentary aired on CNN on September 7 of the same year. The documentary features a conversation with chef Michael Lomonaco, who had not yet arrived at the restaurant that morning and survived by chance.who was on the ground floor of the building during the attacks and managed to survive. It also includes interviews with former hostess Nathalie Tolentino and prep cook Sekou Siby.

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Apart from Top of the World, there are several more documentaries that explore the horrific events of that day. One such is the documentary Turning Point: Generation 9/11 on Netflix. 

The events of September 11, 2001, left a huge impact on people, and it is evident even several years later. Turning Point: Generation 9/11 explores how the devastating event changed and shaped an entire generation. The documentary features interviews with children who lost family members in the attacks, as well as journalists who covered the W** on Terror.

It will also feature rare archival footage and interviews. This is the fourth installment in the Turning Point franchise. The documentary was created by Brian Knappenberger and is available to stream on Netflix. 

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What do you think about the documentary, Top of the World? Let us know your take in the comments.