10 Shows and Movies Similar to Oklahoma City Bombing: One Day in America (2025)

Description: This documentary series is a direct counterpart to 'Oklahoma City Bombing: One Day in America', as both are produced by the same team and follow a similar format. They provide a minute-by-minute account of the tragedies, using firsthand accounts and archival footage. The emotional tone is raw and unfiltered, aiming to honor the victims and survivors.

Fact: The series was released to coincide with the 20th anniversary of 9/1It won an Emmy for Outstanding Historical Documentary. The production team had unprecedented access to archival materials.

Description: This documentary is similar to 'Oklahoma City Bombing: One Day in America' in its unflinching examination of violence and its perpetrators. Both films challenge viewers to confront uncomfortable truths about human nature and societal complicity. The visual style is innovative and deeply unsettling.

Fact: The film was executive produced by Werner Herzog and Errol Morris. It won numerous awards, including a BAFTA for Best Documentary. The filmmakers used reenactments to explore the perpetrators' perspectives.

Description: Similar to 'Oklahoma City Bombing: One Day in America', 'The Central Park Five' is a documentary that examines a miscarriage of justice and its lasting impact. Both films highlight systemic failures and the human cost of these errors. The storytelling is empathetic and aims to give a voice to the victims.

Fact: The documentary was directed by Ken Burns, Sarah Burns, and David McMahon. It later inspired the Netflix series 'When They See Us'. The case of the Central Park Five became a symbol of racial injustice in the U.S.

Description: A companion piece to 'The Act of Killing', 'The Look of Silence' shares with 'Oklahoma City Bombing: One Day in America' a focus on the victims and their families. Both documentaries are deeply emotional and explore the long-term effects of trauma. The storytelling is intimate and powerful.

Fact: The film was also directed by Joshua Oppenheimer. It was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature. The documentary was shot in Indonesia and focuses on the 1965-66 mass killings.

Description: Like 'Oklahoma City Bombing: One Day in America', 'Citizenfour' is a real-time documentary that captures a historic event as it unfolds. Both films are tense and revelatory, offering unprecedented access to their subjects. They raise important questions about government surveillance and individual rights.

Fact: The film won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature. It features Edward Snowden's first interviews after leaking NSA documents. The director, Laura Poitras, was herself under surveillance during the filming.

Description: 'The Jinx' shares a similar investigative approach with 'Oklahoma City Bombing: One Day in America', as both delve into the minds of individuals involved in heinous crimes. The series is gripping and unfolds like a real-life thriller, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats. Both are masterclasses in documentary storytelling.

Fact: The series features a shocking confession by Robert Durst. It was directed by Andrew Jarecki, who also directed 'Capturing the Friedmans'. The finale of the series led to Durst's arrest.

Description: 'Waco' shares similarities with 'Oklahoma City Bombing: One Day in America' as both depict real-life standoffs between the U.S. government and extremist groups. The series provides a deep dive into the psychological and ideological motivations behind the Waco siege, much like the exploration of the Oklahoma City bombing. Both are intense, character-driven narratives that humanize the individuals involved.

Fact: The series stars Taylor Kitsch and Michael Shannon. It is based on the memoirs of FBI negotiator Gary Noesner. The show was criticized by some for its sympathetic portrayal of David Koresh.

Description: This documentary is a natural companion to 'Oklahoma City Bombing: One Day in America', as it covers the same event but with a broader historical context. It explores the roots of domestic terrorism in the U.S. and the impact of the bombing on the nation. Both films are thorough and thought-provoking, offering multiple perspectives on the tragedy.

Fact: The film was directed by Barak Goodman. It features interviews with survivors, law enforcement, and Timothy McVeigh's associates. The documentary was part of PBS's 'American Experience' series.

Description: Similar to 'Oklahoma City Bombing: One Day in America', 'The Looming Tower' delves into the events leading up to a major terrorist attack, focusing on the 9/11 attacks. Both series explore the failures and oversights of intelligence agencies, providing a detailed and humanized account of the tragedies. The storytelling is intense and investigative, aiming to uncover the truth behind the events.

Fact: The series is based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning book by Lawrence Wright. It features a star-studded cast including Jeff Daniels and Tahar Rahim. The show was praised for its meticulous attention to historical detail.

Description: Like 'Oklahoma City Bombing: One Day in America', 'Ruby Ridge' examines a pivotal moment in U.S. history that led to increased anti-government sentiment. Both documentaries focus on the consequences of government overreach and the radicalization of individuals. The storytelling is gripping and sheds light on the human cost of these events.

Fact: The documentary is part of the 'American Experience' series on PBS. It features interviews with key figures involved in the standoff. The event at Ruby Ridge is often cited as a catalyst for the Oklahoma City bombing.