Movies and documentaries about the January 6 attack on the U.S. capitol: How to stream online
How filmmakers have documented the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol, and where to stream the most essential films.
The United States will never forget January 6, 2021, the day a mob of supporters of then-President Donald Trump attacked the U.S. Capitol in an effort to stop Congress from certifying Joe Biden as the next president.
How the Capitol attack unfolded
Two months earlier, Biden had defeated Trump in the 2020 presidential election. Trump, however, falsely claimed the vote had been “stolen” by radical-left Democrats and repeated those claims publicly in the weeks that followed. On January 6, he delivered a speech near the White House that many critics believe encouraged supporters to attempt what amounted to a self-coup.
According to the FBI, between 2,000 and 2,500 people entered the Capitol during the attack, which caused an estimated $2.7 million in damage. Two rioters and two rallygoers died that day. One Capitol Police officer died of a stroke the following day, and four additional officers later died by suicide in the months that followed.
Arrests, injuries and legal fallout
More than 1,500 people were charged in connection with the attack, including Trump. At least 174 police officers were injured, along with an unknown number of rioters.
How filmmakers have documented January 6
Given the scale and significance of the event, numerous films and documentaries have attempted to capture what happened and why. Some focus on the violence inside the Capitol, others on the political lies that fueled it, and several examine the broader forces that led to January 6.
Below are several documentaries that offer different ways to revisit one of the most disturbing moments in recent American history.
Jack Smith in just-released House Committee interview … about Trump:
— Scott MacFarlane (@MacFarlaneNews) December 31, 2025
“The attack that happened at the Capitol … does not happen without him. The other co-conspirators were doing this for his benefit” pic.twitter.com/HfcPiCZfCJ
America’s Great Divide: From Obama to Trump (Jan 2020)
What’s it about? A Frontline documentary on rising U.S. political divisions, providing context for Jan 6.
Where to stream: PBS Frontline website
Whose Vote Counts (Oct 2020)
What’s it about? A frontline special exploring how unfounded claims of voter fraud entered mainstream politics.
Where to stream: PBS Frontline website
American Voices: A Nation in Turmoil (Nov 2020)
What’s it about? A post-election Frontline special on political polarization and tensions in the U.S.
Where to stream: PBS Frontline website
Trump’s American Carnage (Jan 2021)
What’s it about? A Frontline documentary tracing Trump’s role in the attack and the events leading up to Jan 6.
Where to stream: PBS Frontline website
American Insurrection (Apr 2021, updated Jan 2022)
What’s it about? A Frontline & ProPublica investigative look at extremist movements and the Capitol attack.
Where to stream: PBS Frontline website
Day of Rage: How Trump Supporters Took the U.S. Capitol (2021)
What’s it about? A short documentary using social media and police footage to show how Jan. 6 attack unfolded.
Where to stream: The New York Times website / YouTube
Four Hours at the Capitol (Oct 2021)
What’s it about? An HBO documentary chronicling the four hours of chaos at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6.
Where to stream: HBO Max
United States of Conspiracy (Jan 2022)
What’s it about? Examines conspiracy theories that spread from the fringes into the White House.
Where to stream: PBS Frontline website
Plot to Overturn the Election (Mar 2022)
What’s it about? A Frontline documentary tracing the false election fraud claims that fueled the Jan. 6 attack.
Where to stream: PBS Frontline website
Pelosi’s Power (Mar 2022)
What’s it about? Examines Nancy Pelosi’s career and her role as a target during the Jan. 6 attack.
Where to stream: PBS Frontline website
Lies, Politics and Democracy (Sep 2022)
What’s it about? Investigates how political leaders spread lies that helped fuel extremism around Jan. 6.
Where to stream: PBS Frontline website
Michael Flynn’s Holy War (Oct 2022)
What’s it about? Chronicles Michael Flynn’s far-right activism leading to the environment around Jan. 6.
Where to stream: PBS Frontline website
This Place Rules (2022)
What’s it about? Andrew Callaghan’s HBO Max documentary on MAGA culture and the Capitol riot.
Where to stream: HBO Max
The Insurrectionist Next Door (Oct 2023)
What’s it about? An HBO documentary featuring interviews with people charged in the Jan 6 attack.
Where to stream: HBO Max
A Storm Foretold (2023)
What’s it about? Examines Roger Stone and extremist movements that helped set the stage for Jan. 6.
Where to stream: Prime Video / Apple TV
The Sixth (May 2024)
What’s it about? A documentary presenting first-hand accounts of the Capitol attack.
Where to stream: Prime Video
Public Defender (May 2024)
What’s it about? Follows a lawyer defending individuals charged in connection with Jan. 6.
Where to stream: PBS / select streaming platforms
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