Get Ready to Rewind! Iconic Films Like 'The Karate Kid,' 'Glory,' and 'Clueless' Just Got a Major Honor!
Prepare to be amazed as the Library of Congress unveils its latest selections for the National Film Registry, a prestigious honor bestowed upon films deemed to have profound cultural, historic, or aesthetic significance to America's cinematic legacy. This year's announcement is a dazzling spectrum, ranging from the silent era's earliest whispers in 1896 all the way to the visually stunning and critically acclaimed The Grand Budapest Hotel from 2014.
But here's where it gets really exciting: the list isn't just about old classics. It's a vibrant tapestry of storytelling that includes some of your absolute favorites! Imagine seeing Christopher Nolan's mind-bending masterpiece, Inception, alongside the powerful Civil War drama, Glory. And who could forget the original The Karate Kid, teaching us all about the wax-on, wax-off technique? Pixar's beloved animated superhero family, The Incredibles, also made the cut, as did the sharp-witted, fashion-forward Clueless. Plus, two beloved musicals, White Christmas from 1954 and High Society from 1956, are set to be preserved for eternity.
And this is the part most people miss: the registry isn't just about entertainment. It's about preserving the very essence of our nation's story through film. This year's additions also include the impactful AIDS drama Philadelphia starring Tom Hanks, the thought-provoking The Truman Show, the romantic beginnings of Before Sunrise, the vibrant biopic Frida, and the chilling 1982 cult sci-fi horror classic The Thing. Interestingly, The Thing was a fan favorite, garnering the most nomination votes from the public – a testament to its enduring appeal!
Beyond the big blockbusters and dramas, the registry also shines a light on the power of documentaries. Four compelling non-fiction works were selected: Ken Burns’ Brooklyn Bridge, Nancy Buirski’s The Loving Story, George Nierenberg’s Say Amen, Somebody, and Danny Tedesco’s The Wrecking Crew. These films offer unique perspectives on pivotal moments and unsung heroes.
With these 25 new additions, the National Film Registry now boasts a grand total of 925 titles. These films are meticulously preserved, with some residing within the Library of Congress's vast 2 million moving image collection, while others are safeguarded in partnership with copyright holders and other esteemed film archives. As Acting Librarian of Congress Robert R. Newlen so eloquently put it, "When we preserve films, we preserve American culture for generations to come." These selections truly underscore how films act as powerful vessels for capturing the significant chapters of our national narrative.
So, what do you think of this year's National Film Registry selections? Are there any films you feel were snubbed, or any surprising inclusions that sparked your interest? Let us know in the comments below – we'd love to hear your thoughts!
The Full List of 2025 National Film Registry Inductees:
- The Tramp and the Dog (1896)
- The Oath of the Sword (1914)
- The Maid of McMillan (1916)
- The Lady (1925)
- Sparrows (1926)
- Ten Nights in a Barroom (1926)
- White Christmas (1954)
- High Society (1956)
- Brooklyn Bridge (1981)
- Say Amen, Somebody (1982)
- The Thing (1982)
- The Big Chill (1983)
- The Karate Kid (1984)
- Glory (1989)
- Philadelphia (1993)
- Before Sunrise (1995)
- Clueless (1995)
- The Truman Show (1998)
- Frida (2002)
- The Hours (2002)
- The Incredibles (2004)
- The Wrecking Crew (2008)
- Inception (2010)
- The Loving Story (2011)
- The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014)
