Imagine a world where the most groundbreaking, heartwarming, and thought-provoking films are at risk of being lost forever. That’s why the National Film Registry exists—to ensure these cinematic treasures are preserved for future generations. And this year, the lineup is nothing short of extraordinary. Among the 25 films selected for preservation are Christopher Nolan’s mind-bending thriller Inception, Amy Heckerling’s iconic coming-of-age comedy Clueless, and Richard Linklater’s intimate drama Before Sunrise. But here’s where it gets even more fascinating: the list spans over a century of filmmaking, from the silent film era to modern classics, showcasing the incredible diversity of American cinema.
The Librarian of Congress has deemed these films “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant,” ensuring that works like the 1989 war epic Glory, the martial arts classic The Karate Kid, and the groundbreaking historical drama Philadelphia will endure. Pixar’s animated masterpiece The Incredibles, Wes Anderson’s whimsical The Grand Budapest Hotel, and the biographical drama Frida also made the cut. But here’s where it gets controversial: should films like The Thing or The Truman Show be considered as culturally impactful as older classics?
This year’s selections include six silent films from 1896 to 1926, such as The Tramp and the Dog and The Lady, highlighting the pioneering spirit of early American cinema. Classic Hollywood is represented by the 1954 musical White Christmas and the star-studded romantic comedy High Society, featuring legends like Bing Crosby and Grace Kelly. Other notable additions include Ken Burns’ documentary Brooklyn Bridge, the ensemble dramedy The Big Chill, and the dystopian satire The Truman Show.
“When we preserve films, we preserve American culture for generations to come,” said Acting Librarian of Congress Robert R. Newlen. “These selections capture important parts of our nation’s story, and we’re proud to protect our cinematic heritage.” This year’s additions bring the total number of films in the registry to 925, with Turner Classic Movies hosting a special screening of some new entrants on March 19.
TCM host and film historian Jacqueline Stewart celebrated the inclusion of silent films, noting, “It’s meaningful to see the range of topics and styles from the earliest years of American filmmaking.” She also highlighted the public’s role in nominating films like The Thing, The Truman Show, and The Incredibles, which received strong support. But here’s a question for you: Are we preserving the right films? Which movies do you think deserve a spot in the registry but haven’t made it yet?
Here’s the full list of films selected for the 2025 National Film Registry:
• 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)
So, what do you think? Are these films truly the best representatives of American cinema? Let us know in the comments—we’d love to hear your thoughts!
