Summary
You know how we have a hall of fame for legendary sports figures, right? Well, there’s something similar for movies too – the National Film Registry. Just like a rare baseball card being added to a collector’s prized trove, 25 more iconic films like ‘Texas Chainsaw Massacre,’ ‘Star Trek II: Wrath of Khan,’ and ‘The Social Network’ are being inducted into this cinematic treasure chest, taking the tally to 900! It’s fascinating, isn’t it, how the registry, kind of like a time capsule, is preserving these significant cultural artifacts for future generations to appreciate and learn from.
Key Points
• The National Film Preservation Board has added 25 new movies to the National Film Registry, bringing the total to 900.
• The selection spans across genres and over a century, from the 1885 silent documentary “Annabelle Serpentine Dance” to the 2010 Facebook origin story “The Social Network.”
• More than 6,700 titles were considered for inclusion, but only 25 were chosen based on their “cultural, historic or aesthetic importance to preserve the nation’s film heritage,” as stated by Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden.
• The public can nominate movies for the National Film Registry list via the Library of Congress’ website until Aug. 15, 2025.
• A TV special by Turner Classic Movies (TCM) honoring the new additions to the registry will air on Dec. 18 at 8 p.m. ET.
Background
• The National Film Registry was established in 1988 as part of the National Film Preservation Act. Its purpose is to preserve films that are culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant. The registry includes films ranging from Hollywood classics to lesser-known but important motion pictures. Each year, 25 films that are at least 10 years old are selected for inclusion.
Future Implications
• The continuing expansion of the National Film Registry ensures the preservation of significant movies and the diverse history of American cinema. This selection process highlights the importance of film as a medium for storytelling and cultural expression. The annual additions to the registry will continue to influence and inform future generations about the evolution of cinema and its impact on society.
