New Additions to the National Film Registry: Celebrating Cinematic History
The Library of Congress recently announced its latest picks for the National Film Registry. This collection shines a light on American cinema’s cultural significance and preservation efforts.
Among those honored are two well-known actors, Bing Crosby and Denzel Washington. Crosby is celebrated for his roles in White Christmas (1954) and High Society (1956). Washington receives recognition for Glory (1989) and Philadelphia (1993). These films are now included in the list of the nation’s most important cinematic works.
What is the National Film Registry?
Established in 1988, the National Film Registry adds 25 films each year. It’s usually a December event, but this time, the 2025 selections were revealed in early 2026.
This year also saw a larger addition of silent films, many of which have been newly discovered or restored. Highlights include:
- The Tramp and the Dog (1896): An early comedy from Chicago that showcases “pants humor.”
- The Oath of the Sword (1914): The earliest known Asian American film.
Other exciting entries include The Maid of McMillan (1916), a student film, and Ten Nights in a Barroom (1926), featuring an all-Black cast, which is one of the few surviving films from the Colored Player Film Corporation.
Noteworthy Documentaries and Classics
Four documentaries made the cut this year. A notable mention is Ken Burns’ The Brooklyn Bridge (1981), a landmark in documentary filmmaking.
Popular films across generations were also honored, like The Big Chill (1983) and The Karate Kid (1984). Ralph Macchio, the star of the latter, expressed pride in seeing the film preserved for future audiences, highlighting the importance of maintaining cinema’s integrity.
Additionally, more recent films, such as The Truman Show (1998) and The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014), were included. Director Wes Anderson credited the Library of Congress for inspiring the visual aesthetic of his movie, demonstrating the continuing influence of historical films on modern cinema.
The Complete List
Here’s the comprehensive list of the 2025 additions:
- 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)
These films are not just entertainment; they are pieces of cultural history, reflecting societal changes and influences across the decades. The National Film Registry plays a vital role in preserving these stories for generations to come.
For a detailed look at the registry, visit the Library of Congress.
