Twenty-Five Cinematic Treasures Join National Film Registry for 2025
The Library of Congress has unveiled its latest selections for the National Film Registry, preserving twenty-five culturally, historically, and aesthetically significant motion pictures for future generations. This year's eclectic list spans over a century of cinema, from an 1896 silent comedy to a meticulously crafted 2014 Wes Anderson masterpiece.
A Century-Spanning Selection of Cinematic History
Since 1988, the Library has annually chosen twenty-five films at least ten years old for this honour. The 2025 inductees represent a remarkable journey through film history. The oldest selection is William Selig's The Tramp and the Dog from 1896, a silent film once considered lost until its 2021 rediscovery in Norway. It is noted as an early example of slapstick "pants humour." The newest film preserved is Wes Anderson's The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014), praised for its detailed historical research and visual artistry.
Notable Inductees from Hollywood's Golden Age to Modern Classics
The registry continues its mission to safeguard diverse cinematic achievements. Highlights from this year's list include:
- High Society (1956): Dubbed "the last great musical of the Golden Age of Hollywood," it starred Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, and Grace Kelly in her final film role before her royal marriage.
- Brooklyn Bridge (1981): Ken Burns' first PBS documentary, establishing him as a trusted public historian through the story of the iconic landmark's construction.
- The Karate Kid (1984): Celebrated as a quintessential American blend of hero's journey, sports drama, and teen movie.
- Glory (1989): The powerful Civil War drama featuring Denzel Washington's Oscar-winning performance.
- Philadelphia (1993): A landmark studio film confronting the HIV/AIDS crisis, starring Oscar-winner Tom Hanks.
- Clueless (1995): Amy Heckerling's iconic teen comedy, a clever adaptation of Jane Austen's Emma that captured 1990s pop culture.
- Inception (2010): Christopher Nolan's mind-bending thriller, recognised for its complex narrative layers and groundbreaking visual effects.
Documentaries, Student Films, and Cultural Milestones
The selection also honours important documentary work and pioneering films. Alongside Ken Burns' Brooklyn Bridge, the list includes The Wrecking Crew (2008), a documentary about legendary studio musicians. A significant historical entry is Ten Nights in a Barroom (1926), a silent film with an all-Black cast based on a 1854 temperance novel.
Notably, The Maid of McMillan (1916), a whimsical fifteen-minute silent romance shot by Washington University students, is recognised as the first student film on record.
Celebration and Screening Plans
To celebrate these additions, Turner Classic Movies will host a special television broadcast on 19th March, screening a curated selection of the newly preserved films. This annual tradition highlights the enduring importance of film preservation in understanding cultural history and artistic achievement.
The full list of 2025 National Film Registry inductees showcases the rich tapestry of American cinema, ensuring that these influential works remain accessible for study and appreciation for years to come.
