The Library of Congress has unveiled its prestigious annual selections for the National Film Registry, with 25 cinematic works from across the decades being honoured for their enduring cultural, historical, and aesthetic significance. The 2025 inductees span an impressive timeline, from the silent era of the late 19th century right up to the early 21st century, showcasing the rich tapestry of American filmmaking.
A Century of Cinematic Excellence Preserved
Each year, the Library of Congress meticulously chooses 25 films for inclusion in the National Film Registry, a programme dedicated to ensuring the preservation of motion pictures that hold substantial importance to the nation's cultural heritage. The 2025 list continues this vital mission, recognising films that have left an indelible mark on audiences and the industry alike.
From Silent Classics to Modern Masterpieces
The selections for this year are notably diverse, featuring six silent films that date from as early as 1896. These pioneering works include The Tramp and the Dog from 1896, The Oath of the Sword (1914), The Maid of McMillan (1916), The Lady (1925), Sparrows (1926), and Ten Nights in a Barroom (1926). At the other end of the spectrum, the most contemporary film to join the registry is Wes Anderson's acclaimed 2014 feature, The Grand Budapest Hotel.
The full roster of inductees represents a wide array of genres and eras, ensuring that the registry reflects the breadth of cinematic achievement. Among the honoured titles are:
- White Christmas (1954) – The beloved musical starring Bing Crosby
- High Society (1956) – The musical comedy with Frank Sinatra and Grace Kelly
- Brooklyn Bridge (1981) – Ken Burns' documentary
- Say Amen, Somebody (1982) – A documentary on gospel music
- The Thing (1982) – John Carpenter's sci-fi horror classic
- The Big Chill (1983) – The ensemble drama about baby boomers
- The Karate Kid (1984) – The iconic underdog sports film
- Glory (1989) – The historical war drama
- Philadelphia (1993) – The groundbreaking AIDS drama
- Before Sunrise (1995) – Richard Linklater's romantic masterpiece
- Clueless (1995) – The defining teen comedy
- The Truman Show (1998) – The prescient satire on reality television
- Frida (2002) – The biopic of artist Frida Kahlo
- The Hours (2002) – The literary adaptation
- The Incredibles (2004) – Pixar's superhero animated film
- The Wrecking Crew (2008) – The documentary about session musicians
- Inception (2010) – Christopher Nolan's mind-bending thriller
- The Loving Story (2011) – The documentary on the landmark civil rights case
Celebrating Film as Cultural Artefact
This annual announcement underscores the Library of Congress's commitment to safeguarding America's filmic legacy. By selecting works as varied as the silent short The Tramp and the Dog and the complex narrative of Inception, the registry highlights how cinema evolves while retaining its power to reflect and shape society. The inclusion of documentaries like Brooklyn Bridge and The Loving Story further emphasises the medium's role in documenting historical events and social movements.
For film enthusiasts and historians, the 2025 National Film Registry list offers a compelling snapshot of cinematic milestones. It invites audiences to revisit these classics, appreciating their artistic merit and enduring relevance within the broader context of American culture.
