Library of Congress Adds 25 Films to National Registry

America's most cherished films just got official recognition for helping tell our nation's story.

The Library of Congress announced 25 new additions to the National Film Registry, a collection that preserves movies for their cultural, historic, or aesthetic importance. The 2025 selections span more than a century of filmmaking, from six silent films dating back to 1896 through 2014's "The Grand Budapest Hotel."

This year's list reads like a greatest hits album of American cinema. Iconic movies like "The Karate Kid," "Glory," "Philadelphia," and teen comedy classic "Clueless" earned their place alongside Golden Age musicals "White Christmas" and "High Society." Mind-bending thriller "Inception" and Pixar's beloved "The Incredibles" also made the cut.

Ralph Macchio reflected on what made "The Karate Kid" endure for decades. "The magic of Pat Morita as Mr. Miyagi and me as the Daniel LaRusso character, that instant soulful magic was happening from our first meeting," he told the Library. "The waxing on of the car, the painting the fences, the sanding the floor, all of that is now a part of cinematic pop culture."

Director Amy Heckerling shared how "Clueless" became her antidote to negativity. "I would get up, read the news and just want to cry and be depressed. So I thought, what if you really were always positive?" she recalled. Her modern take on Jane Austen's "Emma" became a cultural touchstone that still resonates today.

Four powerful documentaries also joined the registry: Ken Burns' "Brooklyn Bridge," "The Loving Story," "Say Amen, Somebody," and "The Wrecking Crew." These films captured real American stories that might otherwise have been forgotten.

Why This Inspires

This year's selections show something beautiful about preservation. By protecting these films, we're not just saving old movies. We're keeping alive the stories that shaped how Americans see themselves and their world.

The registry listened to moviegoers too. "The Thing" topped public nominations and earned its spot, along with highly requested titles like "The Truman Show" and "The Incredibles." Your voice helped determine which films future generations will treasure.

The collection now holds 925 films, with some stored at the Library of Congress and others preserved through partnerships with copyright holders and film archives. Turner Classic Movies will celebrate the new additions with a special screening event on March 19.

Acting Librarian of Congress Robert R. Newlen captured why this work matters: "When we preserve films, we preserve American culture for generations to come."

These movies made us laugh, cry, and see the world differently, and now they'll inspire audiences for centuries ahead.