2025 National Film Registry Selections Highlight Cultural Significance of Cinema

The Library of Congress has announced the addition of 25 films to its National Film Registry for 2025, recognizing their cultural, historic, or aesthetic importance. This year's selections range from silent films dating back to 1896 to contemporary works from 2014, bringing the total number of films in the registry to 925. Notable entries include Christopher Nolan's *Inception*, the original *The Karate Kid*, Amy Heckerling's *Clueless*, and Pixar's *The Incredibles*. The registry aims to preserve American cinematic heritage for future generations.

National Film Registry Adds ‘Karate Kid’, ‘Glory’, ‘Clueless’, ‘The Incredibles’, ‘Inception’, ‘Philadelphia’ & More In Latest Class

Among the films added, *The Karate Kid* (1984) and *Clueless* (1995) represent iconic contributions to American teen cinema. Ralph Macchio, the star of *The Karate Kid*, expressed pride in the film's inclusion, emphasizing the importance of film preservation in maintaining the integrity of cinema across generations. Other significant films include Denzel Washington's *Philadelphia* (1993) and *Glory* (1989), both of which highlight critical historical narratives.

'Philadelphia,' 'Clueless,' 'The Karate Kid' added to the National Film Registry

The registry also includes several silent films, such as *The Tramp and the Dog* (1896), which is noted as one of the earliest examples of "pants humor." This film was rediscovered recently, underscoring the ongoing efforts to recover and restore lost cinematic works.

‘Clueless,’ ‘Inception,’ ‘The Incredible’ Join the Library of Congress’ Film Registry

Robert R. Newlen, Acting Librarian of Congress, stated, “When we preserve films, we preserve American culture for generations to come. These selections for the National Film Registry show us that films are instrumental in capturing important parts of our nation’s story.” This sentiment reflects the registry's mission to protect and celebrate the diverse narratives within American film history.

National Film Registry Adds ‘The Grand Budapest Hotel,’ ‘Inception,’ ‘The Incredibles’ and More

While the registry aims to honor significant films, some critics argue that the selection process lacks transparency and does not adequately represent the breadth of American cinema. Concerns have been raised about the underrepresentation of certain genres and filmmakers, particularly those from marginalized communities.

National Film Registry Adds ‘The Grand Budapest Hotel,’ ‘Inception,’ ‘The Incredibles’ and More

To celebrate the 2025 selections, Turner Classic Movies will air a special program on March 19, featuring screenings of some of the newly added films. Jacqueline Stewart, chair of the National Film Preservation Board, will host the event, highlighting the importance of these films in American culture.

National Film Registry Adds ‘The Grand Budapest Hotel,’ ‘Inception,’ ‘The Incredibles’ and More

• “I’m just proud to have walked in these shoes, and I try to pay that legacy forward. Film preservation is a way of taking that legacy and paying it forward to future generations.” — Ralph Macchio, Actor

‘Clueless,’ ‘Inception,’ ‘The Incredible’ Join the Library of Congress’ Film Registry

• “When we preserve films, we preserve American culture for generations to come.” — Robert R. Newlen, Acting Librarian of Congress

National Film Registry Adds ‘Karate Kid’, ‘Glory’, ‘Clueless’, ‘The Incredibles’, ‘Inception’, ‘Philadelphia’ & More In Latest Class

The 2025 National Film Registry selections not only celebrate individual films but also reflect the ongoing dialogue about the role of cinema in shaping and preserving cultural narratives.

National Film Registry Adds ‘The Grand Budapest Hotel,’ ‘Inception,’ ‘The Incredibles’ and More