Library of Congress Announces 2025 National Film Registry Inductions

The Library of Congress has announced its latest additions to the National Film Registry, a collection dedicated to preserving culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant American films.

Two actors received recognition for multiple films inducted this year: Bing Crosby with 'White Christmas' (1954) and 'High Society' (1956), and Denzel Washington with 'Glory' (1989) and 'Philadelphia' (1993).

Established in 1988, the National Film Registry inducts 25 films annually.

Typically announced in December, the 2025 selections were announced in 2026; no explanation for the delayed announcement was provided.

Notable Additions

Silent Films

Six silent films were included, a higher number than in previous years, many of which were recently discovered or restored. Notable silent additions include 'The Tramp and the Dog' (1896), an early comedic film, and 'The Oath of the Sword' (1914), recognized as the earliest known Asian American film. Further silent film additions include the first recorded student film from 1916 by Washington University in St Louis, and 'Ten Nights in a Barroom' (1926), a melodrama featuring an all-Black cast.

Documentaries

Four documentaries were added, among them Ken Burns' early major work, 'The Brooklyn Bridge' (1981).

Familiar Classics

Well-known additions include 'The Big Chill' (1983) and several films popular with Generation X audiences: 'Before Sunrise' (1995), 'Clueless' (1995), and 'The Karate Kid' (1984).

Contemporary Films

Additional contemporary films added include 'The Truman Show' (1998), 'Frida' (2002), 'The Incredibles' (2004), and 'The Grand Budapest Hotel' (2014).

Ralph Macchio, star of 'The Karate Kid,' stated to the Library of Congress that the National Film Registry and film preservation are important for maintaining the integrity of cinema for future generations.

Director Wes Anderson noted that the Library of Congress's photocrom collection inspired the visual style of 'The Grand Budapest Hotel.'

Full List of 2025 National Film Registry Inductees (Chronological Order)

• '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)