Library of Congress Adds 25 Films Including 'Clueless' and 'Inception' to Registry
The Library of Congress on Jan. 29 added 25 films, from 1896's The Tramp and the Dog to 2014's The Grand Budapest Hotel, to the National Film Registry.
Overview
The Library of Congress on Jan. 29 announced it added 25 films to the National Film Registry, including Amy Heckerling's Clueless (1995), Christopher Nolan's Inception (2010) and Brad Bird's The Incredibles (2004), the agency said.
Acting Librarian of Congress Robert R. Newlen said in a release, "When we preserve films, we preserve American culture for generations to come," explaining the selections were made for cultural, historic or aesthetic significance.
Ralph Macchio told the Library of Congress he was "amazingly proud" that The Karate Kid was included, and director Wes Anderson said in a statement that the Library's collections helped shape The Grand Budapest Hotel, records show.
The new class spans films dated 1896 through 2014, raises the registry total to 925 titles and followed 7,559 submissions this year, with John Carpenter's The Thing receiving the most public requests, the Library said.
Turner Classic Movies will air a selection of the new additions on March 19, and the Library of Congress said it will coordinate preservation and restorations with rights holders, though the agency did not explain why the 2025 list was announced in 2026.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources use a playful, celebratory tone that emphasizes crowd-pleasers like 'Clueless' and 'Inception,' amplifying Library of Congress descriptors and accolades (Oscars, filmmakers). Editorial choices — lively lead, selective emphasis on familiar titles, and prominent registry descriptions — produce an affirmative preservation narrative rather than a critical or contested account.
Sources (5)
FAQ
Films must be at least 10 years old and demonstrate cultural, historic, or aesthetic significance.
The Librarian of Congress selects 25 films annually after reviewing public nominations and consulting with the National Film Preservation Board and Library curators.
The addition of 25 films brings the total to 925 titles.
Yes, the public can nominate up to 50 films each year via the online form, with nominations for the 2026 Registry currently accepted.
John Carpenter's The Thing received the most public requests.
History
This story does not have any previous versions.