25 Movies Chosen For Preservation In The National Film Registry
25 Notable Films Added to the National Film Registry
The Librarian of Congress, Carla Hayden, announced today that 25 significant films have been chosen for the 2023 Library of Congress National Film Registry. These films are recognized annually for their cultural, historical, or artistic significance in preserving America’s cinematic heritage.
This year’s selections feature a range of films and filmmakers that delve into themes of history, social justice, immigrant experiences, and more. Among the selections is a 1921 educational film titled “A Movie Trip Through Filmland,” showcasing the film production process and its global influence. The most recent entries include the Oscar-winning “12 Years a Slave” and the documentary “20 Feet from Stardom.”
This year’s lineup includes notable titles such as the space drama “Apollo 13,” the holiday favorite “Home Alone,” Disney’s classic animation “Lady and the Tramp” (1955), the sci-fi hit “Terminator 2: Judgment Day,” and the festive favorite “The Nightmare Before Christmas.” The romantic sports drama “Love & Basketball” has also been recognized for its lasting impact and appeal.
With these new additions, the total number of films in the registry now stands at 875. Some of these films are part of the Library’s extensive collection of over 2 million moving images, while others are preserved by their copyright holders or different film archives.
“Films are a vital aspect of America’s cultural legacy, reflecting our nation’s stories over the past 125 years. We are excited to add 25 diverse films to the National Film Registry, preserving our history through cinema,” said Carla Hayden. “We appreciate the film community for their collaboration with the Library of Congress in safeguarding the cinematic heritage for future generations.”
Turner Classic Movies (TCM) will air a special program on December 14, starting at 8 p.m. ET, featuring a selection of this year’s newly inducted films. Hayden will join TCM host and film historian Jacqueline Stewart, who chairs the National Film Preservation Board, to discuss these films.
Stewart highlighted the importance of this year’s selections in representing a variety of American cultural experiences. She noted the inclusion of films that portray Asian American narratives, such as “Cruisin’ J-Town,” which focuses on jazz musicians in Los Angeles’ Little Tokyo, and the Bohulano Family Film collection, showcasing home movies from the Filipino community in Stockton, California. The documentary “Maya Lin: A Strong, Clear Vision,” which profiles the designer of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, is also part of this year’s selections.
In December, the Library will screen two of the newly selected holiday films as part of the Live! at the Library series, with “The Nightmare Before Christmas” on December 21 and “Home Alone” on December 28. Free timed-entry passes are available at loc.gov/visit.
Select films from the National Film Registry are also accessible online through the National Screening Room. Join the conversation about the 2023 National Film Registry on social media at @librarycongress.
Films Selected for the 2023 National Film Registry
(in chronological order)
A Movie Trip Through Filmland (1921)
Dinner at Eight (1933)
Bohulano Family Film Collection (1950s-1970s)
Helen Keller: In Her Story (1954)
Lady and the Tramp (1955)
Edge of the City (1957)
We’re Alive (1974)
Cruisin’ J-Town (1975)
¡Alambrista! (1977)
Passing Through (1977)
Fame (1980)
Desperately Seeking Susan (1985)
The Lighted Field (1987)
Matewan (1987)
Home Alone (1990)
Queen of Diamonds (1991)
Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991)
The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
The Wedding Banquet (1993)
Maya Lin: A Strong Clear Vision (1994)
Apollo 13 (1995)
Bamboozled (2000)
Love & Basketball (2000)
12 Years a Slave (2013)
20 Feet from Stardom (2013)
Public Participation in the National Film Registry
This year, the public submitted 6,875 titles for consideration. Films like “Home Alone” and “Terminator 2: Judgment Day” received substantial support.
The public can nominate films throughout the year via the Library’s website, with nominations for next year accepted until August 15, 2024. Cast your vote at loc.gov/film.
Reflections from Ron Howard on “Apollo 13”
Ron Howard, known for his role as Opie on “The Andy Griffith Show” and his work in “Happy Days” and “American Graffiti,” returned to a sense of American idealism as the director of “Apollo 13.” This film recounts the gripping tale of a 1970 lunar mission that ultimately became a testament to American ingenuity.
“It captures the essence of what the space program meant to the country and the world during that era,” Howard shared with the Library of Congress. Technical advisor Capt. David Scott, an astronaut who went to the moon, provided invaluable insights to ensure authenticity.
Howard expressed pride in the film’s accuracy and the collective effort to honor the Apollo era. “The experience was unforgettable for everyone involved,” he remarked.
Insights from Gina Prince-Bythewood on “Love & Basketball”
Gina Prince-Bythewood’s 2000 film “Love & Basketball” was a deeply personal project that took years to develop. As a high-school athlete in California and later a track star at UCLA, she infused her own experiences into the story.
“Much of the film was autobiographical,” she noted. “Monica’s journey as an athlete and her feelings of being different resonated with my own experiences.”
Initially aspiring to write for soap operas, Prince-Bythewood wanted to create a romantic comedy that reflected her identity. After years of frustration with the lack of representation in film, she dedicated over a year to developing her script, which became a beloved romantic sports narrative.
“I wanted to tell a love story set in a basketball context,” she explained. The film’s success defined her career and opened doors for future projects.
“It’s humbling to see its impact; it established my voice as a filmmaker,” Prince-Bythewood concluded.