National Film Registry Adds 25 Historic Films Spanning 1903–1998

In late 2016, the Library of Congress announced that twenty-five films released between 1903 and 1998 would be inducted into the National Film Registry. The selections span a wide range of genres, including blockbusters, documentaries, silent films, animation, shorts, independent features, and experimental motion pictures. With the addition of these titles, the total number of films preserved in the National Film Registry reached approximately 700.

Only an estimated 14% of all silent films ever produced are known to still exist today, with many lost to time due to decay, neglect, or lack of preservation resources. Inclusion in the National Film Registry helps ensure that selected works will remain available for future generations to study and appreciate.

“These films reflect the history and culture of our nation and serve as a mirror of our collective experiences,” said then–Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden. Preservation through the Registry safeguards not only entertainment but historical memory.

Below is the complete list of films inducted into the National Film Registry during this announcement:

• The Atomic Café (1982)
• Ball of Fire (1941)
• The Beau Brummels (1928)
• The Birds (1963)
• Blackboard Jungle (1955)
• The Breakfast Club (1985)
• The Decline of Western Civilization (1981)
• East of Eden (1955)
• Funny Girl (1968)
• Life of an American Fireman (1903)
• The Lion King (1994)
• Lost Horizon (1937)
• Paris Is Burning (1990)
• Point Blank (1967)
• The Princess Bride (1987)
• Putney Swope (1969)
• Rushmore (1998)
• Solomon Sir Jones Films (1924–1928)
• Steamboat Bill, Jr. (1928)
• Suzanne, Suzanne (1982)
• Thelma & Louise (1991)
• 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea (1916)
• A Walk in the Sun (1945)
• Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988)