‘The Social Network’ Among 25 Classic Films Added to National Film Registry

As the year comes to a close, The National Film Preservation Board has announced which 25 films will be entering The Library of Congress this year. Since Congress passed the National Film Preservation Act in 1988, which established the National Film Preservation Board of the Library of Congress, 25 films from a wide range of times and genres are carefully considered each year for entry into the Library of Congress. These films are deemed culturally or historically significant and will be conserved by the Library, which will make them more available to the American public.

This year, the Board has chosen, as they often set out to do, a wide range of films to join the 900 other preserved films of history, from the genre-breaking 1974 horror film The Texas Chain Saw Massacre to David Fincher’s modern masterpiece The Social Network. While additions like the 1953 sci-fi classic Invaders from Mars and the Cohen brothers’ 2007 hit No Country for Old Men seem like obvious additions, others like the 2001 Robert Rodriguez colorful classic Spy Kids, that imbued a strong feeling about thumbs in most American 2000s kid’s, might seem like out-of-the-box picks for some movie lovers. However, the Board’s recognition of the popular and genre-altering film that all ages can enjoy is the point of the inductions.

Turner Classic Media host and film historian Jacqueline Stewart talked about how the board makes their decisions in a statement.

“The National Film Registry now includes 900 titles, and what’s remarkable to me is that every year when the board talks about films and their significance, we find new titles to consider. The wealth of American film history is sometimes rather overwhelming, and people often wonder: how do you recommend this film or that film? It’s through a lot of research, conversation and discussion, and it’s through a commitment to showing the true diversity of filmmaking.” – Jacqueline Stewart

Even Student Films Are Recognized by the Board

Inductions historically range from silent films to modern hits and this year’s list is no exception. The 2024 picks include well-known films enjoyed by modern audiences, like Dirty Dancing, Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan, and Beverly Hills Cop, as well as films that are lesser appreciated, like Powwow Highway, The Chelsea Girls, and even historical black filmmaker Zora Lathan’s student films of 1975 and 1976. Stewart commented on the wide range of types of films they recognize for their cultural, historical, and aesthetic presence in history, like Lathan’s student work.

“I’m thrilled that we recognize student films and independent films, animation, documentary and experimental works, as well as feature length narrative drama, comedy, horror and science fiction on the registry this year.” – Jacqueline Stewart

Related

Iron Man Is the First MCU Film to Be Inducted Into the Library of Congress’ National Film Registry

Kevin Feige commented on the film’s induction in a recent interview.

Not only is the Board recognizing films for their importance to American audiences, but also American filmmakers. With other notable inductions like Up in Smoke, Mi Familia, and Compensation filling out the list, this year’s picks are a collage of American film history that will be preserved for future generations of filmmakers.

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