25 Films Added to National Film Registry

Iconic movies like 'The Karate Kid,' 'Clueless,' and 'The Incredibles' join the prestigious list.

Jan. 29, 2026 at 10:47am

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The Library of Congress has announced the 25 films that will be added to its National Film Registry, including classics like 'The Karate Kid,' 'Clueless,' and 'The Grand Budapest Hotel.' The selections were made for their 'cultural, historic or aesthetic importance,' according to library officials.

Why it matters

The National Film Registry is a prestigious honor that preserves and recognizes films of significant cultural, historical, and artistic value. The addition of these 25 films ensures they will be protected and accessible for future generations to appreciate.

The details

The 25 films span a range of genres and eras, from silent films dating back to 1896 to recent hits like 'Inception' and 'The Grand Budapest Hotel.' The list also includes several documentaries, such as Ken Burns' 'Brooklyn Bridge,' as well as beloved comedies like 'Clueless' and 'The Truman Show.' To be eligible, films must be at least 10 years old.

  • The Library of Congress announced the 25 new additions on January 29, 2026.
  • The public can submit nominations for next year's selections until August 15, 2026.

The players

Library of Congress

The national library of the United States, responsible for maintaining the National Film Registry and preserving important films.

Robert R. Newlen

The Acting Librarian of Congress, who oversees the National Film Registry and its selections.

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What they’re saying

“When we preserve films, we preserve American culture for generations to come. These selections for the National Film Registry show us that films are instrumental in capturing important parts of our nation's story.”

— Robert R. Newlen, Acting Librarian of Congress

What’s next

The public can submit nominations for next year's selections to the National Film Registry until August 15, 2026.

The takeaway

The addition of these 25 iconic films to the National Film Registry underscores the enduring cultural significance of cinema and the importance of preserving our cinematic heritage for future generations to enjoy.