The Library of Congress adds 25 new films to the National Film Registry every year, and the class of 2023 is an embarrassment of riches! Cult comedy Home Alone, space epic Apollo 13, historical drama 12 Years a Slave, and action blockbuster Terminator 2 are among the titles selected this year.
The National Film Registry was launched by the Library of Congress in 1988, and it just celebrated its 35th anniversary. Up to 25 culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant films are added to the Registry each year, as a way of preserving America’s film heritage.
Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden stressed the importance that films have played in reflecting stories of America’s cultural heritage for over 125 years, before announcing the class of 2023.
“We are proud to add 25 diverse films to the National Film Registry as we preserve our history through film. We’re grateful to the film community for collaborating with the Library of Congress in our goal to preserve the heritage of cinema for generations to come,” said Hayden in a press release.
In addition to Home Alone, Apollo 13, 12 Years a Slave, and Terminator 2, Disney’s classics Lady and the Tramp and The Nightmare Before Christmas also made the cut, along with Spike Lee’s Bamboozled, Gina Prince-Bythewood’s Love & Basketball, and Ang Lee’s The Wedding Banquet.
You can check out the full list below:
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)
