Library of Congress Adds 25 Films to National Film Registry

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What do the adorably furry Ewoks have in common with the nightmare-inducing Freddy Krueger? Both are among the iconic characters featured in the 25 films chosen by the National Film Preservation Board for addition to the National Film Registry this year.

Established in 1988, the National Film Preservation Board of the Library of Congress works to ensure the survival, conservation, and increased public availability of America’s film heritage. Every year since 1989, the National Film Preservation Board has selected 25 films “showcasing the range and diversity of American film heritage” for preservation.

At Broadway Stages we know how much effort goes into making high-quality productions, and we appreciate the National Film Preservation Board’s efforts to raise awareness of these amazing, historically significant films.

Popular selections this year include the third film in the original “Star Wars” trilogy, 1983’s “Return of the Jedi,” and the first film in Peter Jackson’s “Lord of the Rings” trilogy, 2001’s “The Fellowship of the Ring.” Wes Craven’s 1984 horror classic “A Nightmare on Elm Street” has terrified generations of children and will continue to do so indefinitely as part of the film registry. Speaking of terror, Alfred Hitchcock, one of the registry’s most prolific directors, now has nine films preserved, as 1951’s “Strangers on a Train” has been added.

Several cult classics were also selected for inclusion this year. John Waters’ 1972 gross-out comedy “Pink Flamingos,” the first film in the director’s so-called “Trash Trilogy,” is now preserved for posterity. So is Robert Aldrich’s campy classic “What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?,” a 1962 horror flick starring aging and constantly feuding legends Bette Davis and Joan Crawford.

Other notable selections include: Michael Schultz’s 1975 film “Cooley High,” a coming-of-age film that has influenced generations of black filmmakers; Martin Ritt’s 1972 Depression-era drama “Sounder,” based on William H. Armstrong’s young-adult novel of the same name; Gregory Nava’s 1997 musical biopic “Selena,” starring Jennifer Lopez in a breakout role as the murdered Tejano superstar; and 2008’s “WALL-E,” Pixar’s heartwarming story about a robot roaming a post-apocalyptic Earth whose life changes when he meets and falls in love with another robot named EVE.

Check out the full list of films selected this year, and be sure to add any you have not seen to your watch list!

Full List:

  • Ringling Brothers Parade Film (1902)

  • Jubilo (1919)

  • The Flying Ace (1926)

  • Hellbound Train (1930)

  • Flowers and Trees (1932)

  • Strangers on a Train (1951)

  • What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? (1962)

  • Evergreen (1965)

  • Requiem-29 (1970)

  • The Murder of Fred Hampton (1971)

  • Pink Flamingos (1972)

  • Sounder (1972)

  • The Long Goodbye (1973)

  • Cooley High (1975)

  • Richard Pryor: Live in Concert (1979)

  • Chicana (1979)

  • The Wobblies (1979)

  • Star Wars Episode VI — Return of the Jedi (1983)

  • A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)

  • Stop Making Sense (1984)

  • Who Killed Vincent Chin? (1987)

  • The Watermelon Woman (1996)

  • Selena (1997)

  • The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)

  • WALL-E (2008)