As cultural institutions crank out their various “Best of 2023” lists, there’s one year-end list that always feels especially poignant. The Library of Congress has announced its 2023 class of additions to the National Film Registry — a collection of titles that the United States National Film Preservation Board has deemed as “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant.” This year, additions include Home Alone (1990), Lady and the Tramp (1955), Love & Basketball (2000), The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993), Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991), and more.
“Films are an integral piece of America’s cultural heritage, reflecting stories of our nation for more than 125 years,” said Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden. “We’re grateful to the film community for collaborating with the Library in our goal to preserve the heritage of cinema.” Among this aforementioned film community, the Library of Congress Blog highlighted Spike Lee’s fifth entry into the registry with his 2000 satire Bamboozled, as well as Ron Howard’s debut with Apollo 13 (1995).
The blog states that a major theme in this year’s selection was the “cultural diversity and storytelling range” of American cinema. Impactful historical dramas like 12 Years a Slave (2013) were selected, alongside documentaries of American life like Helen Keller: In Her Story (1954) and Bohulano Family Film Collection (1950s-1970s). A Movie Trip Through Filmland (1921) was the earliest film in this year’s class, an educational film from Kodak about film stock. The blog post also emphasizes a focus on preserving Asian-American stories — citing titles like Maya Lin: A Strong Clear Vision (1994), a documentary about the architect behind the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and the Civil Rights Memorial.
Last year, films like Iron Man and Little Mermaid were added to the registry.
Films Selected for the 2022 National Film Registry:
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)