2021 films added to the National Film Registry for preservation

As we near the Christmas holiday and get closer to the end of the year, the New Year is closer upon us. This time of the year is always a time of reflection. It is because of this that the National Film Registry releasing its list of films nominated for preservation this year comes with perfect timing. The Library of Congress developed its registry in 1988 to preserve 25 films each year. The films that are nominated and included in the registry each year are cemented in history. As described by the Library of Congress, “Working with motion picture studios, independent filmmakers, archives, museums and historical societies, the National Film Registry of the Library of Congress seeks to ensure that a selected title either has already been preserved or will be in the future.” Here are the films that were included this year.

Films that were nominated for preservation by the National Film Registry

The list this year was truly diverse.  For a film to be nominated for preservation, it has to be nominated by a member of congress.  Rep. Joaquin Castro of Texas spent nearly a year nominating the 1997 film “Selena”.  About the induction, he wrote, ” The film industry’s ongoing exclusion of Latinos unfortunately not only affects the Latinos seeking opportunities in the industry, but also affects how Latinos in everyday life are perceived, stereotyped, and too often misunderstood.”

Another popular film that was included was 1983’s “Return of the Jedi”. Although it was the third installment of the Stars Wars trilogy, it was another Star Wars addition to be added to the registry.

While the list includes films dating back to 1902, it also includes Disney’s 2008 animated film “WALL-E” and fan-favorite “Lord of the Rings”.  It includes a diverse watchlist that might serve as a holiday watchlist. It offers great recommendations to watch with the family!

Check out everything that was inducted by the Library of Congress below.

Films selected for the 2021 National Film Registry:

1. Ringling Brothers Parade Film (1902)
2. Jubilo (1919)
3. The Flying Ace (1926)
4. Hellbound Train (1930)
5. Flowers and Trees (1932)
6. Strangers on a Train (1951)
7. What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? (1962)
8. Evergreen (1965)
9. Requiem-29 (1970)
10. The Murder of Fred Hampton (1971)
11. Pink Flamingos (1972)
12. Sounder (1972)
13. The Long Goodbye (1973)
14. Cooley High (1975)
15. Richard Pryor: Live in Concert (1979)
16. Chicana (1979)
17. The Wobblies (1979)
18. Star Wars Episode VI — Return of the Jedi (1983)
19. A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)
20. Stop Making Sense (1984)
21. Who Killed Vincent Chin? (1987)
22. The Watermelon Woman (1996)
23. Selena (1997)
24. The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)
25. WALL-E (2008)

What film are you most excited to see on the list?  Sound off in the comments. We would love to know.