Multiple films have been selected for preservation by the National Film Registry, including David Fincher’s 2010 Facebook Drama The Social Network, the 1974 indie horror classic The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, and Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey’s love affair in Dirty Dancing.
Every year, the Librarian of Congress recognizes 25 motion pictures that are at least 10 years old and register as “culturally, historically or aesthetically” significant. More than 6,700 titles were submitted by the public for consideration this year.
Additional titles added to the National Film Registry include the 1982 sci-fi sequel Star Trek: Wrath Of Khan, Gus Van Sant’s 1991 drama My Own Private Idaho with River Phoenix and Keanu Reeves, 2001’s family adventure Spy Kids and the Coen brothers’ 2007 Western No Country for Old Men. The 1984 action comedy Beverly Hills Cop was also added, marking Eddie Murphy’s first feature film on the registry.
Including this year’s selections, the registry now has 900 films, a small portion of the Library’s two million-film collection. Other films are preserved in coordination with copyright holders or other film archives.
“Films reflect our nation’s history and culture and must be preserved in our national library for generations to come,” said the Librarian of Congress’ Carla Hayden. “This is a collective effort in the film community to preserve our cinematic heritage.”
On Dec.18 at 8 p.m. ET, Turner Classic Movies will host a television special to screen a selection of films named to the registry this year. Hayden will join TCM host, film historian, and chair of the National Film Preservation Board, Jaqueline Stewart, to discuss the lineup.
“The National Film Registry now includes 900 titles, and what’s remarkable to me is that every year when the board talks about films and their significance, we find new titles to consider. The wealth of American film history is sometimes rather overwhelming, and people often wonder: how do you recommend this film or that film?” Stewart said. “It’s through a lot of research, conversation and discussion, and it’s through a commitment to showing the true diversity of filmmaking. I’m thrilled that we recognize student films and independent films, animation, documentary and experimental works, as well as feature length narrative drama, comedy, horror and science fiction on the registry this year.”
Check out the full list of films selected for the 2024 National Film Registry.