Every year, the Library of Congress recognizes 25 films to be selected for preservation in the National Film Registry. The requirements must be that the movies are at least a decade old and considered “culturally, historically or aesthetically” important. This year, movies like Spy Kids, The Social Network, and more have been added to this historical film collection.
For the past 36 years, the National Film Registry has contained a variety of important movies that have shaped cinema. Variety reports that out of more than 6,700 submitted by the public for consideration, films like Spy Kids, The Social Network, and more have made it to the list.
Just like how 2021’s National Film Registry selection focused on diversity through titles like Sounder and The Watermelon Woman, the Library of Congress (via NBC News) decided to include “prominent Hispanic artists or themes.” Spy Kids had a talented Hispanic cast like Antonio Banderas, Danny Trejo, and Alexa PenaVega directed by Robert Rodriguez. Jacqueline Stewart, chair of the National Film Preservation Board, said in a statement what goes into selecting each film:
“The wealth of American film history is sometimes rather overwhelming, and people often wonder: how do you recommend this film or that film? It’s through a lot of research, conversation and discussion, and it’s through a commitment to showing the true diversity of filmmaking.”
Another important addition was The Social Network, which tells Facebook’s origins and its ethical dilemmas. The movie’s screenwriter Aaron Sorkin couldn’t believe how defining The Social Network became:
“It felt like a good courtroom drama to me,” said Sorkin. “I didn’t know it was going to be a lot more than that at the time.”
TCM’s National Film Registry screening of the selected films
Sure, you can search far and wide for this year’s selected movies on your streaming services. You can also watch some on Turner Classic Movies, which will feature this year’s National Film Registry selections. Jacqueline Stewart will join the Librarian of Congress, Carla Hayden, to discuss the lineup. Make sure to catch this TV special on December 18 at 8 p.m. ET.
You can also add more movies to your watchlist by reviewing the full, updated National Film Registry list.
