Christopher Nolan's 2010 film "Inception" also joins the registry, noted for its intricate narrative involving dream manipulation and for pushing cinematic boundaries with layered storytelling and impressive visual effects. Other notable inclusions comprise a broad array of films such as "The Karate Kid" (1984), a quintessential American sports and coming-of-age story; "Glory" (1989), which portrays the valor of the 54th Regiment, an African American unit in the Civil War; "Philadelphia" (1993), one of the early mainstream films addressing the HIV/AIDS epidemic; "Before Sunrise" (1995), Richard Linklater's romantic exploration of time; the animated feature "The Incredibles" (2004); and "Frida" (2002), a biographical portrayal of artist Frida Kahlo.
The registry also preserves four documentaries, among them Ken Burns' "Brooklyn Bridge" (1981), which details the construction of the iconic New York landmark and helped establish Burns' reputation as a distinguished public historian. The selection includes historic Hollywood musicals such as the 1954 "White Christmas" and 1956's "High Society," which was Grace Kelly's final film before her marriage into Monaco's royal family.
Spanning a vast timeline, the oldest film added this year is "The Tramp and the Dog" from 1896, a silent film by William Selig rediscovered in 2021 at the National Library of Norway. It humorously depicts a tramp's attempt to steal a pie, foiled by a dog, and includes early examples of "pants humor." Additionally, "The Maid of McMillan" (1916) is recognized as the first known student film, produced by Washington University drama students, telling a brief romantic story involving a collegiate athlete.
Other significant films preserved include "Ten Nights in a Barroom" (1926), a silent film with an all-Black cast adapted from an 1854 temperance novel, and "High Society" (1956), celebrated as a prominent example of the Golden Age musical era featuring Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, and Louis Armstrong along with Grace Kelly's notable appearance. Documentaries and socially impactful cinema such as "The Big Chill" (1983) are also part of the registry, portraying cultural touchstones of their periods with ensembles that explore American identities of the time.
Turner Classic Movies plans a television special for March 19 to showcase a selection of these films, further underscoring their enduring relevance and appeal. The registry's comprehensive list for 2025 reflects an appreciation for the evolution of filmmaking from silent shorts to intricate modern productions.
Full list of 2025 National Film Registry inductees includes: "The Tramp and the Dog" (1896), "The Oath of the Sword" (1914), "The Maid of McMillan" (1916), "The Lady" (1925), "Sparrows" (1926), "Ten Nights in a Barroom" (1926), "White Christmas" (1954), "High Society" (1956), "Brooklyn Bridge" (1981), "Say Amen, Somebody" (1982), "The Thing" (1982), "The Big Chill" (1983), "The Karate Kid" (1984), "Glory" (1989), "Philadelphia" (1993), "Before Sunrise" (1995), "Clueless" (1995), "The Truman Show" (1998), "Frida" (2002), "The Hours" (2002), "The Incredibles" (2004), "The Wrecking Crew" (2008), "Inception" (2010), "The Loving Story" (2011), "The Grand Budapest Hotel" (2014).