Every year, the Library of Congress decides to honor specific films by adding them to the National Film Registry. This means out of all the films in the world, released over the past century or so, the US Government has decided that these features are deemed worthy of preservation for their historical significance and/or creative achievements. It’s a pretty big honor.
And this year, the Library of Congress has added yet another eclectic mix of features from the past 100+ years. To show just how much variety is on display with the 2021 honorees, let’s look at a few of the standouts. First, you have “The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring.” Obviously, Peter Jackson’s fantasy epic deserves preservation, right? But did you ever think it would be added next to John Waters’ subversive, iconic comedy, “Pink Flamingos?” Or how about Wes Craven’s “A Nightmare on Elm Street?” Yeah, we’re talking a very unique mix.
READ MORE: The 25 Best Films Of 2021
“Films help reflect our cultural history and creativity — and show us new ways of looking at ourselves — though movies haven’t always been deemed worthy of preservation,” Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden said. “The National Film Registry will preserve our cinematic heritage, and we are proud to add 25 more films this year.”
Here’s the full list of National Film Registry honorees for 2021:
-Chicana (1979)
-Cooley High (1975)
-Evergreen (1965)
-Flowers and Trees (1932)
-The Flying Ace (1926)
-Hellbound Train (1930)
-Jubilo (1919)
-The Long Goodbye (1973)
-The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)
-The Murder of Fred Hamption (1971)
-A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)
-Pink Flamingos (1972)
-Requiem-29 (1970)
-Return of the Jedi (1983)
-Richard Pryor: Live in Concert (1979)
-Ringling Bros. Parade Film (1902)
-Selena (1997)
-Sounder (1972)
-Stop Making Sense (1984)
-Strangers on a Train (1951)
-WALL-E (2008)
-The Watermelon Woman (1996)
-What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? (1962)
-Who Killed Vincent Chin? (1987)
-The Wobblies (1979)