Dark Knight, Shrek, Blues Brothers and more added to National Film Registry

Last Updated on August 2, 2021

Every year, the National Film Registry inducts films that represent the best that cinema has to offer. Over the years, their library has included some of the most iconic motion pictures of all time. 2020 is no different with a list of inductees that includes everything from a DC Comics superhero to a green ogre.

Joining the registry this year are films such as A Clockwork Orange (1971), Grease (1978), The Blues Brothers (1980), The Joy Luck Club (1993), Shrek (2001), The Hurt Locker (2008), and The Dark Knight (2008), just to name a few.

“This is not only a great honor for all of us who worked on ‘The Dark Knight, but’ this is also a tribute to all of the amazing artists and writers who have worked on the great mythology of Batman over the decades,” said Christopher Nolan, director of The Dark Knight.

In talking about The Joy Luck Club being recognized, producer Janey Yang said, “I could have never imagined, after reading a few chapters of Amy’s manuscript that eventually became ‘The Joy Luck Club’ book, that my dream of its adaptation would result in a movie that is still talked about decades later. When people tell me – and so many from so many cultures have – that the movie helped heal a rift with their family, I am immensely gratified, and it reminds me of the power of the moving image.”

“The National Film Registry is an important record of American history, culture, and creativity, captured through one of the great American art forms, our cinematic experience,” said Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden. “With the inclusion of diverse filmmakers, we are not trying to set records but rather to set the record straight by spotlighting the astonishing contributions women and people of color have made to American cinema, despite facing often-overwhelming hurdles.”

When reached for comment about The Blues Brothers being chosen for the list, Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi’s widow Judy Belushi said they “are exhilarated to see the performances of the African American musical stars in ‘The Blues Brothers’ film formally treasured for all time by the people of the United States. We feel grateful for being participants in making the movie and for this most worthwhile cultural preservation initiative.”

In order to be included in the National Film Registry, a Librarian of Congress must name the film in accordance with terms of the National Film Preservation Act. Essentially, the film must be recognized as “culturally, historically or aesthetically” significant, and be at least 10 years old. More than 5,500 films were considered for this year's list.

Films Selected for the 2020 National Film Registry (chronological order)

1. Suspense (1913)
2. Kid Auto Races at Venice (1914)
3. Bread (1918)
4. The Battle of the Century(1927)
5. With Cara and Camera Around the World (1929)
6. Cabin in the Sky (1943)
7. Outrage (1950)
8. The Man with the Golden Arm (1955)
9. Lilies of the Field (1963)
10. A Clockwork Orange (1971)
11. Sweet Sweetback’s Baadasssss Song (1971)
12. Wattstax (1973)
13. Grease (1978)
14. The Blues Brothers (1980)
15. Losing Ground (1982)
16. Illusions (1982)
17. The Joy Luck Club (1993)
18. The Devil Never Sleeps (1994)
19. Buena Vista Social Club (1999)
20. The Ground (1993-2001)
21. Shrek (2001)
22. Mauna Kea: Temple Under Siege (2006)
23. The Hurt Locker (2008)
24. The Dark Knight (2008)
25. Freedom Riders (2010)

What do you think of this year's picks? Is Shrek really one of the greatest films of all time? Does Grease still leave you feeling electrified when you watch it? How has it taken this long for The Blues Brothers to be included on the list? Let us know what you're thinking in the comments section below.