Nolan, Heckerling, and Linklater join the National Film Registry's latest preservation cohort

When the Library of Congress adds a title to its Film Registry, it's more than a badge of honor-it's a declaration that the work has woven itself into the cultural fabric. This year, three very different movies earned that distinction, each a touchstone in its own arena. Christopher Nolan's labyrinthine heist drama continues to spark conversation about narrative architecture, proving that a blockbuster can also be a playground for cerebral storytelling. Amy Heckerling's bright-eyed teen comedy captured the zeitgeist of an era while redefining how humor and social commentary can coexist in a coming-of-age tale. Meanwhile, Richard Linklater's sunrise-lit romance remains a masterclass in dialogue-driven intimacy, reminding filmmakers that a simple premise can blossom into something timeless. Their inclusion signals a broader acknowledgment that innovation, cultural resonance, and pure craft-whether in mind-bending spectacle, witty satire, or quiet observation-deserve preservation for future generations to study and enjoy.