These Films Deserve to Be Embalmed and Preserved Forever

Meet the National Film Registry's class of 2016

December 15, 2016 9:00 am

Congratulations, The Breakfast Club, Rushmore and The Lion King. You’re gonna live forever.

This week, the Library of Congress inducted  22 other films into the National Film Registry — meaning, those flicks have been earmarked for preservation. The Registry currently features 700 films, with 25 added each December.

Which is all fine and good, but also has us thinking ahead to the class of 2017 … since you can already make a nomination.

The Registry’s criteria: The movie needs to be at least 10 years old and produced or co-produced by an American film company (though that last part isn’t set in stone). The films should also be deemed “culturally, historically or aesthetically significant” and “reflect who we are as a people and as a nation.”

Using the board’s own list of films yet to be nominated, let’s look at a few flicks from 2007 — noting that ten-year criteria — that should make next year’s cut.

300
“Why do all movies look like comic books?” asks the future. Start here.

Juno
At one point in American history, we treated teen pregnancy and tough choices with maturity … and hilarity.

No Country for Old Men
The quintessential Western that’s not a Western. Or vice versa.

The Simpsons Movie
Honoring the last time The Simpsons was funny.

Superbad
A must-see film for teenage boys everywhere. Friendship triumphs all. Also: “These Eyes.”

Aqua Teen Hunger Force Colon Movie
Let’s confuse the future. Also: Meatwad.

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