Does the Library of Congress have every movie?
Andrew Campbell
Updated on January 13, 2026
Does the Library of Congress own the films on the Registry? No, the Library does not own the films on the Registry. According to U.S. copyright law, films made prior to 1923 are generally considered public domain and may be reproduced and distributed freely.
How can I watch the Library of Congress Movie?
Sixty-four motion pictures, named to the Library’s National Film Registry, are now available online on the Library’s website. The collection, “Selections from the National Film Registry,” is also available to the public on YouTube.
Is Shrek in the Library of Congress?
Dark Knight, Joy Luck Club, Shrek added to National Film Registry. Grease and A Clockwork Orange will also be preserved by the Library of Congress.
How does a movie get into the National Film Registry?
How are films selected? First, they must be over 10 years old. The Librarian of Congress makes the selections after a series of discussions with the National Film Preservation Board and Library specialists. That’s all after about 5,500 titles are nominated by the public.
What movies have been preserved by the Library of Congress?
‘Joy Luck Club,’ ‘Lilies of the Field,’ ‘Grease,’ ‘Shrek,’ ‘The Dark Knight’ Among 25 Titles Selected for Preservation. “The Dark Knight,” “Lilies of the Field,” “Grease,” “The Battle of the Century” and “The Joy Luck Club” are among 25 titles inducted into the Library’s National Film Registry in 2020.
What movies are preserved by the Library of Congress?
Complete National Film Registry Listing
| Film Title | Year of Release | Year Inducted |
|---|---|---|
| A Clockwork Orange | 1971 | 2020 |
| The Dark Knight | 2008 | 2020 |
| The Devil Never Sleeps | 1994 | 2020 |
| Freedom Riders | 2010 | 2020 |
Can you show public domain movies for free?
Public domain movies can be freely and legally downloaded. However, public domain movies can be freely, and legally, downloaded. And these aren’t unwatchable B-movies either.
What is the US Library of Congress National Film Registry?
The National Film Registry is a list of movies deemed “culturally, historically or aesthetically significant” that are earmarked for preservation by the Library of Congress. They are not selected as the “best” American films of all time, but rather as works of enduring importance to American culture.
Is Shrek in the National Film Registry?
‘Shrek’ has been inducted into the National Film Registry at the Library of Congress. The collection honors films that prove to have historical, cultural or… Congratulations to Shrek for being selected for preservation in the National Film Registry! This is a win for cinema and for animation as a whole!
Is Star Wars in the National Film Registry?
“While both STAR WARS (1977) and THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK (1980) are on the National Film Registry, the Library has not yet acquired new prints of either one.
