The Library of Congress announced today it is adding Stephen Spielberg's Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977), Robert Zemeckis' Back to the Future (1985), Peter Yates' Bullitt (1968), and several other classics to its National Film Registry. The Registry lists films on the basis of "artistic character, historical significance, or reflection of both the good and bad sides of American culture," according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Also added to the list were two classic Westerns: John Ford's The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance (1962) and Kevin Costner's Dances with Wolves (1990). Jules Dassin's film noir essential The Naked City (1948) joins the Registry, as does Sidney Lumet's courtroom drama, 12 Angry Men (1957). Also joining the list: Terrence Malick's Days of Heaven (1978), In a Lonely Place (1950), Grand Hotel (1932), Wuthering Heights (1939), Oklahoma! (1955), and Now, Voyager (1942).

The purpose of the National Film Registry isn't just honors, however. As many of the films made in the past physically deteriorate, the Registry preserves prints of the films it lists so future generations are sure to enjoy the films. As Librarian of Congress James Billington noted, "Even as Americans fill the movie theaters to see the latest releases, few are aware that up to half the films produced in this country before 1950 -- and as much as 90% of those made before 1920 -- are lost forever."

A total of 25 films -- including animated shorts, short subjects, and documentaries -- joined the permanent list of 475 films. You can see the complete list here.
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