Forrest Gump, Bambi, Silence of the Lambs join National Film Registry

The National Film Registry has added 25 movies to its library.

Forrest Gump, Bambi and The Silence of the Lambs are among the titles chosen for preservation in the Registry's archive based on cultural, historic and aesthetic significance.

Billy Wilder's The Lost Weekend, John Cassavetes' Faces and Robert Rodriguez's El Mariachi are also among the annual selections. This year's additions bring the library's total to 575.

The Library of Congress's James Billington said: "These films are selected because of their enduring significance to American culture. Our film heritage must be protected because these cinematic treasures document our history and culture and reflect our hopes and dreams."

Alongside films and animations, the Registry includes documentaries, newsreels, music videos, movie ads and 8mm and 16mm amateur films.

The 2011 National Film Registry selections in full:

• Allures (1961)


• Bambi (1942)


• The Big Heat (1953)


• A Computer Animated Hand (1972)


• Crisis: Behind A Presidential Commitment (1963)


• The Cry of the Children (1912)


• A Cure for Pokeritis (1912)


• El Mariachi (1992)


• Faces (1968)


• Fake Fruit Factory (1986)


• Forrest Gump (1994)


• Growing Up Female (1971)


• Hester Street (1975)


• I, An Actress (1977)


• The Iron Horse (1924)


• The Kid (1921)


• The Lost Weekend (1945)


• The Negro Soldier (1944)


• Nicholas Brothers Family Home Movies (1930s-40s)


• Norma Rae (1979)


• Porgy and Bess (1959)


• The Silence of the Lambs (1991)


• Stand and Deliver (1988)


• Twentieth Century (1934)


• War of the Worlds (1953)