In 1988, after the US Congress passed the National FIlm Preservation Act, 25 films were selected as "culturally, historically, or esthetically significant." All these films were made before 1977, except which one?

In 1989, the first 25 films were selected for preservation by the National Film Registry, an initiative that grew out of the National Film Preservation Act of 1988. This legislation created the registry to recognize and protect films deemed "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant." The inaugural list of inductees was a veritable hall of fame of American cinema, featuring timeless classics such as "Casablanca," "The Wizard of Oz," and "Citizen Kane." A notable characteristic of this initial group was their age; nearly all were produced in the first half of the 20th century.

A single film from this distinguished list broke the mold of its older companions. That film was George Lucas's space opera, "Star Wars." Released in 1977, it was the most contemporary film chosen for the honor in the registry's first year, with the next most recent being "The Learning Tree" from 1969. The inclusion of "Star Wars" was a testament to its immediate and profound impact on both American culture and the filmmaking industry.

The selection of a relatively recent blockbuster alongside silent films and golden age Hollywood classics demonstrated the broad scope of the National Film Registry's mission. It recognized that a film's significance isn't solely determined by its age but also by its innovation and influence. "Star Wars" revolutionized visual effects, sound design, and the very concept of the blockbuster, making it an undeniable choice for preservation and a unique standout in the registry's inaugural class.