Is Avatar in the Library of Congress’ National Film Registry?

It has been over a decade since Avatar was first released, but the popularity of the film has never ceased. Especially now with its sequel coming out so soon, the passion has emerged once again!

The Library of Congress’ National Film Registry shared their 2022 picks for this year. The list is a catalog of movies that have made an impact either culturally, historically, or aesthetically. To be considered, films have to be at least 10 years old and a total of 25 productions are chosen every year.

The epic science fiction film certainly fits that bill since it made its theatrical debut back in 2009. So was Avatar inducted into the 2022 list? We’ve got the answer for you below!

Is Avatar in the National Film Registry?

While the massively popular James Cameron-directed film has positive reviews from critics, has earned numerous awards, and is currently the highest-grossing movie ever in the U.S. and Canada, it is surprisingly not a part of the National Film Registry. There could be a number of reasons why. Or perhaps Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden and the National Film Preservation Board are just waiting to include the production in another year.

Many of the 2022 films have been out for years and have obviously been influential. But since there’s only 25 that can be chosen every year, I’m sure it’s difficult to narrow down the list! Some of the movies that are now a part of the National Film Registry include 1898 film Mardi Gras Carnival, cult-followed film Carrie, Hairspray, beloved animated Disney movie The Little Mermaid, When Harry Met Sally, and Iron Man.

A full list of all the films currently in the National Film Registry can be found on the Library of Congress website.

The Avatar sequel, Avatar: The Way of Water, will be released Friday, Dec. 16, 2022 in theaters.