‘Ghostbusters’ just got a great, big, national honor

The Ghostbusters franchise has been getting a lot of (well-deserved) attention over the past year. An all-female reboot starring some of our favorite funny ladies will hit theatres next summer, and a Channing Tatum-led version will follow. And we aren’t complaining – any reason to celebrate this hilarious cinematic ’80s gem is a great one in our book.

And apparently, the powers that be, in terms of judging movies worthy of being considered classics, are right there with us, because Ghostbusters was just added to the Library of Congress’ National Film Registry. It joins the exclusive 675-item list that includes legendary films as Citizen Kane, Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Pulp Fiction, and Mary Poppins. Other films selected for inclusion on the list this year include The Shawshank Redemption, Top Gun, and one of my personal favorites, 1959’s Imitation of Life.

“One of the most popular, quotable films from the past three decades and a touchstone of cultural reference, ‘Ghostbusters’ can also easily be seen as a loving homage to those earlier wacky horror comedies from Abbott and Costello, Bob Hope and others,” reads the site’s short essay on the film. “The infectious insanity of ‘Ghostbusters’ makes it a favorite film of the ’80s.”

According to its website, the National Film Registry “selects 25 films each year showcasing the range and diversity of American film heritage to increase awareness for its preservation.” To be eligible for a nomination, a film must be at least 10 years old, but pretty much any type of film – any genre, a full-length film or a short, released in theatres or not, etc. – can be added to the list.

“Selecting a film for the National Film Registry recognizes its importance to cinema and America’s cultural and artistic history,” said Acting Librarian of Congress David Mao in a news release regarding the 2015 additions. “The registry is an invaluable way to advance public awareness of the richness, creativity and variety of our nation’s film heritage.”

You know you’ve made a good film when receives such a prestigious honor, AND features a huge marshmallow guy wandering the streets of Manhattan. Congratulations, Ghostbusters! Thanks for giving comedy such an awesome measuring stick.

(Image via Columbia Pictures)