Each movie has been considered based on the following criteria:

Feature-Length Fiction Film
Narrative format typically over 60 minutes in length.

American Film
English language film with significant creative and/or financial production elements from the United States.

Critical Recognition
Formal commendation in print.

Major Award Winner
Recognition from competitive events including awards from organizations in the film community and major film festivals.

Popularity Over Time
Including figures for box office adjusted for inflation, television broadcasts and syndication, and home video sales and rentals.

Historical Significance
A film's mark on the history of the moving image through technical innovation, visionary narrative devices or other groundbreaking achievements.

Cultural Impact
A film's mark on American society in matters of style and substance.