AFI historians culled a list of over 40,000 American movies to the 400 represented on the ballot. The films were considered based on the following criteria:

• Feature-Length Fiction Film
• American Film
• Critical Recognition
• Major Award Winner
• Popularity Over Time
• Historical Significance
• Cultural Impact

Where can I find the list of 400 movies?

This list is available alphabetically and chronologically.

Who is on the blue-ribbon panel?

The blue-ribbon panel is comprised of over 1,500 influential artists and executives in the film community. They represent all categories in the motion picture community, including:

• Actors/Actresses
• Directors
• Producers
• Screenwriters
• Cinematographers
• Editors
• Production Designers
• Composers
• Songwriters
• Animators
• Digital Artists
• Motion Picture Executives
• Home Video Executives
• Talent Agents
• Film Exhibitors
• Film Critics
• Film Press
• Film Scholars
• Archivists & Preservationists

In addition to the members of the creative community, one AFI national member has been selected randomly from each of the 50 states and Washington, D.C. and has been invited to join the blue ribbon panel. (see membership)

And, last but certainly not least, President and Mrs. Clinton and Vice President and Mrs. Gore have been invited to vote as well, which AFI felt appropriate given their roles as leaders of the nation that most influences the world with its movies.

Is the public voting?

The public has been represented on the blue-ribbon panel by 51 AFI national members, one from each state and Washington, D.C.

The public at large will be invited to participate in 100 Years...100 Movies in the spring of 1998, when there will be an AFI-sponsored public forum for movie-goers to voice their opinions as to the top 100 American movies. Ballots will be available at this site on-line as well as at various sponsor outlets across the nation.

What if someone wants to vote for a movie not on the ballot?

AFI included the opportunity for a write-in candidate for each of the over 1,500 members of the jury because part of the magic of the movies is that they affect us all on a personal level.

When will the top 100 movies be announced?