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It's a Wonderful Life
It's a Wonderful Life
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It's a Wonderful Life

It's a Wonderful Life

1946
Romance, Drama
2h 10m
An angel helps a compassionate but despairingly frustrated businessman by showing what life would had been like if he never existed.

Directed by:

Frank Capra

Screenwriter:

Albert Hackett, Michael Wilson, Philip Van Doren Stern, Frances Goodrich

Starring:

Donna Reed, Thomas Mitchell, Ward Bond, James Stewart, Lionel Barrymore, Henry Travers, Beulah Bondi, Gloria Grahame, Frank Faylen, Frank Albertson, H.B. Warner, Lillian Randolph

Genres:

Romance, Drama, Family/Kids, Fantasy

Country:

USA

Languages:

English, French
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It's a Wonderful Life

1946
Romance, Drama
2h 10m
Your probable score
Ratings & Reviews Cast Collections Similar Stats Trailer
Avg Percentile 73.17% from 7750 total ratings
Ratings & Reviews Cast Collections Similar Stats Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

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billyshearsBillyShears
Rated 24 Aug 2018
100
98th
My Jimmy Stewart impression usage skyrockets around Christmastime which also coincides with the highest suicide rate in North America. I think I'm on to something here.
Rated 24 Aug 2018
martintellerMartinTeller
Rated 08 Dec 2006
94
97th
I'm just a sucker for this movie. The ending is so intensely heartwarming that it never fails to bring tears to my eyes. There's plenty to nitpick over: that tear-jerker ending is rather unlikely, and Mary's "George-less" fate is ridiculous. Despite all this, I still enjoy watching it from start to finish.
Rated 08 Dec 2006
billkerwinbillkerwin
Rated 21 Dec 2009
98
97th
It could have been too sentimental, but the suppressed anger of Stewart's performance impels a George Bailey we root for because we know how much it has cost him to become a good man. Even Clarence's vision is not as pat as it seems, for George is transformed, not only because he realizes the value of his life, but also because he is filled with terror when he is not recognized by the people he knows. it is Mary the Librarian's blank stare that sends George back to love and Bedford Falls.
Rated 21 Dec 2009
xakkmasterXakkMaster
Rated 07 Sep 2008
100
99th
No matter how many times I see this movie, I still cry and hug my wife tightly as it ends. Some may call it corny or overly sentimental, but they were probably just resistant to the movie as children. It's unapologetically wholesome, perhaps, but darnit if we don't need a movie like this every now and then to give our lives a little perspective. George Bailey's spiritual journey represents a point and time when the American dream needed a renewal; and this was just what the doctor ordered.
Rated 07 Sep 2008
farzanFarzan
Rated 15 Aug 2007
96
97th
A terrific film, James Stewart is one of the greatest actors ever, and this movie shows just how amazing he is. He perfectly shows the sadness of a man in his position, and a lot of people can relate to why he hates his life. A lot of us have been there. A classic for obvious reasons. Should not be missed.
Rated 15 Aug 2007
terrymacterrymac
Rated 19 Dec 2017
93
99th
Over the running time, this isn't always an easy watch, but it is totally worth it. An excellent film driven by a superb Jimmy Stewart performance, and supplying a properly wholesome and relatable message. I can be a soulless, emotionless robot occasionally, but the ending gets me every time, damn it..
Rated 19 Dec 2017
leonardisLeonardis
Rated 16 Jan 2017
93
74th
Great movie. It's a Wonderful Life boasts a good story that honestly spoke to me. We need mroe Christmas movies like this. Stewart is amazing of course, and the supporting cast does really well too. The film also has some talented directing. An emotional ride and resonating ride. I can see why it's such an iconic movie in America. If you haven't seen this movie you need to.
Rated 16 Jan 2017
renatoromerorenatoromero
Rated 14 Aug 2007
100
95th
Capra is one of the greats, and this film problably showcases that better than any other one in his work, simply because his pictures were always about the human sipirit, about fighting the odds, and about characters that we believe in and cheer for. His entire work is filled with movies that after you watch them, you start to live with them. And that why this one is the best example.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
alex_watkinsAlex Watkins
Rated 11 Mar 2007
5
91st
It's a Wonderful Life's status as a fully-canonized holiday classic obscures what a weird, and dark, movie it actually is: in which a man's life is continually dogged by tragedy and misfortune until he's reached the verge of suicide, only to be pulled back from the brink by a goofy, out-of-time comic relief angel. The fact that it ever became as beloved as it did is a minor miracle. Hats off to a classic screenplay with a brilliant concept, carried off by a wonderful cast and director.
Rated 11 Mar 2007
talonmalontalonmalon
Rated 13 May 2013
95
90th
To say this movie is a Christmas classic is an understatement. It is perhaps the greatest Christmas movie of all time. The always fantastic Jimmy Stewart stars and offers one of his most powerful performances on film. He gives the role his complete all and is full of emotion. The storyline of It's a Wonderful Life is completely unforgettable, and it ends on a very touching note. This is one of those holiday movies that everyone needs to see in their life. Its place in cinema history is immortal.
Rated 13 May 2013
paulofilmopaulofilmo
Rated 16 Feb 2013
71
69th
A LIBRARIAN. WHAT FRESH HELL IS THIS?
Rated 16 Feb 2013
judge_holdenJudge Holden
Rated 09 Jul 2011
3
32nd
"When the very title of a movie disagrees with you philosophically, it's probably a bad sign." - Alex Watkins
Rated 09 Jul 2011
mwgerbmwgerb
Rated 01 Sep 2009
93
99th
A few moments are corny, but underneath that is a darker tale of dreams being crushed and bad guys coming out on top. The movie doesn't change those realities, but instead reveals what's truly important: Stewart is surrounded by friends in the end, while Potter is alone and bitter. This, along with a huge scope, amazing direction by Capra, and James Stewart's acting, allow the movie to transcend its sappy trappings, and be a true masterpiece. It makes me feel warm and teary-eyed every time.
Rated 01 Sep 2009
theficionadotheficionado
Rated 09 May 2007
50
48th
I like how Pottersville is terrible because there's a few bars and Jimmy Stewart's boo is a librarian. How adorably quaint. Lots of sentimental crap, but there's an enjoyably dark undercurrent.
Rated 09 May 2007
suture_selfSuture Self
Rated 27 Mar 2007
8
80th
George Bailey should have killed himself with a shotgun.
Rated 27 Mar 2007
darrenDarren
Rated 26 Dec 2016
95
97th
One of the more depressing works out there. Even the extremely dickensian ending is undercut by what has happened to George Bailey his whole life and what will continue to be his life. It's a story of happiness and family that is really about the broken dreams and sadness of a man who never got to be what he wanted. One of the first movies that made me think about shadows/facial expressions and camera work.
Rated 26 Dec 2016
bingbing
Rated 15 Dec 2016
80
77th
Terrifying sci-fi horror about a man lost in time being stalked by predatory interstellar aliens.
Rated 15 Dec 2016
bratingsbratings
Rated 11 Jul 2016
94
94th
Certainly not a traditional Christmas movie in the generic sense of the term, It's a Wonderful Life is nevertheless perhaps the one film that truly defines the spirit of the holiday as it was meant to be understood.
Rated 11 Jul 2016
evranaevrana
Rated 31 Dec 2015
92
94th
You know, there are times when you read the synopsis of a movie you get excited about it and when you see it you are absolutely disappointed? Well, this movie is the complete opposite of that experience. The cheesiest synopsis, but you end up watching a masterpiece of cinema and storytelling. Masterful corny always beats clumsy realism. It is the mother of all feel good movies.
Rated 31 Dec 2015
hunterkingHunterKing
Rated 02 Jan 2014
90
85th
A man's aspirations are ruined by an uncle that spends all his money on ridiculous pets and can't run a decent business. Extra 50 points for the smear campaign on librarians and indecent music.
Rated 02 Jan 2014
nathan_sNathan S
Rated 16 Dec 2013
5
93rd
The irony cannot be ignored: this wholesome institution of seasonal viewing, grandfather of the Christmas canon, and bastion of Americana is strangely preoccupied with smothering angst and death, and in its intentional-or-not socialist idyll, it becomes an unexpectedly invigorating piece of political cinema. Sure, this is the heightened fluff of escapism, but the sentiment is infectiously good-natured.
Rated 16 Dec 2013
sophiesophie
Rated 07 May 2011
100
99th
It's a wonderful movie.
Rated 07 May 2011
jordandcfcJordanDcFc
Rated 06 May 2011
100
99th
The most uplifting movie ever. If you are not touched by this you have a heart of pure stone. Everything is perfect here, the story, the pacing, the dialogue, the directing, the acting; it's all perfect. There's humour, sadness, tenderness and even one really terrifying scene. I think James Stewart was absolutely sublime in this film. There's so many memorable scenes in this film, I can't possibly list them all here, the ending was the cherry on the cake. Perfection
Rated 06 May 2011
westknifewestknife
Rated 23 Dec 2009
86
81st
Wouldn't have been such a wonderful life if he hadn't gotten the $8,000 at the end
Rated 23 Dec 2009
frostyFrosty
Rated 06 Oct 2009
100
99th
If this doesn't make you pull your head out of the oven nothing will.
Rated 06 Oct 2009
lucluc
Rated 05 Mar 2009
95
98th
Great romantic and funny movie : the Charleston in the first half hour was the highlight for me. The end was of course splendid.
Rated 05 Mar 2009
joojooJooJoo
Rated 25 Dec 2008
5
81st
A film that you need to be infected with at a young age for its full effect. That being said, I still enjoyed it.
Rated 25 Dec 2008
eveeluneveelun
Rated 05 Jun 2007
90
97th
Capra at his best. Which is to say that while it is maudlin and manipulative at times, it's also so incredibly well done in terms of its characterization and its message that you have to be a real Mr. Potter not to be moved by it.
Rated 05 Jun 2007
saudadesaudade
Rated 21 Dec 2017
99
99th
Back in the days of MySpace I would sometimes send movie-related 'thanks for the add' pictures to people who sent/accepted a friend request. On one of my searches, I accidentally typed 'Jimmy Stewart ass'. There were no results. There is no Jimmy Stewart ass, for he acted his off in this movie.
Rated 21 Dec 2017
manwhonosemanwhonose
Rated 06 Dec 2016
96
88th
Frank Capra's life-affirming Christmas, feel-good classic is synonymous with the festive season, and that's for a good reason. It encapsulates the magic and wonder of the Christmas season. There's only one way to watch this wonderful film, and that's with your family and a big, steaming mug of hot chocolate. Marvellous.
Rated 06 Dec 2016
jaiguyJaiGuy
Rated 03 Aug 2015
85
83rd
I was born too late for this one. Still very very feel good. Good to watch in tandem with Requiem for a Dream so you can come out feeling neutral again.
Rated 03 Aug 2015
hotsakehotsake
Rated 25 Jun 2012
93
99th
It's a treat, it really is. Not just one of the best if not the best Christmas movies ever but also one of the all time great films period.
Rated 25 Jun 2012
sirstuckeySirStuckey
Rated 22 Jan 2011
95
97th
It has arguably my favorite actor and it fills me with hope for humanity when I spend most of my time doubting it. It's kind of sappy and while I usually dog movies for that, I can't help but love this one. I probably would have gave it a lower score, but it hits me very emotionally every time I watch it and a movie deserves credit for that. If you don't get a little choked up at the end I don't know how you can consider yourself a movie lover.
Rated 22 Jan 2011
default93default93
Rated 16 Jan 2010
100
97th
this wonderful film changed my life and it made me cry and laugh like nothing else.
Rated 16 Jan 2010
anselmi86Anselmi86
Rated 25 Jul 2009
98
98th
Just amazing. People who dog this movie for being sentimental simply don't understand the point. Just enjoy this movie for what it is and what it tries to do, and you will have trouble finding a more enjoyable experience. It also contains perhaps the greatest performance ever by a human being in Jimmy Stewart. Every emotion is pitch perfect.
Rated 25 Jul 2009
larsthorwaldLarsThorwald
Rated 27 Jun 2009
80
55th
I rank it 100 at Christmas time
Rated 27 Jun 2009
hellsditchhellsditch
Rated 21 Dec 2008
88
90th
At age 29, I finally saw it. As a ubiquitous holiday institution, it is legendary. As a movie, it is nearly as good, which is pretty impressive. Jimmy Stewart is great, duh. And Capra does a great job of making his situation seem so hopeless and dire that we really feel for him and hope he can pull it out. Since it's impossible NOT to have heard the "everytime a bell rings, an angel gets his wings" line, we know he's going to make it. But still, the journey is very moving and well done.
Rated 21 Dec 2008
nearphotisonNearphotison
Rated 01 Dec 2008
94
98th
A classic story, told masterfully, with a class-act cast that really brings the characters to life. Stewart is brilliant in his role, using emotions to tell more of the story than any other device used. The ultimate familt Christmas film, nobody should miss this one. See it before you die.
Rated 01 Dec 2008
dorkovskyDorkovsky
Rated 22 Sep 2008
10
99th
I can't believe I waited so long to see this. Heartwarming, heartbreaking, and outright hilarious at moments. The only issue I had with it (and its a small one) is that sometimes the mix of comedy and drama doesn't work and comes across as awkward. Either way, if you don't like this movie you are probably going to hell.
Rated 22 Sep 2008
babamotsbabamots
Rated 08 Jun 2008
100
99th
This is the king of inspirational films. It is unfortunate that it has been filed away as a "Christmas movie."
Rated 08 Jun 2008
luna6ixLuna6ix
Rated 17 May 2008
89
96th
one of the few christmas movies that are still on tv and is relevent even in the dead of summer.
Rated 17 May 2008
fredericg54frederic_g54
Rated 16 Apr 2008
9
90th
I have to admit James Stewart was terrific in this film, showing just how much emotion can be conveyed through a person's eyes. Capra's classic has too many memorable scenes to name, but it's that last scene that really sums everything up. Feel good movie indeed...
Rated 16 Apr 2008
chadisdangerchadisdanger
Rated 02 Feb 2008
97
99th
Emotionally, I don't think there's a film that gets to me more than this one. It has some awkward qualities, especially during the alternate life scenes, but Capra touches some kind of ineffable, illogical, life-affirming magic here. Stewart was never better; his portrayal of the broken George Bailey is genuinely disarming and heartbreaking. And of course, the ending is absolutely, untouchably perfect. No other film I've seen this often can STILL bring tears to my eyes every time I see it.
Rated 02 Feb 2008
kasperlKasperL
Rated 17 Jan 2008
85
94th
This Capra-Stewart collaboration is, fittingly, a wonderful classic indeed.
Rated 17 Jan 2008
magbMagb
Rated 14 Aug 2007
85
73rd
Some of the effects of Stewart's character "never having lived" seemed rather implausible, but the message remains strong. It's hard not to get caught up in the moment when everyone gets together at the end.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
jeg2jeg2
Rated 26 Feb 2007
40
11th
Maybe the most over-rated film of all time. Also over-acted (Watch Stewart in Rear Window or Winchester 73 for contrast). Deserves an even lower rating for the hype about it, but it was actually an average film.
Rated 26 Feb 2007
aflickeringAFlickering
Rated 10 Jul 2023
6
86th
the classic i've always been most torn over. the populist way it reduces complex systemic problems into childlike binary conflicts with pat resolutions leaves me uncomfortable, and the last act is simply redundant (what can pottersville's laughably reactionary vision of hell possibly add to the poison prologue, job offer, suicidal tendencies or domestic abuse preceding it?). that said, good god it's an affecting, mesmerising piece of filmmaking. i'm suspicious of everything; i feel everything.
Rated 10 Jul 2023
hawkinsHawkins
Rated 28 Dec 2021
88
87th
Almost an inversion of the Dickens tale (giving Bob Cratchit the tragic backstory while Scrooge remains a one-dimensional miser) but it nails a Christmas moral just the same. The sentimental sweetness is balanced well by dark undercurrents. Jimmy Stewart's 'new lease on life' acting is infectious.
Rated 28 Dec 2021
twincinematwincinema
Rated 25 Dec 2020
100
98th
I have purposely avoided this film during my many years being alive because I thought it'd be too sappy. Boy, was I wrong! It now is added to my pantheon of perfect Christmas films (unfortunately, it's a small pantheon). In the past, it was cool to own a raven and squirrel. Also, just watched the SNL sketch of the townspeople beating the hell out of Mr. Potter. It was satisfying.
Rated 25 Dec 2020
myfavchordsmyfavchords
Rated 24 Dec 2020
79
78th
This film works because of Jimmy Stewart's outstanding performance. Stewart carries the movie and the supporting cast also does a good job here. It takes a little bit for the film to gather steam. Overall I would recommend this Christmas classic.
Rated 24 Dec 2020
punqPUNQ
Rated 18 Oct 2020
100
99th
We all know It's a Wonderful Life (1946) is a holiday institution. There is so much one can say about the it, but I'll keep in simple. Been a long while since I last saw it. But you know you love a classic when you decide to watch it 3-times in a row! The ultimate feel-good movie!
Rated 18 Oct 2020
antonio_pAntonio P
Rated 03 Jun 2020
20
17th
Really didn't like this movie. Only liked 1 scene where the pharmacist hit the kid and his ear bled. Never seen that type of violence in a family movie before.
Rated 03 Jun 2020
nutcrackrnutcrackr
Rated 24 Dec 2019
73
50th
It's quite uplifting and there are good performances by most of the cast. Donna Reed and James Stewart hold strong as the leads. It fails to reach full potential because Potter does not get his comeuppance. Also Bailey languishes on "this is not real" for too long when he is removed from the world. The synopsis is awful. Not nearly enough about Christmas as one might expect for a movie that graces the top of the best Christmas movies of all time.
Rated 24 Dec 2019
thorn969thorn969
Rated 25 Dec 2018
21
16th
So... I just watched this movie for the first time in my life as an adult and I found it to be unadulterated garbage. It mixes so much Christianity and so much Capitalism into a thin story none of which should go together at all. And a movie about suicide for the holidays? Why does this get worshipped? It's not happy or funny.
Rated 25 Dec 2018
jschlanskyJSchlansky
Rated 24 Dec 2018
95
96th
Mary's eyesight is somehow worse if George was never born, because as we all know, wearing glasses means your life is fucked.
Rated 24 Dec 2018
vv238vv238
Rated 11 Sep 2018
93
97th
It's a Wonderful Life speaks to the everyman in all of us and reminds us all that the human spirit is not something to ignore. We are all capable of doing great things, no matter how small. It is not the best Christmas movie, it is the only Christmas movie.
Rated 11 Sep 2018
vaaponurvaaponur
Rated 26 Dec 2017
100
79th
This movie changed my life and get me out of depression and teach me I can make a big difference.
Rated 26 Dec 2017
byroum102Byroum102
Rated 22 Dec 2017
97
97th
I really really love this movie. Whenever I get sad, I watch this movie and be happy
Rated 22 Dec 2017
metalhankmetalhank
Rated 14 Jul 2017
11
0th
The most over-rated piece of over blown happy, happy, happy piece of crap ever. I'm supposed to believe all the goodness going on, come on man!! Get real.
Rated 14 Jul 2017
thehynesthehynes
Rated 05 Feb 2017
60
64th
Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol (Fight the Power remix)
Rated 05 Feb 2017
gorillanoshGorillaNosh
Rated 11 Jan 2017
94
81st
Zuzu's petals! Classic. A film with staying power especially around the holidays. The cast is flawless, the story is heartfelt, reassuringly hopeful, and highly entertaining.
Rated 11 Jan 2017
mddglumddglu
Rated 27 Dec 2016
85
95th
27.12.16
Rated 27 Dec 2016
petrostserPetrosTser
Rated 05 Dec 2016
70
70th
Even if you're not that into sentimental and/or angel-themed flicks, you will appreciate how well-constructed "It's A Wonderful Life" really is. The storytelling, and Capra's not-messing-around, straight-to-the-point approach, make for absorbing viewing, right until the genuinely resonant finale. For me, the occasional emotional and religious overload is a definite minus, yet it's testament to the makers' mastery that the outcome manages to strike several chords, sometimes even without words.
Rated 05 Dec 2016
tjrenotjreno
Rated 19 May 2016
95
95th
It's hard to know if this movie would have been as great if Jimmy Stewart wasn't in it but I'm glad we don't have to decide that. We all wonder why we end up in the life we have and think about the what ifs. This story is a Norman Rockwell setting of an ordinary guy dealing with the ups and downs of his life. It's also a reminder that sometimes we are unaware of how our efforts loop out to effect the lives of others.
Rated 19 May 2016
cinegeekdecinegeek.de
Rated 28 Apr 2016
93
94th
(...)Wie ein kraftvolles, fundamentales Märchen, so wirkt It's A Wonderful Life auf mich. Es ist die Umkehrung des Christmas Carol: Wir sehen keinen alten Mann, der Geschichten vom Glück erzählt, sondern einen jungen, der sich ins Unglück stürzt(...)
Rated 28 Apr 2016
yugyug
Rated 05 Apr 2016
70
59th
Orchestrated to titillate certain emotions. Many set pieces which look unrealistic. Couple of really powerful scenes. Good performances.
Rated 05 Apr 2016
francogonzoFrancoGonzo
Rated 25 Feb 2016
13
70th
Star Rating: ★★★1/2
Rated 25 Feb 2016
angrypierreangrypierre
Rated 01 Jan 2016
92
96th
It's damn near perfect really.
Rated 01 Jan 2016
nevejasnevejas
Rated 23 Jun 2015
83
84th
On the sixth day god created humans and they were so pure that their farts were rose scented. On the seventh day god created Christmas. A guy named Capra put everything together. People knew it was a monkey business but laughed and cried nonetheless whilst watching, because that guy Capra had everyone by their balls. And the phenomenon was called a jolly good cinema and was shown every Christmas forever and ever till the end of Christmases. If only them bells stopped ringing.
Rated 23 Jun 2015
dardandardan
Rated 05 May 2015
93
96th
The best christmas film.
Rated 05 May 2015
rymRYM
Rated 29 Mar 2015
80
95th
4.01/5
Rated 29 Mar 2015
salomaordsalomaord
Rated 02 Jan 2015
50
0th
Frank Capra #6
Rated 02 Jan 2015
yiannosYiannos
Rated 24 Dec 2014
78
89th
Somewhat corny but moving Dickensian style morality tale that has darker undercurrents than its surface immediately suggests. Stewart's performance is iconic for good reason, while Capra's open hearted generosity towards his fellow man, and his faith in the triumph of human decency, is on full display. It's the sincerity, the purity of motive, that makes this film work like a charm, even on hardened cynics like me.
Rated 24 Dec 2014
tavingtonTavington
Rated 24 Dec 2014
5
97th
One of best movies ever made to watch during Christmas time.
Rated 24 Dec 2014
boomdiddlyboomdiddly
Rated 11 Oct 2014
96
97th
There's a reason some people watch this every year. There's that much content to be re-enjoyed.
Rated 11 Oct 2014
bennicol23Bennicol23
Rated 10 Oct 2014
55
26th
Feel-good family film. Very dated but still worth a watch.
Rated 10 Oct 2014
patmanpatman
Rated 05 Mar 2014
79
91st
A heartwarming and inspiring holiday movie as we follow Stewart's character, George Bailey. A man of admirable qualities with a great generosity towards his community, Capra pushes the right buttons as we can't help but root for him through his struggle and suffering. It tells a story of a how much a single man's life can touch others, it doesn't do so without it flaws but succeeds in creating an emotional peace with lasting impressions.
Rated 05 Mar 2014
haruhiHaruhi
Rated 31 Jan 2014
100
99th
Not the greatest film of all time, but it will always be my favorite.
Rated 31 Jan 2014
skyhorseSKYHORSE
Rated 22 Jan 2014
8
86th
good voice
Rated 22 Jan 2014
rufamRufam
Rated 24 Dec 2013
75
72nd
Weepy and sentimental and hokey and heart-warming, just as it should be. Look, this type of film isn't exactly my cup of tea, but credit must be given where credit is due: this is a very well written and constructed, effectively manipulative and immediately likable endeavor. Stewart delivers one of his finest performances and the final scene, drenched in syrup as it may be, is some classic, first-class tear-jerking.
Rated 24 Dec 2013
chmulcr0nchmul_cr0n
Rated 17 Dec 2013
73
69th
weird editing and James Stewart goodness
Rated 17 Dec 2013
tathieltathiel
Rated 05 Dec 2013
92
98th
What a sweet, sweet movie. Several layers of story telling make this morality tale a heartwarming Dickens-like Christmas movie. The charleston song stuck with me forever. A defining moment in cinema history!
Rated 05 Dec 2013
vahidtrvahidtr
Rated 13 Jul 2013
89
98th
when you have James Stewart as the leading role and Frank Capra as the director (although Italian but the most American director ever) and a brilliant story, I can ask no more than that.
Rated 13 Jul 2013
karamazovkaramazov.
Rated 03 Jul 2013
82
97th
For me, the end result completely negates any disgusting wholesomeness, whatever dubious morality, classic-family/xmas-movie status, etc., because underneath, this is deeply cinematic and haunting film. As always, the only way Capra knows to achieve that end is via wildly exaggerated Dickensian sentimentality, but his art is elevated to true greatness because his manipulation, on par with von Trier and Hitchcock, is so pure and -so- cinematic. Honestly a joy to watch.
Rated 03 Jul 2013
desertpunkDesertPunk
Rated 23 Jun 2013
73
54th
This movie is James Stewart, and everything else is window dressing.
Rated 23 Jun 2013
jnsonejijnsoneji
Rated 17 Mar 2013
90
59th
quite entertaining
Rated 17 Mar 2013
ashbyAshby
Rated 24 Dec 2012
86
78th
To some this is the quinssential christmas movie. Having watched it for the first time this christmas I would say it doesn't really count as a christmas movie, it is nevertheless a true classic. Jimmy Stewart is an absolutely amazing actor and commands sympathy from the audience. The plot and moral of the story are deeply well done and tiep up in the end, which is without a dobut one of the main reasons the film still holds up today. I agree with the notion that this should be essential viewing.
Rated 24 Dec 2012
mattorama12mattorama12
Rated 23 Dec 2012
73
71st
Pure wholesome goodness.
Rated 23 Dec 2012
davidthomsonDavidThomson
Rated 09 Sep 2012
80
66th
It's a wonderful life - except for what you can't get out of your head in the early hours of the morning, when you can't sleep. George has that despair known most intensely in Capra films, where the young men have the DNA of being haunted by guilt in their souls already. Since 1946, United States has come to resemble Pottersville far more than Bedford Falls. The rural idyll of security and self-sufficiency didn't work. So as the years pass, this would-be charmer becomes a little more disturbing.
Rated 09 Sep 2012
3drevelation3dRevelation
Rated 24 Aug 2012
83
86th
I think George Bailey might be one of the most likeable characters I've seen in a film and Jimmy Stewart plays him perfectly. It may just be me, but I felt a kind of tone shift right before the entrance of the angel which kind of took some of the steam away from this IMO. It's a really good film, but I think I would have liked it more had there not been the Dickens-like tie in.
Rated 24 Aug 2012
zaezae
Rated 23 Jun 2012
85
89th
I think it's pretty much impossible to not smile at this film, no matter how jaded and cynical of a person you might be. The perfect American christmas film.
Rated 23 Jun 2012
futurememoryfuturememory
Rated 18 Jun 2012
90
94th
Certain films are classics for a reason. This is one of them. It's not just the quintessential Christmas movie. It's about a thoroughly decent man whose dream have been consistently trampled by his that decency and his unending sense of responsibility. Poignant, hilarious, and wonderfully shot.
Rated 18 Jun 2012
nakashimaNakashima
Rated 09 May 2012
30
2nd
Simply not my kind of movie. I had to watch it with my grandma and didn't like it.
Rated 09 May 2012
minorsageMinorsage
Rated 03 Mar 2012
5
4th
Super hate this movie. Everyone is horrible to George Bailey. They walk all over him. He sacrifices everything for a bunch of jerks. If I were him, I would have gone ahead and jumped, or just packed up everything and disappeared. Horrible, horrible movie.
Rated 03 Mar 2012
susmattsusmatt
Rated 20 Feb 2012
100
99th
This is my all-time favourite and we watch it every year on Christmas day. Great story/message, fantastic acting.
Rated 20 Feb 2012
baggerBagger
Rated 13 Feb 2012
68
42nd
Unfortunately I found this to be too soaked in Capras saccharine americana to be fully enjoyable for anything more than it's well known gimmick, which unfortunately for anyone unfamiliar with the movie - is surprisingly short.
Rated 13 Feb 2012
last_requestlast request
Rated 22 Dec 2011
87
91st
Just saw this for the first time. A film that shows that life isn't about achieving and getting. It's not about whoring your way to as many fancy and pleasurable experiences or 'tick the box' exotic holidays as possible. It's about the positive difference you can make by helping other people, and about realising that there are many people who would miss you if you weren't around, even if it might not seem that way when things are dark and you are feeling in the pits. Really inspiring stuff.
Rated 22 Dec 2011
wezzoWezzo
Rated 17 Dec 2011
99
99th
One of my favourite films of all-time. I can think of no other movie that makes you appreciate life quite like this one. James Stewart's performance here is probably my favourite in cinema history, and he makes the movie, but the screenplay plays a fantastic role too: marvellously-structured, surprisingly witty, and packing a considerable emotional punch. The end got me once again, and I think it always will.
Rated 17 Dec 2011
hellboy76hellboy76
Rated 04 Nov 2011
72
86th
Despite a few overly silly dated themes this movie is permanently embedded in our culture for good reason.
Rated 04 Nov 2011
mockcarrmockcarr
Rated 16 Sep 2011
93
89th
Sure it's hokey, but it's the right kind of hokey. I don't think Jimmy Stewart gets enough credit for his dark side. I have a hard time imagining this could work with anyone but him, he plays George Bailey with great nuance, and lets a little of his submerged rage and frustration show just at the right times to make you forget it's another angel to the rescue type deal.
Rated 16 Sep 2011

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