Overview
A heartwarming tale that reminds us of the impact one life can have on many others.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Strong
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- None
- warm
- nostalgic
- witty
- christmas eve
- family holiday viewing
What critics said
Critics broadly praise the film's inventive fantasy premise, humane emotional force, performances, humor, and Capra's affectionate direction, while acknowledging its pronounced sentimentality.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Clarence shows George Bailey alternate consequences of never having been born.
George's building and loan and the Christmas Eve response demonstrate how Bedford Falls depends on mutual aid.
George's family building and loan stands between Bedford Falls and Mr. Potter's domination.
The monochrome photography contrasts George's humane community with Potter's starkly grasping world.
Films like It's a Wonderful Life, and why
A Christmas Carol
warm holiday fantasy, family-centered drama, and redemptive supernatural intervention
The Best Years of Our Lives
idealistic small-town community drama, romantic warmth, and sentimental social optimism
Stairway to Heaven
uplifting fantasy premise, emotional self-discovery, and benevolent supernatural guidance
You Can't Take It with You
romantic comedy-drama, humane ensemble storytelling, and optimistic Frank Capra sensibility
Movie Details
- Director
- Frank Capra
- Release Date
- 1946-12-20
- Runtime
- 131 min
- Rating
- 8.3 / 10 (5078)
Cast
- James Stewart
- Donna Reed
- Lionel Barrymore
- Thomas Mitchell
- Henry Travers
- Beulah Bondi
- Frank Faylen
- Ward Bond
- Gloria Grahame
- H.B. Warner
Where to watch in United States
- Streaming
- Amazon Prime Video, Amazon Prime Video with Ads
- Rent
- JustWatch TV, Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is It's a Wonderful Life about?
- A self-sacrificing small-town businessman receives an otherworldly lesson in the immeasurable value of his life and community.
- What is It's a Wonderful Life like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of It's a Wonderful Life as measured, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is It's a Wonderful Life violent?
- No — Ember's analysis finds no violence in It's a Wonderful Life.
- What did critics think of It's a Wonderful Life?
- Critics broadly praise the film's inventive fantasy premise, humane emotional force, performances, humor, and Capra's affectionate direction, while acknowledging its pronounced sentimentality.
- Which films are like It's a Wonderful Life?
- Films with a similar feel include A Christmas Carol, The Best Years of Our Lives, Stairway to Heaven, and You Can't Take It with You.
- How long is It's a Wonderful Life?
- It's a Wonderful Life runs 131 minutes.
- Where can I watch It's a Wonderful Life?
- In United States, It's a Wonderful Life streams on Amazon Prime Video, Amazon Prime Video with Ads.
