It's a Wonderful Life (1946)
It's a Wonderful Life is a 1946 drama movie directed by Frank Capra, with a running time of 2h 11m. It stars James Stewart, Donna Reed and Lionel Barrymore.
George Bailey wanted to shake the dust of Bedford Falls off his shoes and see the world. Instead he stayed, running the family building and loan, holding the line against the town's richest and meanest man, and quietly giving up one dream after another for the people around him. Then, one Christmas Eve, a missing sum of money threatens to bring the whole thing down on his head. Frank Capra's holiday classic is warm, funny, and unafraid of the dark before the light, an argument for the worth of an ordinary decent life.
Quick answers
What is It's a Wonderful Life about?
George Bailey wanted to shake the dust of Bedford Falls off his shoes and see the world. Instead he stayed, running the family building and loan, holding the line against the town's richest and meanest man, and quietly giving up one dream after another for the people around him. Then, one Christmas Eve, a missing sum of money threatens to bring the whole thing down on his head. Frank Capra's holiday classic is warm, funny, and unafraid of the dark before the light, an argument for the worth of an ordinary decent life.
When was It's a Wonderful Life released?
It's a Wonderful Life was released on 20 December 1946.
How long is It's a Wonderful Life?
It's a Wonderful Life runs 2h 11m.
Who made It's a Wonderful Life?
It's a Wonderful Life was directed by Frank Capra.
Where can I watch It's a Wonderful Life?
It's a Wonderful Life is available on Amazon Prime Video, Amazon Prime Video with Ads, Fawesome, Hoopla, Amazon Video and Apple TV Store.
Where to watch It's a Wonderful Life
Stream: Amazon Prime Video, Amazon Prime Video with Ads
Rent: Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Fandango At Home, Google Play Movies, JustWatch TV, YouTube
Buy: Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Fandango At Home, Google Play Movies, YouTube
Official site
Cast
- James Stewart as George Bailey
- Donna Reed as Mary Hatch
- Lionel Barrymore as Mr. Potter
- Thomas Mitchell as Uncle Billy
- Henry Travers as Clarence
- Beulah Bondi as Mrs. Bailey
- Frank Faylen as Ernie
- Ward Bond as Bert
- Gloria Grahame as Violet
- H.B. Warner as Mr. Gower
- Frank Albertson as Sam Wainwright
- Todd Karns as Harry Bailey
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Explore It's a Wonderful Life guides
It's a Wonderful Life in our writing
- Companion guide: Alternate History
- Companion guide: Angels & the Divine
- Companion guide: Christmas Movies and Stories: The Complete Guide to Holiday Classics
A few thoughts on It's a Wonderful Life
A cornerstone of Christmas moviegoing, generous even at its bleakest. The film grew from The greatest gift, the short story Philip Van Doren Stern first printed as a homemade Christmas card before Frank Capra found it. Reading the seed is a small, lovely companion to the movie it became.
Big-screen family films with a lot of heart
It's a Wonderful Life is warm, funny, and built around what one ordinary life is worth. These family movies aim for the same all-ages glow, mixing adventure and sentiment so kids and parents both find something to hold onto. Feel-good watches for a full room.
Emotional dramas about love, regret and holding on
Before its hopeful turn, Capra's classic sits with disappointment and a man at the end of his rope. These dramas share that willingness to face the dark before any light, tracing love, loss, and hard choices without flinching. Heavier company for the film's more serious half.