The Verdict
"The holiday classic to define all holiday classics,It's a Wonderful Lifeis one of a handful of films worth an annual viewing."
Movie Review and Other Insights
It's a Wonderful Life is a visionary Holiday, Comedy, Drama film directed by the acclaimed Frank Capra (Frank Capra). Released in theaters on Jan 7, 1946, Wide, this cinematic experience offers a fresh take on the classic narrative. Produced by Liberty Films and distributed by RKO Radio Pictures, the film features a runtime of 2h 9m.
The story follows after George Bailey (James Stewart) wishes he had never been born, an angel (Henry Travers) is sent to earth to make George's wish come true. George starts to realize how many lives he has changed and impacted, and how they would be different if he was never there. Leading the cast are star performers Frank Capra, James Stewart, Donna Reed, who bring depth and intensity to their roles.
Rated PG for Some Violence|Smoking|Thematic Elements, It's a Wonderful Life delivers a audio experience presented in a Flat (1.37:1) aspect ratio. Critics have praised the film, stating: "The holiday classic to define all holiday classics,It's a Wonderful Lifeis one of a handful of films worth an annual viewing."
Images
Cast & Crew
Critic Reviews
"A movie people will have a good time watching with their families for enduring decades."
"There's sex and death here, elation and depression, hope and despair."
"While it isn't the best picture to come out of Hollywood this year, nor is it Capra's masterpiece, it tells a good story and its conclusion has a heart-warming effect on the audience."
"Frank Capra's classic is a perfect movie, and almost 80 years on, Jimmy Stewart's masterpiece has lost absolutely none of its magic."
""an enduring classic... timeless""
"This is movie that gives you a lot of hope and inspires you to get through the darkest of times. Very effective and such a "feel good" movie."
Audience Reviews
A classic for a reason
Simply the best Christmas movie there is. Love seeing it in a theater. The intro was also great to get some history I wasnt previously aware of
A great classic movie!! Loved it on the big screen!!!!
A+++++ Classic Great heart warming film
A wonderful movie to see on actual Christmas in the theater!
Absolutely wonderful!!
Frequently Asked Questions
When was It's a Wonderful Life released?
It's a Wonderful Life hit theaters on Jan 7, 1946, Wide. It became available for streaming on Nov 30, 2016.
How long is the movie and what is the genre?
The film has a runtime of 2h 9m. It falls under the Holiday, Comedy, Drama genre, featuring a sound mix in .
Who is the director of It's a Wonderful Life?
The movie is directed by Frank Capra. The script was penned by Frances Goodrich, Albert Hackett, Frank Capra, Philip Van Doren Stern, Jo Swerling.
Who are the main actors in It's a Wonderful Life?
The top billed cast includes:
- Frank Capra as Director
- James Stewart as George Bailey
- Donna Reed as Mary Hatch Bailey
- Lionel Barrymore as Mr. Henry F. Potter
- Thomas Mitchell as William Bailey
Why is It's a Wonderful Life rated PG?
It is rated PG (Some Violence|Smoking|Thematic Elements)
Which studio produced the movie?
It's a Wonderful Life was produced by Liberty Films and distributed worldwide by RKO Radio Pictures.
About the movie
NEWAfter George Bailey (James Stewart) wishes he had never been born, an angel (Henry Travers) is sent to earth to make George's wish come true. George starts to realize how many lives he has changed and impacted, and how they would be different if he was never there.
- Director
- Frank Capra
- Producers
- Frank Capra
- Screenwriter
- Frances Goodrich, Albert Hackett, Frank Capra, Philip Van Doren Stern, Jo Swerling
- Distributor
- RKO Radio Pictures
- Production
- Liberty Films
- Genre
- Holiday, Comedy, Drama
- Release Date
- Jan 7, 1946, Wide
- Run Time
- 2h 9m
- Rating
- PG
- Aspect Ratio
- Flat (1.37:1)