Opened: December 20, 1946

Directed by: Frank Capra

Starring: James Stewart, Donna Reed, Lionel Barrymore, Thomas Mitchell, Henry Travers, Beulah Bondi, Ward Bond, Frank Faylen, Gloria Grahame, Bobby Anderson, Lillian Randolph & Todd Karns

One of the most popular Christmas movies of all-time, this classic holds up against the 70-plus behind it.

George Bailey (James Stewart) has spent his life helping others, often setting his own dreams aside. On a particularly bad Christmas Eve, George decides to commit suicide, but his guardian angel Clarence (Henry Travers) intervenes to show him life around him if he’d never been born.

The film has a particular strong message about how many lives you touch and how you don’t even realize the difference you make to those people. It’s a heartwarming lesson around the holidays that will still bring tears to your eyes.

Stewart is fantastic as the easily likable as George. His chemistry with co-star Donna Reed is electric and they share one of the most passionate scenes in film history.

Final say: It’s a wonderful movie. ★★★★★