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It's a Wonderful Life (1946) Rank 5 Reviews

Expert Review Summary
Movie critics combined give It's a Wonderful Life (1946) a score of 3.5680 out of 4
based on (90) reviews
Click on the numbers to the right of the graph to see reviews of that rating
Excellent
4
Excellent
(64)
Very Good
3
Very Good
(23)
Good
2
Good
(3)
Fair
1
Fair
(0)
Poor
0
Poor
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Reviews by Score:
It's a Wonderful Life (1946) scores a combined 4.00 out of 4 stars for Decent Films Guide (Steven D. Greydanus)Decent Films Guide (Steven D. Greydanus)
"No one is born to be a failure. No one is poor who has friends. ...read the complete It's a Wonderful Life movie review at Decent Films Guide (Steven D. Greydanus)
It's a Wonderful Life (1946) scores a combined 4.00 out of 4 stars for Martin RichMartin Rich
Jimmy Stewart plays George Bailey, the local hero of the small town of Bedford Falls. He rejects offers of foreign travel and an exotic future to run the family business, a philanthropic savings bank, and to preserve it from the attentions of Potter, a ...read the complete It's a Wonderful Life movie review at Martin Rich
It's a Wonderful Life (1946) scores a combined 4.00 out of 4 stars for Max ScheininMax Scheinin
Near the end of Frank Capra's holiday classic, Its A Wonderful Life, George Bailey (Jimmy Stewart) is feeling down. He has devoted his life to others, and never fulfilled his dream of leaving his small supburb town, Bedford Falls. Standing upon a bridge ...read the complete It's a Wonderful Life movie review at Max Scheinin
It's a Wonderful Life (1946) scores a combined 4.00 out of 4 stars for CBC.ca Arts (Stephen Cole)CBC.ca Arts (Stephen Cole)
As warm and comforting as a scarf knit by Grandma, Frank Capra's 1946 film It's a Wonderful Life has been a holiday favourite for more than 30 years. That success was late in arriving, however. ...read the complete It's a Wonderful Life movie review at CBC.ca Arts (Stephen Cole)
It's a Wonderful Life (1946) scores a combined 4.00 out of 4 stars for Chris JarmickChris Jarmick
What an original choice for a favorite Christmas movie huh? After watching it dozens of times, you would think it would be forever out of my system. It's not. It's that good of a film and to pretend I'm not a sucker for it's charms would mean I'd be ...read the complete It's a Wonderful Life movie review at Chris Jarmick
It's a Wonderful Life (1946) scores a combined 4.00 out of 4 stars for Joe BarlowJoe Barlow
With our first glimpse of Bedford Falls, the idyllic, snow-kissed setting of Frank Capra's It's a Wonderful Life, we know something is amiss. It's Christmas Eve, but there's no joy in the air--only a sense of tension and foreboding. There are voices ...read the complete It's a Wonderful Life movie review at Joe Barlow
It's a Wonderful Life (1946) scores a combined 4.00 out of 4 stars for The Digital BitsThe Digital Bits
Both Jimmy Stewart and director Frank Capra have called It's a Wonderful Life their best work, and it's hard to argue the point. Stewart, in his first acting role after returning from World War II (he was a pilot in the Army Air Force) gives the ...read the complete It's a Wonderful Life movie review at The Digital Bits
It's a Wonderful Life (1946) scores a combined 4.00 out of 4 stars for Q Network Film Desk (James Kendrick)Q Network Film Desk (James Kendrick)
In fact, the best scene in the movie takes place between these two actors. The action transpires in Mary's house, where she and George are listening to a high school friend on the phone at the same time. As they stand close together, sharing the ...read the complete It's a Wonderful Life movie review at Q Network Film Desk (James Kendrick)
It's a Wonderful Life (1946) scores a combined 4.00 out of 4 stars for Three Movie Buffs (Patrick Nash)Three Movie Buffs (Patrick Nash)
Though cynics may scoff at It's a Wonderful Life, as an overly idealistic, Capraesque slice of Americana; those of us with even a glimmer of childish innocence will continue to cherish this truly magical movie. ...read the complete It's a Wonderful Life movie review at Three Movie Buffs (Patrick Nash)
It's a Wonderful Life (1946) scores a combined 4.00 out of 4 stars for Movie Gazette (Gary Panton)Movie Gazette (Gary Panton)
The best Christmas film ever made. That's right - it's even better than 'The Santa Clause 2'. ...read the complete It's a Wonderful Life movie review at Movie Gazette (Gary Panton)
It's a Wonderful Life (1946) scores a combined 4.00 out of 4 stars for Combustible Celluloid (Jeffrey M. Anderson)Combustible Celluloid (Jeffrey M. Anderson)
By now everyone knows Frank Capra's holiday classic and the tears it so effortlessly conjures up year after year -- but it's easy to forget how truly vicious the film is, and how brilliantly James Stewart rises to the challenge. As George Bailey, he ...read the complete It's a Wonderful Life movie review at Combustible Celluloid (Jeffrey M. Anderson)
It's a Wonderful Life (1946) scores a combined 4.00 out of 4 stars for Steve RhodesSteve Rhodes
Set mainly in a cold and snowy environment and with the show's conclusion at Christmas Eve, IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE is a great film for the holidays. Although sometimes bordering on the maudlin, it remains a beautifully uplifting story and a sweet little ...read the complete It's a Wonderful Life movie review at Steve Rhodes
It's a Wonderful Life (1946) scores a combined 4.00 out of 4 stars for Brilliant Observations on 1173 Films (Clayton Trapp)Brilliant Observations on 1173 Films (Clayton Trapp)
One of man's greatest accomplishments to throw against the seemingly hollow reverb of the cosmos. More a religious achievement than a film, or even art. How do you idealize, or even make interesting, a guy who's sold his own dreams, lives in daily ...read the complete It's a Wonderful Life movie review at Brilliant Observations on 1173 Films (Clayton Trapp)
It's a Wonderful Life (1946) scores a combined 4.00 out of 4 stars for Oscar Guy (Wesley Lovell)Oscar Guy (Wesley Lovell)
The film's entire premise can be summed up with a bit of text from the film: "Remember, George: no man is a failure who has friends." ...read the complete It's a Wonderful Life movie review at Oscar Guy (Wesley Lovell)
It's a Wonderful Life (1946) scores a combined 4.00 out of 4 stars for Arizona Daily Star (Phil Villarreal)Arizona Daily Star (Phil Villarreal)
Not only as one of the best Christmas movies, but THE Christmas movie. ...read the complete It's a Wonderful Life movie review at Arizona Daily Star (Phil Villarreal)
It's a Wonderful Life (1946) scores a combined 4.00 out of 4 stars for DVDTown.com (James Plath)DVDTown.com (James Plath)
George Bailey and Bedford Falls never looked so good! ...read the complete It's a Wonderful Life movie review at DVDTown.com (James Plath)
It's a Wonderful Life (1946) scores a combined 4.00 out of 4 stars for Channel 4 Film (Fran Hortop)Channel 4 Film (Fran Hortop)
You'd have to possess a very hard heart not to find something to love in this story. ...read the complete It's a Wonderful Life movie review at Channel 4 Film (Fran Hortop)
It's a Wonderful Life (1946) scores a combined 4.00 out of 4 stars for Guardian [UK] (Peter Bradshaw)Guardian [UK] (Peter Bradshaw)
The film is gripping enough simply with the telling of George's lifestory. A genuine American classic. ...read the complete It's a Wonderful Life movie review at Guardian [UK] (Peter Bradshaw)
It's a Wonderful Life (1946) scores a combined 4.00 out of 4 stars for CleverDonkey.com (EngineerBoy)CleverDonkey.com (EngineerBoy)
I hadn't watched It's A Wonderful Life in a number of years, at least not all the way through from beginning to end. Well, we watched it last night, and I have to say that this movie deserves its legendary status. I know the whole story, inside and ...read the complete It's a Wonderful Life movie review at CleverDonkey.com (EngineerBoy)
It's a Wonderful Life (1946) scores a combined 4.00 out of 4 stars for The Fresh Films Review (Fredrik Fevang)The Fresh Films Review (Fredrik Fevang)
This highly sentimental film about human and moral values could easily have been reduced to a cheap tear-jerker but for fine direction by Frank Capra. It is basically a simple story (with somewhat one-dimensional characters), but it is also a very ...read the complete It's a Wonderful Life movie review at The Fresh Films Review (Fredrik Fevang)
It's a Wonderful Life (1946) scores a combined 4.00 out of 4 stars for Scribble KingScribble King
It's a Wonderful Life is one of those movies that pops up on television every Christmas, and which you can truly call a timeless classic. Writing a review of a movie like this is a bit pointless, since everybody reading it has probably already seen it ...read the complete It's a Wonderful Life movie review at Scribble King
It's a Wonderful Life (1946) scores a combined 4.00 out of 4 stars for The Magic of the Movies (Alex Christensen)The Magic of the Movies (Alex Christensen)
It is extremely hard to objectively criticize a work that is not really just a "movie," or even a film (if there is a qualitative difference), but is an emotional and cultural experience that has colored my childhood and continues to arise to comment ...read the complete It's a Wonderful Life movie review at The Magic of the Movies (Alex Christensen)
It's a Wonderful Life (1946) scores a combined 4.00 out of 4 stars for Appreciating Great TrashAppreciating Great Trash
It's a Wonderful Life is not the wad of cloying, sugary-sweet sentimentality that some might presume it to be; it does, after all, feature a kid bleeding from his ears within the first ten minutes. And for the first 90-minutes, Frank Capra's ...read the complete It's a Wonderful Life movie review at Appreciating Great Trash
It's a Wonderful Life (1946) scores a combined 4.00 out of 4 stars for TV Guide Entertainment Network, Movie GuideTV Guide Entertainment Network, Movie Guide
The holiday gift for all time. This heartwarming fantasy, one of the most popular films ever made, begins as angels discuss George Bailey (James Stewart), a small-town resident so beset with problems that he contemplates a Christmastime suicide. In ...read the complete It's a Wonderful Life movie review at TV Guide Entertainment Network, Movie Guide
It's a Wonderful Life (1946) scores a combined 4.00 out of 4 stars for DVD Talk (Todd Siechen)DVD Talk (Todd Siechen)
This film is one of those exceptional classics that remains timeless in its message and thoughtfulness. Without a doubt one of the most memorable and beloved films of all time, "Its a Wonderful Life" brings to the screen a fantastic story of ...read the complete It's a Wonderful Life movie review at DVD Talk (Todd Siechen)
It's a Wonderful Life (1946) scores a combined 4.00 out of 4 stars for Christian Spotlight on the MoviesChristian Spotlight on the Movies
This film was a failure at the box office and at the time marked the beginning of the decline for Christian scientist-turned-director Frank Capra. Because of its failure in every sense of the term, it was discarded by its distributer, RKO (which would ...read the complete It's a Wonderful Life movie review at Christian Spotlight on the Movies
It's a Wonderful Life (1946) scores a combined 4.00 out of 4 stars for DVD MovieGuideDVD MovieGuide
Like many people, I maintain a love/hate relationship with holiday classic It's a Wonderful Life. On one hand, I dislike its oversentimentality and hokeyness and find it to offer an unrealistic portrait of a fantasy America that never really existed. ...read the complete It's a Wonderful Life movie review at DVD MovieGuide
It's a Wonderful Life (1946) scores a combined 4.00 out of 4 stars for filmsgraded.com (Brian Koller)filmsgraded.com (Brian Koller)
Today, It's a Wonderful Life is the most famous and successful film either directed by Frank Capra, or starring James Stewart. But it wasn't always that way. It originally lost money at the box office. Although it received five Academy Award ...read the complete It's a Wonderful Life movie review at filmsgraded.com (Brian Koller)
It's a Wonderful Life (1946) scores a combined 4.00 out of 4 stars for Teen Movie Critic (Roger Davidson)Teen Movie Critic (Roger Davidson)
No matter how many times it's shown during the Christmas season, I just can't get enough of this film. This immortal classic stars James Stewart as George Bailey, a man who has spent all his life trying to succeed, spending most of it trying to help ...read the complete It's a Wonderful Life movie review at Teen Movie Critic (Roger Davidson)
It's a Wonderful Life (1946) scores a combined 4.00 out of 4 stars for BBC Films (Almar Haflidason)BBC Films (Almar Haflidason)
"It's a Wonderful Life" needs another five star review like it needs more charismatic actors. So this is aimed at anyone who suspects that it's a movie that will drench them in saccharine sentimentality. ...read the complete It's a Wonderful Life movie review at BBC Films (Almar Haflidason)
It's a Wonderful Life (1946) scores a combined 4.00 out of 4 stars for James BrundageJames Brundage
I won't bother with the why. The answer lies in the question in the fact that the normal movie has to ask why it shouldn't use a thing that worked. They never take risks (studio films, that is. I think an old film and an independent are on equal ...read the complete It's a Wonderful Life movie review at James Brundage
It's a Wonderful Life (1946) scores a combined 4.00 out of 4 stars for Orbital Reviews Orbital Reviews
George Bailey (James Stewart) is contemplating suicide, audiences are informed at the beginning of the film, so he needs a guardian angel to help change his mind and make him realize how much he means to other people. His angel, Clarence Oddbody (Henry ...read the complete It's a Wonderful Life movie review at Orbital Reviews
It's a Wonderful Life (1946) scores a combined 4.00 out of 4 stars for At-A-Glance Film ReviewsAt-A-Glance Film Reviews
What can be said about this famous Christmas classic that hasn't been said already? Not much. Frank Capra's emotionally involving film about a man at the end of his rope discovering his self-worth with the aid of an endearing angel has stood the test ...read the complete It's a Wonderful Life movie review at At-A-Glance Film Reviews
It's a Wonderful Life (1946) scores a combined 4.00 out of 4 stars for Parent PreviewsParent Previews
Having just returned from World War II, Colonel Frank Capra, one of Hollywood's foremost directors, was alarmed by the increasingly apathetic attitudes toward God, freedom, and democracy that he witnessed in ...read the complete It's a Wonderful Life movie review at Parent Previews
It's a Wonderful Life (1946) scores a combined 3.75 out of 4 stars for Movie-Vault.com (Vadim Rizov)Movie-Vault.com (Vadim Rizov)
It has a few minor flaws, but what the hell, It's A Wonderful Life is an almost perfect combination of sentiment, realism, fantasy, and genuinely uplifting material (if you don't think too hard). It remains the best movie by the remarkable Frank ...read the complete It's a Wonderful Life movie review at Movie-Vault.com (Vadim Rizov)
It's a Wonderful Life (1946) scores a combined 3.75 out of 4 stars for Bosting ReviewsBosting Reviews
There have been may fine Christmas movies over the years, most of them appearing on the box with alarming regularity. ...read the complete It's a Wonderful Life movie review at Bosting Reviews
It's a Wonderful Life (1946) scores a combined 3.75 out of 4 stars for Apollo Movie Guide (Dan Jardine)Apollo Movie Guide (Dan Jardine)
George Bailey is given a gift: he can see what the world would be like if he had never lived. Capra's Americanisation of A Christmas Carol is a remarkable, joyous, life affirming experience. A wonderful sentimental journey. ...read the complete It's a Wonderful Life movie review at Apollo Movie Guide (Dan Jardine)
It's a Wonderful Life (1946) scores a combined 3.75 out of 4 stars for Boxoffice MagazineBoxoffice Magazine
Far removed from the beaten path is the unusual assortment of story ingredients which Producer-Director Frank Capra has smoothly blended into his first effort since doing a wartime hitch in the army. Fantasy, philosophy, some preachment for democracy, ...read the complete It's a Wonderful Life movie review at Boxoffice Magazine
It's a Wonderful Life (1946) scores a combined 3.75 out of 4 stars for Classic Film GuideClassic Film Guide
Produced & directed by Frank Capra, based on Philip Van Doren Stern's story "The Greatest Gift" with a screenplay by Frances Goodrich & Albert Hackett (The Thin Man (1934)) and Capra plus additional scenes from Jo Swerling (The Pride of the Yankees ...read the complete It's a Wonderful Life movie review at Classic Film Guide
It's a Wonderful Life (1946) scores a combined 3.75 out of 4 stars for The DVD Report (Britt Gillette)The DVD Report (Britt Gillette)
The quintessential Christmas classic, It's A Wonderful Life has dominated the holiday TV landscape with its timeless story of love, friendship, and a kind man's exceedingly relevant life. ...read the complete It's a Wonderful Life movie review at The DVD Report (Britt Gillette)
It's a Wonderful Life (1946) scores a combined 3.75 out of 4 stars for Bright Lights Film JournalBright Lights Film Journal
"An embarrassment both to flesh and spirit" - that was Richard Winnington of the News Chronicle in a contemporaneous review of It's a Wonderful Life (1946). ...read the complete It's a Wonderful Life movie review at Bright Lights Film Journal
It's a Wonderful Life (1946) scores a combined 3.75 out of 4 stars for Listen To MeListen To Me
Hey, remember when Christmastime (OH AND CHANNUHHUAKAH AND KWANZAA TIME I AM SO SORRY) would roll around and you could turn on the TV and see this movie (It's A Wonderful Life is the movie in question for those of you with exceptionally short short-term ...read the complete It's a Wonderful Life movie review at Listen To Me
It's a Wonderful Life (1946) scores a combined 3.75 out of 4 stars for Crazy for Cinema (Lisa Skrzyniarz)Crazy for Cinema (Lisa Skrzyniarz)
Though I only saw this film all the way through for the first time a few years ago, it has become one of my all time favorites. A film to watch whenever I feel a little down about my life. I initially avoided it because I though it was going to be one of ...read the complete It's a Wonderful Life movie review at Crazy for Cinema (Lisa Skrzyniarz)
It's a Wonderful Life (1946) scores a combined 3.75 out of 4 stars for filmcritic.comfilmcritic.com
Come now, what on earth am I going to say about one of the most beloved films ever made? Something about how it was originally coined on a Christmas Card? About how a clerical error resulted in it not being copyrighted and contributing to its ubiquity on ...read the complete It's a Wonderful Life movie review at filmcritic.com
It's a Wonderful Life (1946) scores a combined 3.75 out of 4 stars for Fantastic Movie Musings and RamblingsFantastic Movie Musings and Ramblings
At one time, this was the most ubiquitous movie during the Christmas season; that title has now been taken by A CHRISTMAS STORY. I will admit there's a curmudgeonly part of my personality that would have been tempted to dismiss the movie by its plot ...read the complete It's a Wonderful Life movie review at Fantastic Movie Musings and Ramblings
It's a Wonderful Life (1946) scores a combined 3.75 out of 4 stars for Apollo GuideApollo Guide
The pivotal moment in It's a Wonderful Life clearly defines its central character, George Bailey. Standing on a bridge, contemplating suicide, Bailey (played to small-town perfection by Jimmy Stewart) instead finds himself leaping into the water to ...read the complete It's a Wonderful Life movie review at Apollo Guide
It's a Wonderful Life (1946) scores a combined 3.75 out of 4 stars for CinescapeCinescape
There's a scene in IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE that speaks volumes without speaking a word. In it, Jimmy Stewart as the ever put-upon every-man, George Bailey, stands in front of his small house. A train whistle sounds and Stewart looks off quickly towards ...read the complete It's a Wonderful Life movie review at Cinescape
It's a Wonderful Life (1946) scores a combined 3.50 out of 4 stars for DVD Talk (Jamie S. Rich)DVD Talk (Jamie S. Rich)
What is there to say about It's a Wonderful Life? Some films are classics for a reason, and there's no cause to cast aspersion on Frank Capra's 1946 Dickensian fable. Despite its ubiquitous presence every holiday season and the years where it seemed ...read the complete It's a Wonderful Life movie review at DVD Talk (Jamie S. Rich)
It's a Wonderful Life (1946) scores a combined 3.50 out of 4 stars for Scifilm ("Mindflash")Scifilm ("Mindflash")
Before we start, I have a complaint to make:Australian TV channels never show anything worthwhile. Case in point: Christmas Day, three years ago, I was watching a Swedish Christmas movie (called EN LITEN JULSAGA), and my sister wanted to interrupt my ...read the complete It's a Wonderful Life movie review at Scifilm ("Mindflash")
It's a Wonderful Life (1946) scores a combined 3.50 out of 4 stars for Q Network Film Desk (James Kendrick)Q Network Film Desk (James Kendrick)
Quite appropriately, the movie started as a Christmas card. In the early 1940s, writer Philip Van Doren Stern penned a short story called "The Greatest Gift," which he printed on 200 holiday cards and sent out to friends and family. RKO Pictures bought ...read the complete It's a Wonderful Life movie review at Q Network Film Desk (James Kendrick)
It's a Wonderful Life (1946) scores a combined 3.50 out of 4 stars for digitallyOBSESSED.com (Rich Rosell)digitallyOBSESSED.com (Rich Rosell)
What is there to say that hasn't already been said about It's a Wonderful Life? Not much, I'm guessing. It is certainly a wonderfully ageless American film, with a tale that never ceases to bring a tear to the eye, and thanks to its brief life in the ...read the complete It's a Wonderful Life movie review at digitallyOBSESSED.com (Rich Rosell)
It's a Wonderful Life (1946) scores a combined 3.50 out of 4 stars for Entertainment InsidersEntertainment Insiders
"It's a Wonderful Life" is Frank Capra's holiday classic. Though the film was a critical and box-office bomb upon its original release, the film gained the reputation it deserved on TV. Director Capra claimed the film as his personal favorite. ...read the complete It's a Wonderful Life movie review at Entertainment Insiders
It's a Wonderful Life (1946) scores a combined 3.50 out of 4 stars for Nehring The EdgeNehring The Edge
Considered by many to be THE Christmas movie, It's A Wonderful Life continues to impress seventy years after its release. A staple of late night television for years, this film deserves every ounce, every speck of praise it has received. ...read the complete It's a Wonderful Life movie review at Nehring The Edge
It's a Wonderful Life (1946) scores a combined 3.50 out of 4 stars for Mutant Reviewers From HellMutant Reviewers From Hell
Trust me, I get it. I honestly do. ...read the complete It's a Wonderful Life movie review at Mutant Reviewers From Hell
It's a Wonderful Life (1946) scores a combined 3.50 out of 4 stars for filmcritic.com (Christopher Null)filmcritic.com (Christopher Null)
Come now, what on earth am I going to say about one of the most beloved films ever made? Something about how it was originally coined on a Christmas Card? About how a clerical error resulted in it not being copyrighted and contributing to its ubiquity ...read the complete It's a Wonderful Life movie review at filmcritic.com (Christopher Null)
It's a Wonderful Life (1946) scores a combined 3.50 out of 4 stars for SF, Horror and Fantasy Film ReviewSF, Horror and Fantasy Film Review
Even though it was not that popular upon its release, It's a Wonderful Life has gone on to become one of the genuine classics that holds a special place in American holiday season sentiment. This came about more by accident than intent when, ...read the complete It's a Wonderful Life movie review at SF, Horror and Fantasy Film Review
It's a Wonderful Life (1946) scores a combined 3.50 out of 4 stars for Reel Movie CriticReel Movie Critic
Now perhaps the most beloved American film, It's a Wonderful Life was largely forgotten for years, due to a copyright quirk. Only in the late 1970s did it find its audience through repeated TV showings. Frank Capra's masterwork deserves its status as a ...read the complete It's a Wonderful Life movie review at Reel Movie Critic
It's a Wonderful Life (1946) scores a combined 3.50 out of 4 stars for Mr. CrankyMr. Cranky
Ask yourself this question very seriously: What does this Frank Capra movie teach us? Seriously. Think about it. Here's the answer: The rich get richer, and the poor get poorer. After all, doesn't Mr. Potter (Lionel Barrymore) get to keep the eight ...read the complete It's a Wonderful Life movie review at Mr. Cranky
It's a Wonderful Life (1946) scores a combined 3.50 out of 4 stars for Movie Martyr (Jeremy Heilman)Movie Martyr (Jeremy Heilman)
It's a Wonderful Life is such a sacred cow of American cinema that it seems petty to complain about it, and, for what it's worth, there's little about it that bugs me. I certainly have a problem with the arch simplicity of Mr. Potter, the ...read the complete It's a Wonderful Life movie review at Movie Martyr (Jeremy Heilman)
It's a Wonderful Life (1946) scores a combined 3.50 out of 4 stars for Chicago NewCityNet (Ray Pride)Chicago NewCityNet (Ray Pride)
Directed by Frank Capra. By virtue of a bureaucratic foul-up, a little-seen commercial flop fell out of copyright over a decade ago and onto the schedules of every TV station in America that could snag a tape for a royalty-free showing. About the time ...read the complete It's a Wonderful Life movie review at Chicago NewCityNet (Ray Pride)
It's a Wonderful Life (1946) scores a combined 3.50 out of 4 stars for DVDBeaver DVDBeaver
The pivotal moment in It's a Wonderful Life clearly defines its central character, George Bailey. Standing on a bridge, contemplating suicide, Bailey (played to small-town perfection by Jimmy Stewart) instead finds himself leaping into the water to save ...read the complete It's a Wonderful Life movie review at DVDBeaver
It's a Wonderful Life (1946) scores a combined 3.50 out of 4 stars for Metaphilm Metaphilm
Amid all the marketing and the forced cheer that has come to define our holiday seasons, there has evolved, over the past half-century, a genuine and thoroughly bottom-up cinematic Christmas tradition. ...read the complete It's a Wonderful Life movie review at Metaphilm
It's a Wonderful Life (1946) scores a combined 3.50 out of 4 stars for Reel.comReel.com
But holiday tradition is only one reason this four-star film has endured. It's also become a generational favorite because it successfully combines two time-honored Hollywood plots: rags-to-riches, and romance. Protagonist George Bailey (James Stewart) ...read the complete It's a Wonderful Life movie review at Reel.com
It's a Wonderful Life (1946) scores a combined 3.50 out of 4 stars for Sridhar PrasadSridhar Prasad
But before Clarence can save George, he first has to go through a Cliffs Notes version of George Bailey's life. We see George sacrificing his hearing to save his brother's life, sacrificing his college education to save the family business, sacrificing ...read the complete It's a Wonderful Life movie review at Sridhar Prasad
It's a Wonderful Life (1946) scores a combined 3.25 out of 4 stars for ScifiWatchScifiWatch
George Bailey is a man who has spent his entire life putting the needs of his friends and family above his own. Every time he tries to leave his small town of Bedford Falls in order to realize his dreams, something happens to keep him there. Now, on ...read the complete It's a Wonderful Life movie review at ScifiWatch
It's a Wonderful Life (1946) scores a combined 3.25 out of 4 stars for Time Out (Geoff Andrew)Time Out (Geoff Andrew)
The only Yuletide favourite to pivot around an attempted suicide, Capra's post-war fable is a fascinating melange of social and personal impulses and the questionable charms of home. ...read the complete It's a Wonderful Life movie review at Time Out (Geoff Andrew)
It's a Wonderful Life (1946) scores a combined 3.25 out of 4 stars for Ozus' World Movie Reviews (Dennis Schwartz)Ozus' World Movie Reviews (Dennis Schwartz)
Frank Capra's classic bittersweet comedy/drama plays as a testament to the family values of small-town America just after WW11. The glossy studio production sets a warm Christmas card-like atmosphere in folksy Bedford Falls, where it focuses on the ...read the complete It's a Wonderful Life movie review at Ozus' World Movie Reviews (Dennis Schwartz)
It's a Wonderful Life (1946) scores a combined 3.25 out of 4 stars for Parent/Teacher Learning Guides at teachwithmovies.org Parent/Teacher Learning Guides at teachwithmovies.org
Set in upstate New York during the first half of the 20th century, "It's a Wonderful Life" tells the story of a young man who wanted to travel, have adventures, go to college, and be an architect in a big city. But George Baily's responsibilities to ...read the complete It's a Wonderful Life movie review at Parent/Teacher Learning Guides at teachwithmovies.org
It's a Wonderful Life (1946) scores a combined 3.25 out of 4 stars for DVD Verdict (Barrie Maxwell)DVD Verdict (Barrie Maxwell)
With World War II winding down, director Frank Capra returned to Hollywood determined that for the rest of his career, he would be his own boss. His approach would be the formation of an independent production company called Liberty Films early in 1945. ...read the complete It's a Wonderful Life movie review at DVD Verdict (Barrie Maxwell)
It's a Wonderful Life (1946) scores a combined 3.25 out of 4 stars for Shadows on the Wall (Rich Cline)Shadows on the Wall (Rich Cline)
Reissued to commemorate its 50th anniversary, this new print of Frank Capra's timeless classic is a full and utter joy to anyone who's only ever seen it on video. Up there where it belongs, the film has a life that hasn't been discovered by ...read the complete It's a Wonderful Life movie review at Shadows on the Wall (Rich Cline)
It's a Wonderful Life (1946) scores a combined 3.25 out of 4 stars for Montreal Film Journal (Kevin N. Laforest)Montreal Film Journal (Kevin N. Laforest)
This is one of those films that are absolutely perfect and timeless, like "Citizen Kane", "Casablanca", "Gone With the Wind", "The Wizard of Oz"... Well, according to the countdown of the 100 Greatest American flicks ever released by the AFI in ...read the complete It's a Wonderful Life movie review at Montreal Film Journal (Kevin N. Laforest)
It's a Wonderful Life (1946) scores a combined 3.25 out of 4 stars for Plugged InPlugged In
A kind man, overwhelmed by life's trials, is visited by a heavenly messenger and gains a new lease on life. The synopsis of this week's Touched by an Angel? No, but it is the basis for Frank Capra's heartwarming 1946 holiday classic, It's a Wonderful ...read the complete It's a Wonderful Life movie review at Plugged In
It's a Wonderful Life (1946) scores a combined 3.25 out of 4 stars for Chicago Sun-Times (Roger Ebert)Chicago Sun-Times (Roger Ebert)
The best and worst things that ever happened to "It's a Wonderful Life" are that it fell out of copyright protection and into the shadowy no-man's-land of the public domain. Because the movie is no longer under copyright, any television station that ...read the complete It's a Wonderful Life movie review at Chicago Sun-Times (Roger Ebert)
It's a Wonderful Life (1946) scores a combined 3.25 out of 4 stars for Crazy for CinemaCrazy for Cinema
Though I only saw this film all the way through for the first time a few years ago, it has become one of my all time favorites. A film to watch whenever I feel a little down about my life. I initially avoided it because I though it was going to be one of ...read the complete It's a Wonderful Life movie review at Crazy for Cinema
It's a Wonderful Life (1946) scores a combined 3.20 out of 4 stars for filmcritic.com (Christopher Null)filmcritic.com (Christopher Null)
Sometimes we need sweetness, like when we've just eaten a ration of bitter Neil LaBute or Ridley Scott movies. ...read the complete It's a Wonderful Life movie review at filmcritic.com (Christopher Null)
It's a Wonderful Life (1946) scores a combined 3.17 out of 4 stars for DVD Authority.com (Matt Brighton)DVD Authority.com (Matt Brighton)
It's a Wonderful Life tells the story of George Bailey (James Stewart). George had saved the life of his younger brother when they were kids and George had always dreamed of getting out of the small town of Bedford Falls to see the world. The early part ...read the complete It's a Wonderful Life movie review at DVD Authority.com (Matt Brighton)
It's a Wonderful Life (1946) scores a combined 3.12 out of 4 stars for The Flick Filosopher (MaryAnn Johanson)The Flick Filosopher (MaryAnn Johanson)
It isn't a terrible film by any means, and it's easy to see why people revere it. An ordinary man sees the life of adventure and travel he hoped for constantly thwarted but eventually learns to love the pleasant life he does have. Cherish what you ...read the complete It's a Wonderful Life movie review at The Flick Filosopher (MaryAnn Johanson)
It's a Wonderful Life (1946) scores a combined 3.00 out of 4 stars for DVD Clinic (Jason Adams)DVD Clinic (Jason Adams)
IT'S A WONDEFUL LIFE may now have a clichéd rep for being your archetypal feel-good holiday flick (I know I've poked fun at it in a couple reviews), but that's exactly what it is-the granddaddy of all Christmas movies. ...read the complete It's a Wonderful Life movie review at DVD Clinic (Jason Adams)
It's a Wonderful Life (1946) scores a combined 3.00 out of 4 stars for Movie Mirror (Sanderson Beck)Movie Mirror (Sanderson Beck)
Frank Capra directed this masterpiece about a young man who reluctantly stays in his home town to run a business that helps people. In Bedford Falls people pray for George Bailey, and angels send down Clarence (Henry Travers) to help. The boy George ...read the complete It's a Wonderful Life movie review at Movie Mirror (Sanderson Beck)
It's a Wonderful Life (1946) scores a combined 3.00 out of 4 stars for Slant Magazine (Fernando F. Croce)Slant Magazine (Fernando F. Croce)
Without overlooking its lapses into populist bathos, it's necessary to rescue It's a Wonderful Life from its spot at the centerpiece of untouchable American "classics." ...read the complete It's a Wonderful Life movie review at Slant Magazine (Fernando F. Croce)
It's a Wonderful Life (1946) scores a combined 3.00 out of 4 stars for Blogcritics - DVD review (Matt Paprocki)Blogcritics - DVD review (Matt Paprocki)
Each year, the holidays become more of a burden for everyone. Running around for gifts that are out of stock, making the trip(s) to see family, and watching the checkbook all add up to a time of the year that many people loathe. George Bailey has a more ...read the complete It's a Wonderful Life movie review at Blogcritics - DVD review (Matt Paprocki)
It's a Wonderful Life (1946) scores a combined 3.00 out of 4 stars for DVD Town (John J. Puccio)DVD Town (John J. Puccio)
OK, raise your hand if you think Frank Capra´s "It´s A Wonderful Life" is mushy, sentimental, over-praised hokum. Now, go to your room. Both of you. ...read the complete It's a Wonderful Life movie review at DVD Town (John J. Puccio)
It's a Wonderful Life (1946) scores a combined 2.88 out of 4 stars for BBC Films (Almar Haflidason)BBC Films (Almar Haflidason)
The packaging is pleasing on the eye and incorporates a ten-page booklet with stills and short biographies of the stars. This 'Collector's Edition' is digitally remastered but unfortunately that is not enough. It's clear from the sound quality that ...read the complete It's a Wonderful Life movie review at BBC Films (Almar Haflidason)
It's a Wonderful Life (1946) scores a combined 2.75 out of 4 stars for DVD MovieGuideDVD MovieGuide
Like many people, I maintain a love/hate relationship with perennial holiday classic It's a Wonderful Life. On one hand, I dislike its oversentimentality and hokeyness and find it to offer an unrealistic portrait of a fantasy America that never really ...read the complete It's a Wonderful Life movie review at DVD MovieGuide
It's a Wonderful Life (1946) scores a combined 2.75 out of 4 stars for Home Theater and Sound (Wes Marshall)Home Theater and Sound (Wes Marshall)
It's a Wonderful Life premiered on December 20, 1946. Frank Capra and James Stewart, who by that time had won four Oscars between them, considered it to be their best film. ...read the complete It's a Wonderful Life movie review at Home Theater and Sound (Wes Marshall)
It's a Wonderful Life (1946) scores a combined 2.75 out of 4 stars for The Greatest Films (Tim Dirks)The Greatest Films (Tim Dirks)
It's A Wonderful Life (1946), originally made for Liberty Films, is one of the most popular and heartwarming films ever made by director Frank Capra. It was actually a box-office flop at the time of its release, and only became the Christmas movie ...read the complete It's a Wonderful Life movie review at The Greatest Films (Tim Dirks)
It's a Wonderful Life (1946) scores a combined 2.50 out of 4 stars for DVD Net (Amy Flower)DVD Net (Amy Flower)
It's a thought that surely most of us would have had skidding across our minds at some point in our lives. ...read the complete It's a Wonderful Life movie review at DVD Net (Amy Flower)
It's a Wonderful Life (1946) scores a combined 2.25 out of 4 stars for El Criticon (Antonio Méndez Casanova)El Criticon (Antonio Méndez Casanova)
Fábula en tono alentador y optimista, característica del proceder fílmico del director estadounidense de origen italiano Frank Capra, quien tras los tiempos de la famosa depresión americana, se especializaría en películas que abordaban los ...read the complete It's a Wonderful Life movie review at El Criticon (Antonio Méndez Casanova)
It's a Wonderful Life (1946) scores a combined 2.00 out of 4 stars for That Cow (Andrew Bradford)That Cow (Andrew Bradford)
I never saw this film before, and I'm not surprised. The mystique of the film - its tradition and the renowned optimism of the outcome bring out a certain cynicism in me. But I am also remain the eternal optimist and will give a movie perhaps more of a ...read the complete It's a Wonderful Life movie review at That Cow (Andrew Bradford)
It's a Wonderful Life (1946) scores a combined 2.00 out of 4 stars for Time OutTime Out
This story is the lousiest cheese...' Capra admitted to his star after making a rotten pitch. Stewart stuck by his favourite director. ...read the complete It's a Wonderful Life movie review at Time Out
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Movie Reviews: Christmas
It's a Wonderful Life (1946) Reviews
It's a Wonderful Life (1946)

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Ratings and rankings are based on number of movie, review scores, awards & other criteria.
Overall Rating:
3.6738
It's a Wonderful Life (1946) is ranked overall as out of 4 stars
Avg Critic Score:
3.5680
It's a Wonderful Life (1946) is ranked overall as out of 4 stars
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