# It's a Wonderful Life (1946) — Celluloid fact sheet

Source: https://celluloidscore.com/movies/it-s-a-wonderful-life-1946/
Last reviewed: 2026-08-31

| Field | Value |
|-------|-------|
| Celluloid Score | 85% |
| Editorial Rating | 88/100 |
| Audience Snapshot | 90% (excluded from composite) |
| Metascore | 82/100 |
| Letterboxd | 4.1/5 |
| IMDb | 8.6/10 |
| Director | Frank Capra |
| Genres | Drama, Family, Fantasy |
| Runtime | 131 min |

## Quick answer

It's a Wonderful Life (1946) earns a 85% Celluloid Score — Recommended. IMDb Top 250 #21 (8.6/10) — It's a Wonderful Life remains one of the most highly rated films of all time. Metascore 82/100. Directed by Frank Capra.

## Celluloid verdict

IMDb Top 250 #21 (8.6/10) — It's a Wonderful Life remains one of the most highly rated films of all time.

## Synopsis

George Bailey has spent his entire life giving to the people of Bedford Falls.  All that prevents rich skinflint Mr. Potter from taking over the entire town is George's modest building and loan company.  But on Christmas Eve the business's $8,000 is lost and George's troubles begin.

## 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

Global: Prime Video
the United States: Prime Video
Turkey: not currently streaming
South Korea: not currently streaming
Japan: Prime Video, U-NEXT

## Critic reviews on Celluloid: 1

## Common questions

**Is It's a Wonderful Life worth watching?**
It's a Wonderful Life holds a 85% Celluloid Score. IMDb Top 250 #21 (8.6/10) — It's a Wonderful Life remains one of the most highly rated films of all time.

**What is It's a Wonderful Life about?**
George Bailey has spent his entire life giving to the people of Bedford Falls.  All that prevents rich skinflint Mr. Potter from taking over the entire town is George's modest building and loan company.  But on Christmas Eve the business's $8,000 is lost and George's troubles begin.

**Who directed It's a Wonderful Life?**
It's a Wonderful Life (1946) was directed by Frank Capra.

**What is the Celluloid Score of It's a Wonderful Life?**
85% — calculated from available Celluloid editorial (88/100), Metascore (82/100), Letterboxd (4.1/5), and IMDb (8.6/10) inputs. Audience sentiment is excluded.

**Where can I watch It's a Wonderful Life?**
It's a Wonderful Life is streaming on Prime Video; on Prime Video in the United States; on Prime Video, U-NEXT in Japan. Availability varies by region.

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Reviewed and scored by Celluloid · Editor: Kaiser Khan (https://celluloidscore.com/author/kaiser-khan/)

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