It’s a Wonderful Life
PG
2 HOURS 9 MINS
Holiday
Comedy drama
A man contemplating suicide on Christmas Eve receives a visit from his guardian angel, who shows him how different the lives of his loved ones and community would be if he had never existed.
Cast & Crew
James Stewart George Bailey
Donna Reed Mary Hatch Bailey
Lionel Barrymore Mr. Henry F. Potter
Thomas Mitchell William Bailey
Henry Travers Clarence Oddbody
Beulah Bondi Mrs. Bailey
Frank Faylen Ernie Bishop
Ward Bond Bert
Gloria Grahame Violet Bick
H.B. Warner Mr. Gower
Frank Albertson Sam Wainwright
Todd Karns Harry Bailey
Samuel S. Hinds Peter Bailey
Sheldon Leonard Nick
Ellen Corby Miss Davis
Virginia Patton Ruth Dakin Bailey
Mary Treen Tilly
Charles Williams Eustace
Sarah Edwards Mrs. J.W. Hatch
William Edmunds Giuseppe Martini
Argentina Brunetti Mrs. Martini
Lillian Randolph Annie
Bobbie Anderson Little George
Ronnie Ralph Little Sam
Jean Gale Young Mary
Jeanine Ann Roose Little Violet
Frank Hagney Potter's bodyguard
Carol Coomes Janie Bailey
Karolyn Grimes Zuzu Bailey
Larry Simms Peter Bailey
Frank Capra Director
Frances Goodrich Writer
Albert Hackett Writer
Frank Capra Writer
Philip Van Doren Stern Writer (Story)
Jo Swerling Writer
Frank Capra Producer
Dimitri Tiomkin Original Music
Joseph F. Biroc Cinematography
Joseph Walker Cinematography
William Hornbeck Film Editing
Jack Okey Art Direction
Emile Kuri Set Decoration
Edward Stevenson Costume Design
Gordon Bau Makeup Supervisor
Arthur S. Black Assistant Director
Clem Portman Sound
Richard Van Hessen Sound
⨁Full Cast & Crew
News aboutIt’s a Wonderful Life
Helen Mirren in ‘Goodbye June,’ ‘Pluribus’ Finale, ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ and More Christmas Classics, a Faked Funeral at ‘Palm Royale’
How to Stream ‘Elf,’ ‘Polar Express’ & the Other Top Christmas Movies in 2025
Best Classic Movies on TV This Christmas Eve & Christmas
Holiday TV Specials 2025: How & When to Watch Christina Aguilera’s Special and more
Best Classic Christmas Movies on TV This Week: December 8-14
Is It Really a Holiday Movie? ‘Die Hard,’ ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ & More Controversial Picks (POLL)
Best Classic Movies on TV This Week: November 24-November 30
Who’s Still Alive From ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’?
‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ Is Still a Holiday Classic Worth Watching
When Is ‘It’s A Wonderful Life’ Airing on TV This Year?
When Every Classic Christmas Movie Is Airing This November & December 2024
A Last Batch of Christmas Movies (and a Few Classics), ‘Planet Earth’ Finale, NBC Comedy Sneak Peek
Where to Watch ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ During the 2023 Holiday Season
‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ Is Still the Best Holiday TV Event
Hanks-giving, ‘NCIS,’ ‘Friends,’ ‘Harry Potter’ & More Thanksgiving 2023 TV Marathons
Play Holiday TV Favorites Crossword
The Best Ways to Watch ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ on TV & Streaming
Are ‘Die Hard,’ ‘Rent’ & More Holiday Movies? What the Readers Said
Virginia Patton, Last ‘It’s A Wonderful Life’ Adult Cast Member, Dies at 97
‘What’s Love Got to Do With It’ & More Great Female Performances to Stream Right Now
How to Stream ‘Elf,’ ‘It’s A Wonderful Life,’ & More Holiday Staples on TV
NBC Holiday Schedule 2021: The Full Lineup From Thanksgiving Through New Year’s Day
Worth Watching: ‘Agatha Raisin,’ ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ and Other Christmas Eve Treats
Watchlist Easy access to only the shows you care about — all in one simple place
Alerts Only important notifications — when a show is returning, when it becomes available to stream, and more.
Special Offers Exclusive products we release related to your favorite shows and streaming services