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

Source: https://celluloidscore.com/movies/it-s-a-wonderful-life-1946/
Last reviewed: 2026-07-23

| Field | Value |
|-------|-------|
| Celluloid Score | 86% |
| Critic Score | 88% |
| Audience Score | 90% |
| 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 86% 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.

## Critics consensus

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

## Critic reviews on Celluloid: 1

## Common questions

**Is It's a Wonderful Life worth watching?**
It's a Wonderful Life holds a 86% 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?**
86% — the average of five public sources: critics 88%, audience 90%, Metascore 82/100, Letterboxd 4.1/5, and IMDb 8.6/10.

**Where can I watch It's a Wonderful Life?**
Streaming availability varies by region — see the It's a Wonderful Life page for current options.

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

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