Where to Watch ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’
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Did your holiday gratitude fade with the last Thanksgiving dish washed? Well, have no fear! The festively forced air of thankfulness rages on into the month of December, ever-present in the manipulative advertising of America’s richest corporations, in the sugar sweet of a limited edition latte, and on the screens of every cable network still running in the land of the living. Cynicism aside, the holiday season really does evoke a sense of appreciation for what we have, who we love, and where we are. And no holiday flick better exemplifies this than the 1946 Frank Capra classic, It’s a Wonderful Life.
What Is It’s a Wonderful Life About?
One of the most beloved Christmas classics, It’s a Wonderful Life stars James Stewart as George Bailey, a man on the brink of suicide on Christmas Eve, pushed to the edge by financial stress and the weight of the family business on his back. After a scrooge-like miser tells him that he is worth more dead than alive, George attempts to jump off of a bridge, but is interrupted by the arrival of a guardian angel named Clarence. We wish we were kidding about that last bit, this story is heavy and our hero’s heavenly name is Clarence.
Together, George and Clarence journey through a “what if” experiment, seeing what the world would have been like if George never existed. Guided by the God-given wisdom of Clarence, George Bailey sees that not only does he have a lot to live for, but he himself is a gift to those around him. This Christmas film is less so for the Santa and sleigh bells crowd, and more so for the annual existential crisis crowd.
This movie stands up year-round, but the holiday season is really the time to watch it. Upon its release, It’s a Wonderful Life was nominated for five Oscars and has since been recognized as one of the best films ever made by the American Film Institute. Beyond the awards and titles, the film's greatest legacy is its most famous quote, “every time a bell rings, an angel gets his wings.”
Where Can I Watch It’s a Wonderful Life?
This holiday classic is currently streaming on Amazon Prime Video. While you’re there, make use of your Bezos tax and watch all of the festive holiday movies streaming on the platform. Looking for some inspo? Amazon Prime Video is currently home to National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, The Nightmare Before Christmas, Frozen, Miracle on 34th Street, Christmas with the Kranks, and many other festive flicks.
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