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Drama · Family · Fantasy · 2h 11m · 1946

It's a Wonderful Life

★ 8.3 / 10 · 5,146 votes EN
It's a Wonderful Life poster ▶ Watch trailer

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.

Directed by Frank Capra Starring James Stewart, Donna Reed, Lionel Barrymore, Thomas Mitchell, Henry Travers
DramaFamilyFantasy
First releaseDec 20, 1946
Score8.3 / 10
Length2h 11m
LanguageEN

Trailer

Release rollout

It's a Wonderful Life opened first in Canada, Finland, United Kingdom and 2 more countries on December 20, 1946. The rollout continued across 21 countries, finishing in Greece on October 29, 2026. A digital release followed on September 13, 2013.

Release dates by country

CanadaDec 20, 1946
FinlandDec 20, 1946
United KingdomDec 20, 1946
PolandDec 20, 1946
United StatesDec 20, 1946
BrazilFeb 14, 1947
MexicoApr 16, 1947
IrelandJun 20, 1947
SwedenAug 4, 1947
PortugalNov 30, 1947
GermanyDec 10, 1947
FranceDec 10, 1947
AustraliaFeb 6, 1948
ItalyMar 11, 1948
SpainMar 27, 1948
NetherlandsJun 7, 1951
Show all 21 countries
PhilippinesApr 30, 1953
JapanFeb 6, 1954
HungaryJan 19, 1986
LithuaniaDec 26, 2017
GreeceOct 29, 2026

Frequently asked questions

When does It's a Wonderful Life come out?

It's a Wonderful Life was released on December 20, 1946.

When does It's a Wonderful Life come out in United States?

It's a Wonderful Life was released in United States on December 20, 1946.

When does It's a Wonderful Life come out in United Kingdom?

It's a Wonderful Life was released in United Kingdom on December 20, 1946.

When does It's a Wonderful Life come out in Germany?

It's a Wonderful Life was released in Germany on December 10, 1947.

When does It's a Wonderful Life come out in Australia?

It's a Wonderful Life was released in Australia on February 6, 1948.

When will It's a Wonderful Life be available on streaming or digital?

It's a Wonderful Life became available on digital platforms on September 13, 2013.

Who directed It's a Wonderful Life?

It's a Wonderful Life was directed by Frank Capra.

How long is It's a Wonderful Life?

It's a Wonderful Life has a runtime of 2h 11m.

More December 1946 releases

See every movie coming out in December 1946 →