Does ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ Truly Belong Among Christmas Classics?
Is 'It’s a Wonderful Life' really a Christmas movie, or does its holiday reputation overshadow its true story? We take a closer look at the film’s themes and timing to see if it earns its festive status.
Every holiday season, the debate over what makes a film a true Christmas movie comes back around. While some folks argue about whether a movie needs to be set entirely during the holidays or if the plot must revolve around Christmas itself, there’s one film that always seems to escape scrutiny: It ’s a Wonderful Life. Despite being hailed as one of the most beloved Christmas movies ever, it actually spends very little time on the holiday itself.
When Does Christmas Really Show Up?
Watching Frank Capra’s timeless story for the first time, it’s surprising how late the holiday spirit actually arrives. The famous “I wish I’d never been born” twist doesn’t even kick in until nearly an hour and forty minutes into the film. George Bailey, played by James Stewart, doesn’t meet his guardian angel Clarence Oddbod, portrayed by Henry Carter, until about three-quarters of the way through. The real Christmas atmosphere only takes over when George dashes through the snowy streets of Bedford Falls, shouting holiday greetings to everyone he sees. For most of the movie, though, Christmas is nowhere to be found.
The story mostly follows George’s life, his dreams, and his struggles to leave his hometown, which he never manages to do. In fact, the original story that inspired the film is really just the final act. For much of the runtime, the plot is more about the Wall Street crash than about Christmas trees or holiday cheer. George’s crisis could have happened at any time of year. Standing on that bridge, the only thing that marks the season is the snow falling behind him. It makes you wonder if the story would feel much different if Clarence had shown up on Halloween or even Arbor Day.
Holiday Spirit Beyond the Calendar
Even though the movie isn’t directly about the holiday, it’s packed with the values we connect to this time of year. George Bailey is the ultimate good guy—generous, selfless, and always putting others first. He’s the living embodiment of the “Christmas spirit,” even if he never says it out loud. In a way, he’s like the transformed Scrooge at the end of A Christmas Carol.
The holidays are supposed to be a time of joy, but that’s also what makes the tough moments hit so hard. Emotions run high, and the final scenes of It’s a Wonderful Life capture that rollercoaster perfectly. Before his turning point, George is at his lowest. But when the people of Bedford Falls come together to help him and his family, it’s one of the most uplifting moments ever put on film. It’s like getting every Christmas present at once, a pure example of why giving means so much to us.
Is It Really a Christmas Movie?
If you want to get technical, It’s a Wonderful Life doesn’t fit the mold of a traditional Christmas movie. There’s a lot in the story that has nothing to do with the holiday, and the actual connection to Christmas is pretty thin. Still, it’s hard to deny the power of that final scene.
“Auld Lang Syne”
rings out, and in that moment, the film captures everything magical about the season—maybe even better than movies that are all about Christmas from start to finish.