6.3
Where can I stream It's a Wonderful Life legally?
You can rent or buy it from Apple TV and Apple TV Store. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.
It's a Wonderful Life
1994·Movie
It's a Wonderful Life fingerprint
Big heart, funny.
Energy
Calm and low-key
- Fast Pace6
- Tension5
- Spectacle5
Heart
Romantic and wholesome
Much of it is about family.
- Family Dynamics9
- Romance7
- Wholesome7
Humor
Some situational comedy and sharp wit
Not a comedy at heart.
- Situational Comedy7
- Wit & Wordplay7
- Physical Comedy6
World
Family and everyday modern life
Holds up on a rewatch.
- Dialogue Centrality8
- Rewatchability8
- World Immersion7
Craft
Standout dialogue
- Dialogue Quality8
- Direction7
- Acting7
Style
Functional look and sound
- Cinematography7
- Editing7
- Music Composition6
Energy
MediumCalm and low-key
It's a Wonderful Life is calm and low-intensity.
All energy traits
- Fast Pace6Quick tempo and momentum.
- Tension5Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Spectacle5Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Adrenaline4High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Violence2Physical conflict and intensity.
- Scare1Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Slow Burn5Gradual build with payoff.
Heart
HighRomantic and wholesome
Much of it is about family.
Emotionally, it's romantic, wholesome, and hopeful. Much of it is about family.
All heart traits
- Family Dynamics9Relationships and generational ties.
- Romance7Love stories and emotional connections.
- Wholesome7Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Hopefulness7Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Catharsis7Emotional release and payoff.
- Pathos6Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Nostalgia6Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Melancholy5Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Coming of Age5Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Wonder5Awe, discovery, and amazement.
Related traits
- Character Depth7Rich, complex characterization.
Humor
HighSome situational comedy and sharp wit
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect some situational comedy and sharp wit.
All humor traits
- Situational Comedy7Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Wit & Wordplay7Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Physical Comedy6Slapstick and visual gags.
- Satire & Parody6Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Absurdist Humor5Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Cringe Humor4Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Dark Humor3Humor from taboo or grim topics.
Related traits
- Wholesome7Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Camp & Irony5Stylized exaggeration and wink.
- Eccentricity5Oddball tone and quirks.
- Pastiche5Playful imitation of styles.
World
MediumFamily and everyday modern life
Holds up on a rewatch.
Its world is built around family and everyday modern life. It holds up on a rewatch.
All world traits
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
- Rewatchability8Invites repeat viewing.
- World Immersion7Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Novelty5Fresh ideas and invention.
- Ambiguity3Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Contemporary Realism7Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Social Commentary6Perspectives on society and norms.
- Psychological5Inner worlds and mind games.
- Pop Culture5References and cultural commentary.
All craft traits
- Dialogue Quality8Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Direction7Vision and command behind the camera.
- Acting7Performance craft and presence.
- Narrative Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Character Depth7Rich, complex characterization.
- Complexity7Layered plots and ideas.
- Intrigue6Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Non-linear Narrative1Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative1Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Fast Pace6Quick tempo and momentum.
- Novelty5Fresh ideas and invention.
- Slow Burn5Gradual build with payoff.
Style
MediumFunctional look and sound
The look and sound stay functional.
All style traits
- Cinematography7Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing7Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition6Score and musical identity.
- Visual Stylization6Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Music Centrality5The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Sound Centrality4Sound design as core element.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
- Spectacle5Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Camp & Irony5Stylized exaggeration and wink.
- Pastiche5Playful imitation of styles.
Who it's for
AdultsDate NightFamily Movie NightFriends NightParty VibeIntergenerationalKidsPartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchTeensBackground WatchComfort WatchDrop-in FriendlyPure Escapism
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Based on the GoodWatch fingerprint: our scores for 70+ attributes of every movie. Select a row to see all of them.
About
This 1994 Chinese New Year offering takes place over a period of time between one Christmas and Chinese New Year's eve. We are introduced to thirteen "Big Rich" people, learn of their particular dispositions and dilemmas, are witness to the former either getting changed or developed and see the latter (re)solved. Teresa Mo as the daughter just returned from studying in France; Leslie Cheung as the friend who came in tow; Tony Leung Kar Fai as the cartoonist son who can only speak normally when he is anxious; Anita Yuen as the woman who Tony Leung's character falls in love with; Carol "Do Do" Cheng as her flat-chested, disciplinary-cum-art teacher sister; Raymond Wong as the eldest son who cannot handle alcohol well; Petrina Fung Bo Bo as his estranged wife; Sean Lau as the marriage-minded cousin; and Kwan Tak Hing as the eccentric-but-definitely-not-senile grandfather.
Hong Kong CinemaFamily ComedyEnsemble CastChinese New Year FilmFeel-Good MovieCharacter-DrivenSituational HumorRelationship Dynamics
Actors
Crew
Directed by:
Written by:
Produced by:
Related Movies and Shows
Overall: Similar vibe.
Movies
Shows
Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about It's a Wonderful Life
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is It's a Wonderful Life worth watching?
63
DecentGoodWatch scoreOpinions are mixed, with a GoodWatch score of 64/100 (IMDb 6.3). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
How long is It's a Wonderful Life?
1 h 34 min
It's a Wonderful Life runs 1 h 34 min.
What language is It's a Wonderful Life in?
cn
It was made in cn. Produced in Hong Kong SAR China.
In how many countries can I watch It's a Wonderful Life?
12
GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for It's a Wonderful Life in 12 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does It's a Wonderful Life use?
Good Capitalism, Evil CapitalismDaddy's GirlTrauma Conga LineI'll Be in My BunkCatchphraseHave a Gay Old TimeMathematician's AnswerLandline EavesdroppingReal Song Theme TuneCalling the Old Man OutClumsy Copyright CensorshipAccidental Child-Killer Backstoryand 320 more
TV Tropes lists 332 storytelling tropes for It's a Wonderful Life, including Good Capitalism, Evil Capitalism, Daddy's Girl, Trauma Conga Line.