In 1982, I was on the verge of doing something very stupid. Before I had the chance though, this movie came on the TV. It was the first time I had seen it and it changed my life. This movie is the main reason I am here today to even write this. I watch it ever year and cry and thank God that he placed this movie before me to show me how wrong I was. I hope you get as much from this movie as I did and do each and every time I watch it. I am going to grab some Kleenex now and watch your reaction.

One detail I love on re-watch is when Potter snidely tells George to go ask all his "riff-raff" friends for $8000, and predicts that they'll all "run you out of town on a rail." Because Potter literally can't conceive of a world where people actually take care of each other, or feel gratitude for each other. That's how bitter and impoverished Potter's soul has become.

There’s a reason this is one of the VERY few non-animated Christmas classics to not get a remake. It’s already perfect.

Jimmy Stewart, the actor who played George, is seriously one of the best actors ever on the big screen. You should take a look at some of his other movies.

"To my big brother George, the richest man in town." That line always makes me sob😭😭😭 Its a tradition to watch this film every Christmas and cry uncontrollably. Literally the most perfect happy ending in film history.

Sam Wainwright actually wasn't an a-hole. He was one of George's closest childhood friends. He actually wanted George to become a rich man because of how genuine he was. And, Sam also came in clutch at the end because he never forgot their friendship.

I read another reaction video commenter who pointed out that Sam (“Mr. Hee-Haw”) owed George a lot. George was the one who told Sam about the empty factory and available workers in Bedford Falls when he was just getting started in plastics, more than likely saving Sam a lot in start-up costs as his business was getting launched. That offer to advance George $25K was more than just a friendly gesture, it was him paying George back an old debt. That lack of a factory in town contributed to the difference between Bedford Falls and Pottersville.

James Stuart flew as the pilot of an B-24 Liberator more then 20 mission over Germany from 1944-1945. So the fragile character we see in this fantastic movie from 1946 was for a large part based on his experiences from WW2

That bar scene where he's praying to God, no acting...just raw emotion from his PTSD from the WW2. I remember reading that this movie actually saved alot of returning soldiers lives. They all felt lost when they returned and this movie gave them hope. This is and has been my Christmas Eve movie for the past 20 yr.

It's not just the fact that George is distraught about never being able to achieve any of his dreams, he was about to be arrested, jailed and charged with bank fraud. His family was going to be forever ruined by this which is why he hugs his child in such despair. In his mind that may well have been the last normal moment they would ever have again. And yes, James Stuart (George) is one of the greatest American actors ever.

"No man is a failure who has friends." It's a Wonderful Life is my all time favorite Christmas film. It's the best feel-good movie that everyone needs to watch because it shows how everyone is important. No one is bigger than anyone else. We all matter because we as individuals can make a difference, no matter the situation that comes towards us. Also, Fun Fact: James Stewart was nervous about the phone kiss scene because it was his first onscreen kiss since his return to Hollywood after the war. Under director Frank Capra's watchful eye, James Stewart filmed the scene in only one unrehearsed take and it worked so well that part of the embrace was cut because it was too passionate to pass the censors.

1933 and 34 was the worst part of the Great Depression. People panicked and withdrew all their money. There was no federal insurance on bank deposits so if there was no money left people lost everything and the bank would close never to reopen.

Jimmy Stewart almost completely quit acting after his experiencing in WW2, but the man who played mr Potter (one of the Barrymores, yes like in Drew Barrymore) convinced him to do this film, and even tho it was a failure at the box office originally, it was incredibly therapeutic for Stewart, and he managed to go on to have a further successful film career. (including my favourite Hitchcock film, Read Window)

George Bailey is one of the most relatable characters in film. You grow up with dreams and ambitions, but life goes in a different direction but not necessarily the wrong one. And sometimes a reminder is needed to make you grateful for what you have. Also, the idea of putting others first is so well done in this, that it makes the final scene a REAL tearjerker.

Chris and Curtis going into the movie with zero expectations but were immediately completely invested

The fact that you guys knew nothing about the movie and had low expectations made this reaction perfect🥰🥰🥰👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻

I can't even watch a reaction on this movie without crying.

I'm so glad you guys watched this. This my favorite Christmas movie. The scenes where Jimmy Stewart is being emotional and you said he was a great actor, he actually wasn't just acting. He was suffering from PTSD really bad while filming this movie.

The taxicab driver and the cop, Bert and Ernie, were the inspirations for the Sesame Street characters of the same name.

He did hee-haw because that's how they greeted their classmates when they were kids. Each class has a catch-phrase or inside saying only to themselves.

Two points I think a lot of people miss. 1) Potter offered George a 3 year contract. Do you think he would has renewed the contract after the 3 years? Potter is considered one of the all time villains. He had the money yet swore out the arrest warrant. 2) During the honeymoon when Mary says what her wish was, she says it in George’s bad ear so he still did not know.

I'm 55 and my kids watched it Now my grandkids watch it. We have to keep this movie alive❤

This is a whole other level of film. It's literally a classic film. And the number of parodies and references for this film and its scenes is pretty large as well. Hope y'all get around to CASABLANCA as well.

This is my favorite Christmas movie. James Stewart, who played George, was an amazing actor.

This was one of my dad’s favorite movies. He watched it every Christmas. He died two years ago just before Christmas and so this movie feels extra personal. It has a beautiful timeless message as well.

I know it's a crazy concept, but some people make sacrifices for the good of others. It's not always about what you "want" to do, sometimes it's about what you need to do.

Great movie made the year I was born. The guy George cut in on dancing with Mary is Alfalfa from Our Gang. Jimmy Stewart made this movie just after his service in WW2 as a medal winning Brigadere General fighter pilot pilot. Mr Potter is Lionel Barrymore, Drew's grandpa. Bert & Ernie were named after this movie. Your wonderful reaction just confirms why the movies of the 30's 40's movies are so much better than most movies of today. Strictly story based, with no special effect to grab attention. Thanks.

When this movie came out, it was not well received at the box office .... it was only many years later it got the recognition It truly deserved ....and what a iconic film

I met Zuzu at the beginning of December! She is just as sweet as she was in the movie and her smile and eyes are still the same! She travels to craft shows and wants to have a personal conversation and connection with each person in line for her to sign the keepsake bells or books she sells at her booth. I cant speak highly enough of her ❤❤❤❤❤ She makes everyone she talks to smile and feel valued ❤. If that isnt living out the point of the story, what is?!

my favorite holiday film, hits harder after loosing my wife of 17 years last year. This movie tests your capacity as a human to feel. It was nice to see both of you appreciate this classic and its dark and hopeful tones

For me, it’s a Christmas movie but not because it’s taking place at Christmas , it’s because it embodies the spirit of Christmas and what the season is about. Family, community, love, giving to others, selflessness and being grateful for what you have!! It’s a traditional to watch this every year and I always come away so thankful!!!

Not just one of the greatest Christmas movies, but one of the greatest movies ever made.

One of my favorite movies period. Jimmy Stewart was the Tom Hanks of his day, every film he made was fire. Check out his work with Hitchcock, "The rear window" is a cinematic masterpiece.

I remember the 80s SNL skit of the "alternate" ending of It's a Wonderful Life where George finds out that Mr. Potter took the money and everbody in town took turns beating crap out of him. lol

My mom convinced me to watch it with her when I was around 17, been in love ever since, Jimmy Stewart is amazing, and Donna Reid is absolutely adorable, This movie flopped in theaters, can you imagine? Now that you've seen it, you will begin to notice the "never been born" theme in many many t.v shows, and other movies, and how much this story has influenced and inspired so so many people ❤

I love how Mary shows up with the 2000$ and doesn't even hesitate just automatically knows what to do!!!❤

If you want to check out another old movie that's pretty high class and that a lot of reactors like, watch the 1957 "12 Angry Men." You won't be sorry.

The movie that mellowed the arrogance right out of Octokrool. We knew how to write movies back in the day, if you don't get the feels during the conclusion of this movie you simply have no heart. You boys would be interested in a SNL sketch from the Dana Carvey era where they figure out where Uncle Billy left the money. It's on KZfaq and is the ending everyone hoped for in the movie.

The ending of this movie makes me cry every year, it never fails.

Yes, Uncle Billy puts strings on his fingers to help him remember things ... but it doesn't work very well. Uncle Billy is played by Thomas Mitchell, who was one of the great supporting actors of his generation - and there were a LOT of wonderful supporting actors in this time, who made the movies as great as they were. Mitchell was Scarlett's father in "Gone with the Wind".

While filming this, Jimmie Stewart was suffering severe PTSD from World War 2. He was a B-17 bomber pilot in Europe during the war. Some of the depressed scenes were expressing his pain. I think it is safe to say by the end he may have been feeling better. An amazing film. It was fun watching you guys reacting to it. Y'all be safe. Have a wonderful Christmas or holiday celebration of your choice.

Every MCU villain looks at Mr potter like “at least I’m not that bad”

What's interesting is that even though the "current" scenes are supposted to take place in late December, it was actually filmed during the heat of a southern California summer, with temperatures above 90F. So, when you see George covered in flop sweat, in frear of losing everything, he's actually sweltering while wearing a winter coat in July.

One of my great-grandmothers was named Mary Hatch. She died during the 1918 Influenza leaving behind a houseful of children including my grandmother who at the age of 17 took over as lady of the house. I put off watching this movie for decades because I assumed I wouldn't enjoy it. I just love that such a wonderful character in such a wonderful film shares the name of the woman who raised my grandmother who raised my mother who raised me. BTW- I was born on Christmas Eve. Loved your reactions - Merry Christmas!

This film was also innovative. The special effects team invented a new way to create realistic looking snow in the middle of summer. Before, snow was created by using painted corn flakes (too crunchy underfoot); the film's crew created a "chemical snow" using water, soap flakes, foamite, and sugar.

My sister and I are forced to watch this every Christmas by our mom even as adults, but it really is a touching story and has good lessons :)

There's a reason this is considered a Christmas classic. It has everything, especially heart. Happy Holidays, Hot Dog! 🎄🎅🎉🌭

You're absolutely right about George. He's self-sacrificing *To A Fault*.

This is a good movie to remember when we’re discouraged. Any time of the year. That basketball court with the swimming pool underneath it still exists and is in use today. It’s at Beverly Hills High School. Pretty amazing considering this movie is 77 years old now. And the prankster who flipped the switch to open up the pool was Carl Switzer, who played Alfalfa in the original Little Rascals comedy series in the ‘30’s. And from what I’ve heard he was a piece of shit like that in real life, that wasn’t just acting in the scene.

George said early that he wanted to build things. Bridges, buildings, whole cities. Well ,he never did that. But he did, without realizing it, build something far more important. He built a community. A group of people who knew and cared for and were willing to help each other through tough times.

"just go ahead George, it's not your problem."..... "his life is miserable".... that mindset can sometimes be detrimental to society as a whole. he may not have done the things he wanted, but he did great things. We definitely have to balance doing for self with the greater good. So glad you watched this. Great reaction.

Love that you guys reacted to this; it's a deservedly well-known film and one of my favorites. Also love that you guys recognized Jimmy Stewart's talents (he won an Oscar before this movie in 1940) - he's my favorite actor, living or dead. 🎬 Fun facts: - Jimmy Stewart was the first "movie star" to enlist for service in WW2 (a year before Pearl Harbor). He eventually became a Colonel then a Brigadier General in the US Air Force and earned an Air Medal, the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Croix de Guerre (from the French Gov't) and seven battle stars. - Villain Potter is played by legendary actor Lionel Barrymore, who had to convince Stewart to take the role of George - this is Stewart's first acting role after returning from WW2. And yes, Lionel is Drew Barrymore's great uncle. - Of all his films, Stewart said this was his favorite. - Donna Reed, who plays George's wife Mary, also surprised everyone on set when she broke the window with the rock - she played baseball in high school. - This movie is ranked as the #1 Most Inspirational Movie of All Time by the American Film Institute (AFI).

Jimmy Stewart is actually one of my favorite actors. He did a couple of Hitchcock movies; Rear Window also one of my faves.

I absolutely love this movie. It's wonderful that it helped Stewart's mental health after WWII.

Jimmy Stewart is one of my all time favorite actors. He was also a decorated war hero. RIP 🙏

I am so happy you kind gents watched this. This ranks up there with you both watching "The Birdcage". You both came with a degree of compassion and understanding. Those are highly admirable qualities. I got attracted to your channel with your Friday the 13th reaction and just went through there. Keep your understanding and compassion rolling, but also keep being genuine and honest. Many hugs for Christmas, New Years 2024 and beyond that.

Tying strings around a finger was a well known way to remember things back in the day. In an earlier version of this script, Mr. Potter was going to be a classmate with George - and we see them both growing up with George doing his thing and Potter being pretty much the same... but since Potter was younger, there was going to ALSO be a love triangle where Potter wanted to have Mary as his wife. In THAT version, it was an unknown Vincent Price who was going to be Mr. Potter. When Uncle Billy wanders off and you hear the crash off screen that was the prop kid bumping into the prop table and knocking all the props over - and the actor playing Uncle Billy was QUICK to call out "I'm all right" to make it sound like he walked into garbage in his drunken wanderings... and so the scene was kept in the movie.

What a joy to watch you both enjoy this movie!! It was a little dagger to the heart to hear you say… The guy who played George… Lol. Jimmy Stewart. A treasure.

Director Frank Capra gave a nod to his Italian family with the goat in the car. Capra means goat in Italian

A $20,000 per year salary in 1946 is closer to $300,000 in today's money. Better men then George would've been tempted by that much.

Not just my favorite Christmas movie, but one of greatest movies of all time. Jimmy Stewart movies are always entertaining. You guys should check out Rear Window and Rope. Both terrific movies from the director of Psycho, Alfred Hitchcock. Rope is one of my personal favorite. Only like ten editing cuts through the whole movie. All meant to look like one continuous shot. It's a masterpiece.

Jimmy Stewart was an American original, Icon, Legend, Hero and Patriot. Jimmy Stewart was a commander of a 2nd Bombardment Wing in WWII and had over 20 combat mission over Germany. He received the Distinguished Flying Cross for his combat missions. After the war he transitioned to the reserves and retired as a General. He used his PTSD in It's a Wonderful Life and his later films. It must have been a form of therapy to express his inner pain after what he witnessed during the war. General Stewart, thank you for your serve to our nation and RIP.

I'm always surprised how truly dark this movie gets. Everyone thinks old Christmas movies are all silliness and light, but this movie hits hard before it comes back around.

The man who played George is the legendary Jimmy Stewart, one of the greatest actors and biggest stars in movie history. His performance in this movie hit particularly hard because "It's a Wonderful Life" was filmed shortly after WW2. Steward is considered a war hero for his service in the Air Force. He suffered major PTSD from his combat experience, and he expressed a lot of issues with the emotional depth and grit in the role of George Bailey. Also, I agree, Mary is the MVP of the story. FYI, I enjoy all your reactions, but in the last 3rd of this one, KZfaq was sticking in ads every two minutes. It made it really hard to watch.

The druggist's son died of the Spanish Flu. The year was 1919, in the center of that pandemic

This is a truly beautiful movie. And it really hammers home the meaning of Christmas.

This is why I watch this channel. To see you guys talk about how great and beautiful this movie is and also say things like "I hope Sam died in the dark timeline." You guys are great. 😂

Jimmy Stewart is an amazing actor, as a young man in "You Can't Take It With You", into his later years with Hitchcock thrillers like "Rear Window", or groundbreaking Westerns like "The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance". You will be surprised by him every single time.

My favorite Christmas movie. I watch it every year and every year that ending brings me to tears. (It's Pavlovian now, beyond my ability to stop it. No matter how hard I try.) There is just something so beautiful about good deeds being rewarded IRL.

Sam was a good guy throughout the entire movie. He tried to get George in on the ground floor of his business that made him a millionaire and he came through for him in the end. People were always there for George but he was so busy giving, he didn't know how to ask for what he needed.

Be sure to check out SNL's It's A Wonderful Life Alternate Ending. Hilarious.

I always love seeing people react to classic old movies like this. It really shows how well these films stand the test of time and still appeal to new audiences and younger generations.

You guys are the perfect audience of this classic film. Jimmy Stewart (George Bailey) is one of the greatest actors of all time, and Mary Bailey is one of the best wives in the history of film, just a rock.

One of my favorite movies. So dark but it teaches you that you never know around the corner and you don't realize how many lives you affect. So glad you loved the movie. That was the great Jimmy Stewart. Donna Reed played his wife. Lionel Barrymore (from the great Barrymore acting family) played Potter. Wonderful movie~

You gotta watch more James Stewart (George Bailey) movies. He's one of the best, most interesting actors Hollywood ever produced, and was a standup guy in real life too. My next recommendation would be "The Philadelphia Story," where he acts alongside Cary Grant and Katherine Hepburn. On the surface it's a romantic comedy, but similar to this movie it goes a lot deeper than you'd expect. Not as dark as this movie, but razor sharp and smart, and truly hilarious. Sam Wainright is the kind of friend I think we've all had at some point, who is kind of annoying and socially clueless, but isn't really a bad person, and who sticks around and comes in clutch at an important time.

Loved this ! I hope you guys watch more old classics. Just like this one they will blow you away with how good they are. To be honest most older movies are far better than anything made today. You just have to be open minded enough to give them a chance. And you two are intelligent and perceptive enough to appreciate them. Thanks again for the great reaction !

seeing how much you guys genuinely appreciated this and the magic that was Jimmy Stewart was truly a wonderful thing to see.

Two things 1.) The crow was actually a Raven (a trained bird that appeared in almost every Director Frank Capra film (it is also the same "crow" that landed on the Scarecrow's shoulder in the Wizard of Oz. 2.) James Stewart (George Bailey) was a real war hero as he piloted B-24 Bimbers over Germany and commanded entire bomber squadrons. He remained in the Air Force Reserves after the war attaining the rank of General.

This is gonna hit hard with a couple brothers sitting next to each other, the Harry and George part in the last 15 minutes.

Thank you for reacting to this Christmas classic, also there old SNL sketch that gives an extended ending to the movie, so I recommend it.

Lol, sometimes when our kids are being particularly bratty my husband or I will say, "you call this a happy family? Why do we have to have all these kids?" 😂

This movie is a lesson that, as taxing as being kind everytime can be, it's ultimately the right thing

Rope, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, Harvey, Anatomy of a Murder, Rear Window, so many great Jimmy Stewart performances.

Fellas I thought you guys would consider this film as being too outdated and corny,but your reaction to it was maybe the best one I've seen ! And also you really appreciated the humor in it. Keep up the good work. And another Christmas film you'd enjoy made a year later in 1947 is Miracle on 34th Street . You'd like it too I'm sure.

This movie opened my eyes to the fact that you can impact others without even knowing it sometimes, and that if you have those that truly love you in your life (friends, family, strangers...) you are rich 🌭🌭🌭🌭🌭🌭🌭🌭🌭🌭

Put off watching this movie for 35 years and i finally broke down and watched it, Fantastic movie. Everyone should watch it. Jimmy Stewart one great actor.

Man, this movie gets me all the time. It's become my #1 movie of all time and I have watched it every Christmas since.

This is an extremely well written film not to mention well acted. It really tugs at the heart and it makes you glad to be alive. What more can you ask for?

This movie was a bit of a running joke with me for years… I’d never seen the movie all the way through. Every single time I turned it on when it was on tv, it was always the scene when Clarence jumps in the river I was 30+ years old before I finally saw the first half Such a beautiful movie

Words to live by & my favorite line in the movie: 'I been savin' this money for a divorce, if ever I got a husband."😁

Okay, before I start watching, I want to say that this film is one of my favorites. It was one of the first steps to my mental health. Merry christmas guys!

This film never fails to make me tear up at the end. In my opinion, this is the greatest Christmas film ever made. Thank you, guys!

this has been on my Christmas watch list since I was a kid. it played on TV every year on Christmas Eve and we would watch it while we baked cookies for Santa. I watch it every year and feel the same emotions now that I did back then. this movie is a timeless classic and I'm so glad you guys enjoyed it! 😃

How surprising. I really didn't expect you two to do a reaction to this one. Enjoyed it very much, thank you and merry Christmas!

Jimmy Stewart, aka George flew 24 combat missions in ww2, came back home and filmed this, those tense scenes was his using his ptsd from the war to fill emotion.

Frank Capra was a brilliant director. Movie holds up.

My favorite Christmas film of all time! Glad you two got to finally watch it. Acting and writing was top notch.

The original Miracle on 34th Street is a great one as well.

This movie was originally released in January 1947 and was not marketed as a Christmas movie. We think of it as a Christmas movie due to the final scene and also because the copywrite lapsed and Turner Network started playing it non-stop at Christmas because it was free and they didn't have to put on other programming. It also had disappointing box office returns but is now considered one of the top 100 movies of all time.

Jimmy Stewart was an incredible actor. Check out Mr Smith goes to Washington, or Alfred Hitchcock’s movie Rear Window to see him again!