# What's with the new debate over if "It's A Wonderful Life" is a Christmas Movie or not? **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Tags:** movies\ **Created:** [December 21, 2025, 12:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-with-the-new-debate-over-if-its-a-wonderful-life-is-a-christmas-movie-or-not/1025904 "2025-12-21T00:14:25Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Asuka](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/dec6dc/32.png) [@Asuka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Asuka)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2025, 12:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-with-the-new-debate-over-if-its-a-wonderful-life-is-a-christmas-movie-or-not/1025904/1 "2025-12-21T00:14:25Z")
This is the new debate I’m seeing online (well new in quotes it’s been around for the past couple of years I’ve heard on podcasts/YouTube) is whether or not It’s A Wonderful Life is a Christmas movie or not because half the movie isn’t about Christmas at all but just watching Mr Bailey’s life story. But the fact it opens on Christmas Eve, the last 50 minutes take place on Christmas Eve, and I feel it is appropriately Christmas themed, showcasing a man who winds up finding meaning in life via Christmas togetherness and holiday cheer. Yes I know it also wasn’t released in Winter but I also don’t think that counts for anything what month it was released on. ---
**Author:** ![SuntanLotion](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/suntanlotion/32/16165_2.png) [@SuntanLotion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SuntanLotion)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2025, 12:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-with-the-new-debate-over-if-its-a-wonderful-life-is-a-christmas-movie-or-not/1025904/2 "2025-12-21T00:15:54Z")
I saw it once as an adult. Hated it. ---
**Author:** ![Chronos](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chronos/32/134_2.png) [@Chronos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chronos)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2025, 12:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-with-the-new-debate-over-if-its-a-wonderful-life-is-a-christmas-movie-or-not/1025904/3 "2025-12-21T00:17:46Z")
And what does that have to do with the question? That looks like just a threadshit. ---
**Author:** ![Stephe96](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/bbe5ce/32.png) [@Stephe96](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stephe96)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2025, 12:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-with-the-new-debate-over-if-its-a-wonderful-life-is-a-christmas-movie-or-not/1025904/4 "2025-12-21T00:27:24Z")
I’d say the fact that the original 1943 short story that the movie was based on - “The Greatest Gift” by Philip Van Doren Stern - was printed up and passed around as a Christmas card is a pretty definitive answer. ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2025, 12:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-with-the-new-debate-over-if-its-a-wonderful-life-is-a-christmas-movie-or-not/1025904/5 "2025-12-21T00:30:32Z")
I wonder if this so-called debate is a parody of the debate around whether Die Hard is a Christmas movie. Not a serious debate in other words. ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2025, 12:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-with-the-new-debate-over-if-its-a-wonderful-life-is-a-christmas-movie-or-not/1025904/6 "2025-12-21T00:40:08Z")
> [@Asuka](#): > > But the fact it opens on Christmas Eve, the last 50 minutes take place on Christmas Eve, and I feel it is appropriately Christmas themed, showcasing a man who winds up finding meaning in life via Christmas togetherness and holiday cheer. It sorta is. Certainly set during Christmas. But it is not about Christmas. Same with Die Hard which is even less of a Christmas film. Now if the Angel was a special Christmas angel sent due to Christmas magic or something, then sure- 100% Christmas. To me, films ABOUT Christmas are Christmas movies- film set _during_ Christmas are not necessarily so. But I agree - Its a Wonderful Life can be considered a Christmas film, also with Home Alone. To me The Santa Clause, Polar Express, Rudolph, The year without a Santa , Red One, etc- are authentic Christmas films. I dont consider The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe to be a true Christmas film either. Kiss, Kiss, Bang Bang-Iron Man 3, Lethal Weapon, The Nice Guys, The Long Kiss Goodnight- all are partially set during the season > [@Dewey\_Finn](#): > > I wonder if this so-called debate is a parody of the debate around whether Die Hard is a Christmas movie. Not a serious debate in other words. Probably. But it can be a fun discussion. ---
**Author:** ![Stephe96](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/bbe5ce/32.png) [@Stephe96](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stephe96)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2025, 12:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-with-the-new-debate-over-if-its-a-wonderful-life-is-a-christmas-movie-or-not/1025904/7 "2025-12-21T00:46:09Z")
Maybe _It’s a Wonderful Life_ should be considered an action movie. ---
**Author:** ![BigT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bigt/32/12044_2.png) [@BigT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BigT)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2025, 12:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-with-the-new-debate-over-if-its-a-wonderful-life-is-a-christmas-movie-or-not/1025904/8 "2025-12-21T00:53:30Z")
Because one of the arguments for Die Hard not counting as a Christmas movie involves saying Christmas does not feature in the plot. People then say “well, it features more than Christmas does in It’s a Wonderful Life” so now the argument is “well, that’s not really a Christmas movie either.” ---
**Author:** ![dolphinboy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dolphinboy/32/330_2.png) [@dolphinboy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dolphinboy)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2025, 12:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-with-the-new-debate-over-if-its-a-wonderful-life-is-a-christmas-movie-or-not/1025904/9 "2025-12-21T00:58:55Z")
I always thought of it as a Christmas movie, and nobody ever tried to convince me otherwise. ---
**Author:** ![RealityChuck](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/realitychuck/32/195_2.png) [@RealityChuck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RealityChuck)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2025, 1:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-with-the-new-debate-over-if-its-a-wonderful-life-is-a-christmas-movie-or-not/1025904/10 "2025-12-21T01:13:45Z")
I never thought it a Christmas movie, but that was because the first time I saw it, it was in August. My feeling about it are mixed. First of all, I may be the only living person who read the story before I ever saw the movie. The message in the story was more interesting. The movie undercuts its theme because it’s abundantly clear that George has no real reason for suicide. He’s quite successful and has obviously made a difference in the town. In the story, he’s just a lowly bank clerk who thinks his life accomplished nothing. But it turns out just showing up makes a difference. Second, after reading the script for _American Madness_, it’s clear that _It’s a Wonderful Life_ is just a remake of that. Both have a bank president who cares for the people he lends money to even if they would traditionally be called bad risks. Both have a run on the bank as a plot point. And in Both, the banker is saved when all his friends donate money to him. I also find George being too much of a doormat. Still, I can’t deny it’s an effective movie and some of the scenes are classic. As for Christmas movie, George is saved by friend giving him gifts, an important element of Christmas. That, and the season (and the Christmas tree at the end) move is into Christmas movie territory. ---
**Author:** ![Kent\_Clark](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kent_clark/32/105_2.png) [@Kent\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kent_Clark)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2025, 1:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-with-the-new-debate-over-if-its-a-wonderful-life-is-a-christmas-movie-or-not/1025904/11 "2025-12-21T01:14:06Z")
> [@DrDeth](#): > > To me, films ABOUT Christmas are Christmas movies- film set _during_ Christmas are not necessarily so. I wouldn’t disagree with you, but approximately 700 Hallmark and Lifetime movies would. Just because one character comes home for Christmas and falls in love with another character doesn’t mean it’s a “Christmas movie.”. ---
**Author:** ![Chefguy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chefguy/32/138_2.png) [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2025, 1:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-with-the-new-debate-over-if-its-a-wonderful-life-is-a-christmas-movie-or-not/1025904/12 "2025-12-21T01:22:14Z")
To me, “Wonderful Life” is a thinly disguised take on “A Christmas Carol” and is, therefore, a Christmas movie. It’s a story of redemption for a person who is aided by a ghostly figure, with the primary character reaching an epiphany at the end. ---
**Author:** ![Ellecram](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ellecram/32/18948_2.png) [@Ellecram](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ellecram)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2025, 1:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-with-the-new-debate-over-if-its-a-wonderful-life-is-a-christmas-movie-or-not/1025904/13 "2025-12-21T01:27:45Z")
> [@Chefguy](#): > > To me, “Wonderful Life” is a thinly disguised take on “A Christmas Carol” and is, therefore, a Christmas movie. It’s a story of redemption for a person who is aided by a ghostly figure, with the primary character reaching an epiphany at the end.. This is how I always perceived the movie. ---
**Author:** ![SuntanLotion](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/suntanlotion/32/16165_2.png) [@SuntanLotion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SuntanLotion)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2025, 1:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-with-the-new-debate-over-if-its-a-wonderful-life-is-a-christmas-movie-or-not/1025904/14 "2025-12-21T01:37:06Z")
If Christmas occurs during the movie, I feel it can be called a Christmas movie. ---
**Author:** ![Dallas\_Jones](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dallas_jones/32/3277_2.png) [@Dallas\_Jones](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dallas_Jones)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2025, 1:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-with-the-new-debate-over-if-its-a-wonderful-life-is-a-christmas-movie-or-not/1025904/15 "2025-12-21T01:42:04Z")
> [@Stephe96](#): > > Maybe _It’s a Wonderful Life_ should be considered an action movie. George Bailey is inside Nakatomi Plaza thinking about ending it all. Just then he remembers ZuZu’s petals are still in his pocket, George gets a machine gun! He is not going to be cleaning any HVAC ductwork today! He shoots all the bad guys and gets his wings. ---
**Author:** ![Stephe96](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/bbe5ce/32.png) [@Stephe96](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stephe96)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2025, 1:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-with-the-new-debate-over-if-its-a-wonderful-life-is-a-christmas-movie-or-not/1025904/16 "2025-12-21T01:45:54Z")
I’m thinking someone clever could cut a trailer using selected scenes - George and Mary falling into the pool, the car crashing into the tree, George running down the street, Bert firing his gun, etc. - and make it seem like a thriller. ---
**Author:** ![Misnomer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/misnomer/32/14897_2.png) [@Misnomer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Misnomer)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2025, 2:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-with-the-new-debate-over-if-its-a-wonderful-life-is-a-christmas-movie-or-not/1025904/17 "2025-12-21T02:10:18Z")
I don’t think a movie has to be _about_ Christmas to be a Christmas movie, but I do think Christmas has to have something to do with the plot: if it could be set on any other day and the story wouldn’t really change, it isn’t a Christmas movie. Therefore, in my opinion, _It’s a Wonderful Life_ isn’t a Christmas movie. (_Die Hard_ is, _Trading Places_ and _Lethal Weapon_ are not, etc.) > [@RealityChuck](#): > > The message in the story was more interesting. The movie undercuts its theme because it’s abundantly clear that George has no real reason for suicide. He’s quite successful and has obviously made a difference in the town. > > In the story, he’s just a lowly bank clerk who thinks his life accomplished nothing. I’ve never read the story, but I just saw a local theater’s production of _It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play_ this afternoon\*: in it, George is the head of the building & loan but struggling financially and his uncle has just misplaced an $8000 bank deposit _and_ he’s just learned that he’s worth more money dead than alive (due to his life insurance) — which leads him to the bridge and wishing he’d never been born. It’s been too long since I’ve seen the movie to remember if those details are in it; is what I saw today more in line with what’s in the story? \*It’s why I clicked on this thread. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2025, 4:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-with-the-new-debate-over-if-its-a-wonderful-life-is-a-christmas-movie-or-not/1025904/18 "2025-12-21T04:21:17Z")
> [@Kent\_Clark](#): > > I wouldn’t disagree with you, but approximately 700 Hallmark and Lifetime movies would. Just because one character comes home for Christmas and falls in love with another character doesn’t mean it’s a “Christmas movie.”. With Its a Wonderful Life it is a fine line i will admit. I wont throw dirty socks at people who claim it is a Christmas film. > [@Chefguy](#): > > To me, “Wonderful Life” is a thinly disguised take on “A Christmas Carol” and is, therefore, a Christmas movie. It’s a story of redemption for a person who is aided by a ghostly figure, with the primary character reaching an epiphany at the end. Good points, which is why it is borderline, while to me, Die hard is just an action film. > [@SuntanLotion](#): > > If Christmas occurs during the movie, I feel it can be called a Christmas movie. So- The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe to be a true Christmas film either. Kiss, Kiss, Bang Bang-Iron Man 3, Lethal Weapon, The Nice Guys, The Long Kiss Goodnight-- all Christmas films? > [@Misnomer](#): > > but I do think Christmas has to have something to do with the plot: if it could be set on any other day and the story wouldn’t really change, it isn’t a Christmas movie. Therefore, in my opinion, _It’s a Wonderful Life_ isn’t a Christmas movie. > > (_Die Hard_ is, Could be New years just as well. ---
**Author:** ![Son\_of\_a\_Rich](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/son_of_a_rich/32/5439_2.png) [@Son\_of\_a\_Rich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Son_of_a_Rich)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2025, 4:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-with-the-new-debate-over-if-its-a-wonderful-life-is-a-christmas-movie-or-not/1025904/19 "2025-12-21T04:27:12Z")
In the director’s cut, the rest of the angels throw Clarence into Hell for not making a bell ringing machine. ---
**Author:** ![RealityChuck](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/realitychuck/32/195_2.png) [@RealityChuck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RealityChuck)\ **Post date:** [December 21, 2025, 9:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-with-the-new-debate-over-if-its-a-wonderful-life-is-a-christmas-movie-or-not/1025904/20 "2025-12-21T09:23:27Z")
> [@Misnomer](#): > > > [@RealityChuck](#): > > > > The message in the story was more interesting. The movie undercuts its theme because it’s abundantly clear that George has no real reason for suicide. He’s quite successful and has obviously made a difference in the town. > > > > In the story, he’s just a lowly bank clerk who thinks his life accomplished nothing. > > I’ve never read the story, but I just saw a local theater’s production of _It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play_ this afternoon\*: in it, George is the head of the building & loan but struggling financially and his uncle has just misplaced an $8000 bank deposit _and_ he’s just learned that he’s worth more money dead than alive (due to his life insurance) — which leads him to the bridge and wishing he’d never been born. It’s been too long since I’ve seen the movie to remember if those details are in it; is what I saw today more in line with what’s in the story? > > \*It’s why I clicked on this thread. 🙂 Nope. George being a bank manager is taken directly from _American Madness_. In the story he’s just a clerk. He made a big difference to the town because, without him, the person he competed with for the job got it and then embezzled it and ran, causing the bank to fail, with people losing everything. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-with-the-new-debate-over-if-its-a-wonderful-life-is-a-christmas-movie-or-not/1025904.md?page=2)