Dynamic Watchlist Hub: Jan 25, 2026

10 Best Movies Like It's a Wonderful Life

If you loved It's a Wonderful Life, we've curated the perfect watchlist for you based on shared genres, themes, and directorial style.

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Expert Review & Ratings

See our full critical analysis and audience score for It's a Wonderful Life.

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#1
Miracle on 34th Street

Miracle on 34th Street

1947★ 7.4

Why watch this? A perfect follow-up to It's a Wonderful Life for fans of Drama & Family. It captures a similar light-hearted atmosphere.

Kris Kringle, seemingly the embodiment of Santa Claus, is asked to portray the jolly old fellow at Macy's following his performance in the Thanksgiving Day parade. His portrayal is...

#2
Mr. Smith Goes to Washington

Mr. Smith Goes to Washington

1939★ 7.8

Why watch this? A perfect follow-up to It's a Wonderful Life for fans of Drama. It captures a similar light-hearted atmosphere.

After the death of a United States Senator, idealistic Jefferson Smith is appointed as his replacement in Washington. Soon, the naive and earnest new senator has to battle politica...

#3
To Kill a Mockingbird

To Kill a Mockingbird

1962★ 8.0

Why watch this? A perfect follow-up to It's a Wonderful Life for fans of Drama. It captures a similar emotionally gripping atmosphere.

Scout Finch, 6, and her older brother Jem live in sleepy Maycomb, Alabama, spending much of their time with their friend Dill and spying on their reclusive and mysterious neighbor,...

#4
The Empire Strikes Back

The Empire Strikes Back

1980★ 8.4

Why watch this? A perfect follow-up to It's a Wonderful Life for fans of Adventure. It captures a similar adrenaline-pumping atmosphere.

The epic saga continues as Luke Skywalker, in hopes of defeating the evil Galactic Empire, learns the ways of the Jedi from aging master Yoda. But Darth Vader is more determined th...

#5
The Shop Around the Corner

The Shop Around the Corner

1940★ 8.1

Why watch this? A perfect follow-up to It's a Wonderful Life for fans of Drama. It captures a similar light-hearted atmosphere.

Two employees at a gift shop can barely stand one another, without realising that they are falling in love through the post as each other's anonymous pen pal....

#6
A Christmas Carol

A Christmas Carol

1938★ 7.0

Why watch this? A perfect follow-up to It's a Wonderful Life for fans of Drama & Family & Fantasy. It captures a similar emotionally gripping atmosphere.

Miser Ebenezer Scrooge is awakened on Christmas Eve by spirits who reveal to him his own miserable existence, what opportunities he wasted in his youth, his current cruelties, and ...