Thanet Screens It's a Wonderful Life
This Christmas classic is coming to Vue Cinema Thanet - Westwood Cross, Cross, on Thursday, 10 December 2026. The 1946 film tells the story of George Bailey, a man who gets a chance to see what the world would be like if he had never been born.
Dir: Frank Capra
Cast: James Stewart, Donna Reed, Lionel Barrymore, Thomas Mitchell, Henry Travers, Beulah Bondi, Frank Faylen, Ward Bond
131 mins · 1946 · United States of America · Cert U · English
IMDb 8.6/10 · Rotten Tomatoes 94% · Metacritic 89/100 · TMDB 8.3/10 · Trakt 85%
Awards: Nominated for 5 Oscars. 11 wins & 7 nominations total
It's a Wonderful Life (80th Anniversary)
10 Dec 2026
Vue Cinema Thanet - Westwood Cross
What is the film about? It's a Wonderful Life is a drama, family, and fantasy film that tells the story of George Bailey, a man who has spent his entire life giving to the people of Bedford Falls. On Christmas Eve, George's troubles begin when the business's $8,000 is lost, and he considers suicide, but his guardian angel, Clarence, intervenes and shows him what the world would be like without him.
Who made it and who's in it? The film was directed by Frank Capra and stars James Stewart, Donna Reed, Lionel Barrymore, Thomas Mitchell, and Henry Travers. It was written by Frances Goodrich, Frank Capra, and Albert Hackett.
How was it received? The film has an impressive array of scores, including 8.6/10 on IMDb, 94% on Rotten Tomatoes, 89/100 on Metacritic, 8.3/10 on TMDB, and 85% on Trakt. It was also nominated for five Academy Awards and won several other awards, including a Golden Globe Award for Best Motion Picture Director. Viewers have praised the film for its uplifting and inspiring story, with many considering it a classic and a must-watch during the Christmas season. Tickets are with the button beside the article.
Stills
What viewers say
Lazo · 10/10
It was the most beautiful and emotional movie I have ever seen, I recommend it to everyone. This movie was there when I needed it the most, it shows how much one man can make a difference in the world, no matter what he does, and how we sometimes don't even realize what impact our very own existence can have on other people's lives.
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AndrewBloom · 9/10
8.8/10. An incredible, life-affirming movie that has enough of a dark heart to earn the amazingly heart-warming sequence at the film's climax. Some of the angel stuff gets a little silly at points, but it's still just a stellar look at the advantages and pitfalls of the road not traveled, what doing and being good takes from you, and the invisible but strong connections within a community that form when a noble man takes the world on his…
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TKPNPodcast · 10/10
This is one of my all time favorite films and the recent re-watch did not move me from this conviction. The character of George Bailey, played by Jimmy Stewart at the height of his abilities, is so easy to relate to and a wonderful human being. He's not always a great guy...he has an anger management issue and is sometimes consumed with revenge, but you can't help pulling for him. Lionel Barrymore's Mr. Potter is a treat to watch and Henry…
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2fst4u · 4/10
Honestly incredibly boring. I struggle to see why this is so highly rated, it was an absolute chore to get through.
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Sólstafir · 7/10
There is charm in old movies and charisma in old actors. After seeing Frank Capra's It's a Wonderful Life, I wonder why such movies don't get made more often. From expressions to delivery, both James Stewart and Donna Reed are an absolute pleasure to watch. George Bailey has given up his dreams of seeing the world to take over his father's business. There is always one opportunity to step out of the town, even if briefly, but is always foiled by…
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Yirba · 10/10
_It's a Wonderful Life_ is a beautiful film and a true classic. It's often considered one of the best films ever made, and I am inclined to agree.
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SparklinDiamond · 8/10
Finally I have managed to watch this film. I really enjoyed it, it felt like it went on a little bit too long.....but the message was beautiful!
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Schenley · 10/10
A true classic - I can't believe I've never seen it before. Watched it with the kids, and they were slow to get into it, but were fully engrossed as soon as [spoiler] Clarence jumped in the water![/spoiler]. Of course, we had to watch the colorized version - they wouldn't even attempt the black and white version. Although the rate of inflation really is evident in this one, the story and the meaning still hold up extremely well. It did spur on a…
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