It’s a Wonderful Life is a heartfelt and widely celebrated Christmas film full of quotes that are both endearing and inspirational. The 1947 film is about a man named George who struggles and ultimately contemplates his life, but is able to see the joys within his life with the help of his guardian angel, Clarence. The film’s premise can appear to be dark and sad, but the quotes give audiences an encouraging view of life, similar to that given to George at the end of the film.
Since its release, It’s a Wonderful Life has become a timeless classic due to its nostalgic feel and hopeful messaging. The film has gained acclaim from audiences, critics, and the film’s director, Frank Capra, who noted it as the greatest film he ever made. The hopeful reminders within the film’s quotes showcase the reasons why its impact has been large and long-lasting.
10 “Each Man’s Life Touches So Many Other Lives”
After George wishes to not have been born, Clarence grants his wish and lets him go around town seeing how his absence affects those who once knew him. George, convinced Clarence has him under a spell, is confused when his friends and mother act cold towards him, not knowing of his identity. Seeing his mother shut the door on him, Clarence tells George, “Each man’s life touches so many other lives. And when he isn’t around, he leaves an awful hole, doesn’t he?” This is when George sees the reasons for wanting to live.
9 “No Man Is A Failure Who Has Friends.”
George, realizing he wants to be alive again, is reunited with his loved ones. Upon returning to his home, he is greeted by friends who’ve come to lend him money when Mary tells them of his financial struggles. Basking in the love and support he’s receiving, he notices the book Clarence carries with him. Inside, Clarence wrote a note saying, “Remember no man is a failure who has friends.” This acts as a final reminder from Clarence to George and to audiences that though struggles will come, what’s important are people in life.
8 “You Want The Moon?”
Now older, Mary and George reunite at a dance, and on their way home, they throw rocks toward an abandoned house. While throwing the rocks, George tells Mary to make a wish, but she refuses to say what her wish is. In response, George asks, “What is it you want, Mary? You want the moon? Just say the word and I’ll throw a lasso around it and pull it down.” Mary plays an important role in George’s life as she ultimately is the one who helps him out in the end, getting him out of the struggle that made him contemplate his life.
7 “Youth Is Wasted On The Wrong People.”
During the walk back home after the dance, George and Mary act flirtatiously around one another, talking their way around any action. This enacts a response from a man sitting on his porch, and after he tells George to stop talking and kiss Mary, he says, “Youth is wasted on the wrong people.” While the character’s time on screen lasts only for a brief moment, his words are a reminder to take risks while still young. This ties into the theme of ambition present in the film, specifically with George’s character who dreams of getting out of town and exploring the world.
6 “I Want To Do Something Big And Something Important.”
George is talking to his father as he’s getting ready to leave town. During this conversation, his father asks if he plans on joining the family business, to which George responds, “I couldn’t face being cooped up for the rest of my life in a shabby little office…I want to do something big and something important.” Even as a kid, George makes it known that he wants to travel. His desire for education and adventure is emphasized at the beginning of the film, but he is unable to do so after his father passes and when he puts his brother’s career ahead of his own.
5 “Teacher Says, Every Time A Bell Rings, An Angel Gets His Wings.”
Once George is saved by Clarence, he returns to his family and realizes the wonderful parts of his life. While celebrating, a bell rings, to which his daughter Zuzu says, “Every time a bell rings, an angel gets his wings.” This comment from Zuzu acts as a full-circle moment for George as he was once skeptical about Clarence and his duties as a guardian angel. However, after allowing Clarence to help him, George winks and says out loud, “Atta boy, Clarence.“
4 “My Father Died A Much Richer Man Than You’ll Ever Be!”
During a business meeting following Pa Bailey’s death, George learns of Henry Potter’s plans to shut down the family business. Upset by Mr. Potter’s behavior, George reminds him of his father’s character and says, “People were human beings to him. But to you…they’re cattle. Well in my book, my father died a much richer man than you’ll ever be.” Earlier in the film, George tells his father that he thinks he’s a great man and this comment relates to sentiment. It also reflects George’s character as a selfless man as seen when he used his honeymoon savings to save the family business.
3 “Look, We’re Still In Business! We’ve Still Got Two Bucks Left!”
When the future of the family’s business isn’t looking great, George uses his personal resources to save the business in order to keep clients at the bank. In celebration of their ability to pull it off, George exclaims, “We’ve still got two bucks left!” George’s efforts to keep clients tie into his dedication to the people of Bedford Falls. The appreciation of George’s generosity is highlighted when everyone comes together to help him at the end of the film.
2 “This Is What I Wished For.”
Mary surprises George by inviting him into an abandoned home she says will now be their home together. Mary asks George, “Remember the night we broke some windows in this old house? This is what I wished for.” During the night she’s referencing, Mary was hesitant to throw a rock at the windows because of how much she loved the house.
However, after George tells her of his plans to leave town and start a life for himself full of adventure, Mary decides to make her wish. For Mary, who’d been in love with George since they were kids, all she wanted was a future in which she’d be married to George, and the house she admired would be theirs. After starting their family, Mary continued to work on the interior, doing her best to make the house feel like a home.
1 “We’re Helping Him Get Those Things In Our Shabby Little Office.”
When George tells his father he wants to leave town and do important things rather than stay and work at the family business, his father reminds him of the importance of the job. Pa Bailey tells George, “I feel that in a small ways, we are doing something important…It’s deep in the race for a man to want his own roof…and we’re helping him get those things in our shabby little office.“
While these words are not specifically stated by George as the reason for his dedication towards the family business, a few scenes following this conversation is when George yells at Mr. Potter for his lack of care. George and his father’s short interactions appear to have the greatest impact on George and the lessons of the film overall. Being a great person, as George believes his father was, is rewarding. George is rewarded mainly with love, from his family and friends, and it’s this love that eventually makes George realize his life is wonderful and worth living.
