It’s a Wonderful Life (1946) IMDB Rating: 8.6
Storyline: George Bailey has spent his entire life giving himself to the people of Bedford Falls. He has always longed to travel but never had the opportunity in order to prevent rich skinflint Mr. Potter from taking over the entire town. All that prevents him from doing so is George’s modest building and loan company, which was founded by his generous father.
But on Christmas Eve, George’s Uncle Billy loses the business’s $8,000 while intending to deposit it in the bank. Potter finds the misplaced money and hides it from Billy. When the bank examiner discovers the shortage later that night, George realizes that he will be held responsible and sent to jail, and the company will collapse, finally allowing Potter to take over the town.
Thinking of his wife, their young children, and others he loves who will be better off with him dead, he contemplates suicide. But the prayers of his loved ones result in a gentle angel named Clarence coming to earth to help George, with the promise of earning his wings if he can see the true value of his life. Clarence shows George what life would have been like if he had never been born, revealing the positive impact he has had on his family, friends, and community. With a newfound appreciation for his own worth, George decides to fight for his innocence and the future of Bedford Falls, determined to expose Potter’s deceitful actions and save his company.