"It's a Wonderful Life" is not just widely considered to be one of the best Christmas movies ever made, but one of the finest films of all time.

Released in 1947, Frank Capra's film about a down-on-his luck businessman garnered five Academy Award nominations (including for Best Picture) and has been recognized by the American Film Institute as one of the 100 best American films ever made.

And thanks to its copyright expiring in 1974, the film has since regularly aired on broadcast networks every Christmas season, becoming a holiday tradition for many.

If "It's a Wonderful Life" has become appointment viewing for you and your family every holiday season, here's how to watch it as Christmas approaches:

Where to watch 'It's a Wonderful Life' on TV

The movie will air at 8 p.m. ET Sunday, Christmas Eve, on NBC stations nationwide, according to the network.

A 24-hour marathon of "It's a Wonderful Life" will also begin airing at 9 a.m. on Christmas Day on E!, according to the network.

The movie will air on the following dates and times on E!:

All times in Eastern time

  • Monday, Dec. 25 at 9 a.m.
  • Monday, Dec. 25 at noon
  • Monday, Dec. 25 at 3 p.m.
  • Monday, Dec. 25 at 6 p.m.
  • Monday, Dec. 25 at 9 p.m.
  • Tuesday, Dec. 26 at midnight
  • Tuesday, Dec. 26 at 3 a.m.
  • Tuesday, Dec. 26 at 6 a.m.

Where to watch 'It's a Wonderful Life' streaming

The holiday classic is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video, fuboTV, Hoopla and USA Network.

Those without any of those subscriptions can also purchase an ultra-high definition version of "It's a Wonderful life" through Amazon for $4.99. The movie is available to purchase for the same price on Apple TV+.

Otherwise, the film is available to watch for free with ads on The Roku Channel and Xumo Play.

What is 'It's a Wonderful Life' about?

The movie follows the journey of George Bailey, a man who has given up his personal dreams in order to help those in his community.

When George begins to doubt himself and wish he was never born, he's visited on Christmas Eve by his guardian angel, Clarence Odbody.

Clarence shows George what would have become of his town and its residents had he not been there, prompting the man to realize how many lives he has changed for the better.

Cast of 'It's a Wonderful Life'

  • James Stewart as George Bailey
  • Donna Reed as Mary Hatch
  • Lionel Barrymore as Mr. Potter
  • Thomas Mitchell as Uncle Billy
  • Henry Travers as Clarence
  • Beulah Bondi as Mrs. Bailey
  • Frank Faylen as Ernie
  • Ward Bond as Bert
  • Gloria Grahame as Violet
  • H.B. Warner as Mr. Gower
  • Frank Albertson as Sam Wainwright
  • Todd Karns as Harry Bailey
  • Samuel S. Hinds as Pa Bailey
  • Mary Treen as Cousin Tilly

Eric Lagatta covers breaking and trending news for USA TODAY. Reach him at elagatta@gannett.com

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