Frank Capra was a Sicilian-American film director, producer, and writer who became the creative force behind some of America’s most beloved films during the 1930s and 1940s. His films often celebrated the common man and infused audiences with optimism during difficult times. Here are 10 of Capra’s best films, ranked.

1. It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)

Undoubtedly Capra’s magnum opus, “It’s a Wonderful Life” tells the heartwarming tale of George Bailey, a man who gets to see what life would have been like had he never been born. It is a holiday classic that resonates with themes of redemption and hope.

2. Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939)

This film stars James Stewart as Jefferson Smith, an idealistic man who finds himself in the Senate where he battles corruption and stands up for American values. It is an enduring statement on democracy and integrity.

3. It Happened One Night (1934)

The romantic comedy that swept the Academy Awards in its year, “It Happened One Night” features Clark Gable and Claudette Colbert in a story about an unlikely relationship between a reporter and a spoiled heiress.

4. You Can’t Take It With You (1938)

A movie that combines romantic comedy with social commentary, “You Can’t Take It With You” champions individualism and non-materialistic lifestyles in the face of corporate greed.

5. Mr. Deeds Goes to Town (1936)

Centers around Longfellow Deeds who inherits a fortune and moves to New York City where he faces cynicism and tries to maintain his down-to-earth principles.

6. Meet John Doe (1941)

A darker political film about mass media and public manipulation featuring Gary Cooper as an ex-ballplayer who becomes the face of a populist movement orchestrated by a newspaper.

7. Lost Horizon (1937)

This ambitious project is Capra’s foray into utopian fantasy where survivors of a plane crash discover Shangri-La, a hidden paradise on Earth.

8. The Miracle Woman (1931)

One of Capra’s earlier works that criticize religious charlatanism through the story of Florence Fallon, played by Barbara Stanwyck, who becomes a celebrity preacher after her father is ousted from his church.

9. American Madness (1932)

A pre-Code film that takes place largely in a single bank during the Great Depression, focusing on community and trust amid economic turmoil.

10. Lady for a Day (1933)

A charming feel-good movie about an elderly street vendor who is transformed into society highness for one day at the behest of her gangster friends to impress her visiting daughter.

Capra’s films are timeless classics that continue to inspire audiences with their humanity, wit, and exploration of American ideals. Whether through comedy or drama, his movies have left an indelible mark on cinematic history.