Like 'Shawshank', this Frank Capra-directed classic was something of a flop upon its initial theatrical release but has gone on to be regarded as one of the most inspirational films of all time, and one of the best in general.
James Stewart plays George Bailey, a family man struggling to cope with life and business. On Christmas Eve he attempts suicide only to be saved by his guardian angel, who then proceeds to dissect his life to let him know how much he'll miss and who he'll be missed by if his life is cut short. It shows that even an average man can touch an entire community without him realizing it.