James Stewart has been hailed as one of the greatest actors of all time in Hollywood due to his charismatic on-screen persona, strong morality that is seen as the "American ideal," and numerous iconic roles throughout his illustrious career.
He is the subject of a new biopic that will be released in 2026, which chronicles his life in the 1940s, including the making of It's a Wonderful Life and his enlistment in World War II. Riverdale star KJ Apa plays him, and a trailer was recently released online.
You might be in the mood to watch some of Stewart's best works, so here is our list of his iconic movies that are a must-watch.
Mr. Smith Goes to Washington
Frank Capra's Mr. Smith Goes to Washington follows a naive youth leader who is appointed to fill a vacancy in the U.S. Senate. His idealistic plans promptly collide with corruption at home and subterfuge from his hero in Washington, but he tries to forge ahead despite attacks on his character.
This is the film that turned Stewart into a beloved movie star and earned him his first Oscar nomination. It also has all the aspects that we love about Stewart's on-screen persona, especially as he played a relatable character.
Where You Can Buy or Rent: Apple TV, Amazon Video, Fandango at Home
The Philadelphia Story
In George Cukor's The Philadelphia Story, after a rich woman's ex-husband and a tabloid-type reporter turn up just before her planned remarriage, she begins to learn the truth about herself.
Stewart won an Oscar for Best Actor for his performance in this film, which is an achievement in itself, considering that he shares the screen with fellow movie star icons of that time: Cary Grant and Katharine Hepburn.
Where You Can Buy or Rent: Apple TV, Amazon Video, Fandango at Home
It's a Wonderful Life
In Frank Capra's It's a Wonderful Life, an angel is sent from Heaven to help a desperately frustrated businessman see the value of his own life.
This is arguably Stewart's most iconic movie in his legendary filmography, since it has become a Christmas classic to this day, and it is still one of the most rewatchable movies due to its timely themes and hopeful message.
Where You Can Stream: Prime Video
Rear Window
Alfred Hitchcock's Rear Window follows a bored photographer who is recovering from a broken leg as he passes the time by watching his neighbors and begins to suspect one of them of murder.
This is not just a classic entry in Stewart's filmography, but it is also one of Hitchcock's most celebrated works. It has also influenced a lot of films in the thriller genre in the decades after due to its unique concept.
Where You Can Stream: Prime Video
Vertigo
Alfred Hitchcock's Vertigo follows a former San Francisco police detective who juggles wrestling with his personal demons and becoming obsessed with the hauntingly beautiful woman he has been hired to trail, who may be deeply disturbed.
This is hailed as one of the best films of all time, due to its suspenseful tone and mystery that has influenced a lot of filmmakers in generations after, and Stewart and Kim Novak's exceptional chemistry.
Where You Can Stream: Prime Video
Anatomy of a Murder
Anatomy of a Murder follows an upstate Michigan lawyer who defends a soldier who claims he killed an innkeeper due to temporary insanity after the victim raped his wife.
The film has become a legal drama classic and is hailed as one of the best in the courtroom drama, due to its intriguing story and Stewart's terrific performance as Paul Biegler. He received an Oscar nomination for his performance.
Where You Can Buy or Rent: Apple TV, Amazon Video, Fandango at Home
The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance
John Ford's The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance follows a senator who returns to a Western town for the funeral of an old friend and tells the story of his origins.
This is the film that brought together two movie legends: Stewart and John Wayne. It has also become a Western classic, due to its unique storytelling that you don't usually see in the genre, and more focused on character study.
Where You Can Buy or Rent: Apple TV, Amazon Video, Fandango at Home
An American Tail: Fievel Goes West
An American Tail: Fievel Goes West follows Fievel's family as they decide to move out to the West, unaware that they are falling into a trap perpetrated by a smooth-talking cat.
This marked Stewart's final movie role, albeit in a voice performance. While it's not an on-screen work from the movie icon, it is still worth celebrating since his character is a homage to his iconic roles in his earlier years, especially in the Western genre.
Where You Can Buy or Rent: Apple TV, Amazon Video, Fandango at Home
Keep it locked on EpicStream, your go-to site for film, TV, and celebrity coverage!