James Stewart, known for his everyman persona and distinctive drawl, was a prominent actor whose Hollywood career spanned over four decades. With a plethora of excellent performances to choose from, ranking his top 10 movies is a challenging yet rewarding task. Here they are:

1. It’s a Wonderful Life (1946) – This holiday classic directed by Frank Capra is often Stewart’s most beloved film. His performance as George Bailey showcases his ability to depict profound emotional depth and the enduring spirit of kindness.

2. Rear Window (1954) – Helmed by Alfred Hitchcock, this film features Stewart in one of his finest roles as photographer L.B. “Jeff” Jefferies who witnesses what he suspects is a murder from his apartment window.

3. Vertigo (1958) – Another masterpiece from Hitchcock, with Stewart portraying the acrophobic detective Scottie Ferguson. A tale of obsession and romance that has become a cinematic touchstone

4. Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939) – James Stewart earned an Oscar nomination for his role as Jefferson Smith, an idealistic senator who battles corruption in Washington D.C., further cementing his standing as an American icon.

5. The Philadelphia Story (1940) – A sophisticated romantic comedy where Stewart plays Macaulay Connor, a witty reporter who becomes entangled in the complex love life of Katharine Hepburn’s character. His performance earned him an Academy Award for Best Actor.

6. Harvey (1950) – In this charming film, Stewart plays Elwood P. Dowd, a gentle soul whose best friend is a six-foot-tall invisible rabbit named Harvey.

7. The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance (1962) – A celebrated western directed by John Ford where Stewart plays Ransom Stoddard, an attorney who brings law and order to the wild west.

8. Anatomy of a Murder (1959) – In this courtroom drama directed by Otto Preminger, Stewart delivers an impressive performance as Paul Biegler, a lawyer who takes on a challenging case of defense against murder charges.

9. The Shop Around the Corner (1940) – This delightful romantic comedy showcases Stewart’s lighter side as Alfred Kralik, an employee in a Budapest store who unknowingly falls in love with his pen pal colleague.

10. You Can’t Take It With You (1938) – Another Capra collaboration that won Best Picture at the Academy Awards features Stewart in the role of Tony Kirby, who falls for a woman from a quirky family that embraces life’s simple joys.

Whether it’s drama or comedy, James Stewart’s exquisite filmography reflects his remarkable range and continues to captivate audiences decades after their release.