James Stewart (also known as Jimmy) was a film giant both literally (at more than six foot three) and figuratively. Stewart could make any character into a relatable and likable figure, and his dry delivery makes every line twice as funny. He showed off his acting range in movies dramatic and comedic alike, and is famous across the board for westerns like his astounding series of movies with director Anthony Mann, along with How the West was Won and The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance.

Stewart was also famous for his Alfred Hitchcock films, like the thrillers The Man who Knew too Much, Rear Window, and Rope. Stewart is tied with John Wayne for having the second most movies with perfect scores on Rotten Tomatoes (12 movies rated 100%). If you are an old fan looking to reminisce or a new film connoisseur looking to branch out, Jimmy Stewart has something in his portfolio to please everyone. Here are eight of his best films.

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8 Vertigo

     Paramount Pictures

One of Alfred Hitchcock’s greatest works, Vertigo centers around Stewart’s portrayal of a disadvantaged police officer. John “Scottie” Fergeson, who suffers from acrophobia (the fear of heights), is hired to follow an old friend’s wife and keep her from taking her own life. As John follows the woman, he finds that she is in danger from more than just herself. As he falls in love with her, he becomes increasingly invested in her safety and her similarity to a woman from his past. Stewart excellently plays this intelligent and capable police officer with a staggering Achilles heal. He masters both the dramatic moments of intense worry and the subtle moments of quiet discontent.

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7 The Shop Around the Corner

     Loew's Inc.

This timeless love story inspired the Tom Hanks comedy You’ve got Mail, as well as a Broadway musical spin-off, She Loves Me. The Shop Around the Corner continues to warm the hearts of all viewers, following two store employees who hate each other by day as they slowly fall in love with each other through their anonymous letters by night. Stewart shows his soft side and comedic timing in this classic enemies-turned-lovers plot.

6 Harvey

     Universal Pictures

Do you believe in mystical white rabbits that only a select few can see? Well, this movie may change your tune. The way that Jimmy Stewart plays Elwood, we honestly can’t tell if he is suffering from a mental illness or alcoholism, or if he has powers and intelligence greater than the rest of us.

In Harvey, Elwood’ssister (played by Josephine Hull in an Oscar-winning performance) is ready to commit him to an insane asylum because he believes he can see a giant white rabbit that no one else can. When the doctors at the asylum commit the sister to the institution instead, the comedic story brings up questions about reality and the treatment of the mentally ill. This hilarious film is one of the best to showcase Jimmy Stewart’s dry but good-natured sarcasm.

5 Mr. Smith Goes to Washington

     Columbia Pictures

In Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, Stewart once again plays the everyman, but this time with a confidence and determination that many actors lack. Stewart brings his usual wit and depth to what could otherwise be a plain role. Mr. Smith Goes to Washington follows an average man who is sent to the Senate by those who intend to use him as a puppet. However, his superiors underestimated Mr. Smith’s determination and integrity, and the more he learns of Washington’s affairs the harder he fights to change things for the better. The film remains one of the best movies about politics from the 20th century and an inspiring tale for anyone looking to get into politics.

4 The Philadelphia Story

     Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

This movie is a master class in witty dialogue. The Philadelphia Story showcases the acting excellence of not only Stewart but also his costars Katharine Hepburn and Cary Grant. In The Philadelphia Story, Stewart pulls off a young and naive reporter who bites off more than he can chew. As the reporter becomes more in-over-his-head, Stewart manages to become increasingly comical without compromising the likability of the character. The Philadelphia Story takes place in the days leading up to Tracy Lord’s wedding. Her perfect plans start to unravel when her ex-husband (Carry Grant) and a pair of reporters (Jimmy Stewart) start attending the festivities and cause her to question her own heart.

3 Rear Window

Alfred Hitchcock once again delivers a nail-biting thriller guaranteed to keep viewers on the edge of their seats. Stewart makes the movie more suspenseful by making his character more likable. From the beginning of the film, audiences can’t help but love the immobile man who cares for his neighbors. As he starts to find himself in dangerous positions, audiences can’t help but fear for his safety.

Rear Window tells the story about a man who broke his leg and is confined to his home. Over the summer he watches the neighbors in his apartment complex out of his rear window; this makes for great entertainment, until he witnesses one of his neighbors being murdered.

2 The Man Who Shot Liberty Valence

Jimmy Stewart is a western star, but his character in this movie is anything but a cowboy. Stewart pulls off the wide-eyed optimism and sincere heart in the fish out of water in The Man Who Shot Liberty Valence. His performance, alongside co-star John Wayne, inspires questions about true love, sacrifice, and even democracy.

In The Man who Shot Liberty Valence, Jimmy Stewart and John Wayne battle it out for the same girl. Stewart plays a lawyer from the city who is appalled at the uncivilized and wild west. On the other hand, Wayne plays the seasoned and hardened cowboy. The film’s intricate themes and carefully crafted dialogue make The Man Who Shot LibertyValance a must-watch for any Stewart fan or film connoisseur. It’s simply one of the best western movies of all time.

1 It’s a Wonderful Life

     RKO Radio Pictures

Jimmy Stewart plays one of his most recognizable and popular roles in this film. He embodies the generous heart of George Bailey through all the character’s ups and downs. He is just as believable as the giving banker as he is as the desperate father. Even though this film was made over 70 years ago, his performance only becomes more relatable with time.

One of America’s most beloved Christmas classics didn’t start out that way.It’s a Wonderful Lifewalks the tight rope between realism and optimism. The harsh realities against the fairytale picturesque backdrop is what allows everyone to relate to this film and walk away with hope in their hearts. However, for people fresh out of World War II, the hardships of George Bailey may have hit a little too close to home. Stewart put some of his own emotional baggage into his performance of the weary and eventfully suicidal George Bailey. Over the years, It’s a Wonderful Life, has taken its place at the forefront of cinema where it belongs.