Our team compiled the best Tom Hanks movies and here is what they came up with
Tom Hanks is a Hollywood icon who has captivated audiences for decades with his talent, charisma, and ability to portray a wide range of characters. From his early days as a comedic actor to his current status as a respected and seasoned performer, Hanks has consistently delivered strong and memorable performances in a wide variety of films.
Here are 28 of the best Tom Hanks movies, along with a summary of the film, the year of release, and why Hanks was appreciated in it:
1. Forrest Gump (1994)
In this beloved classic, Hanks plays Forrest Gump, a simple-minded man who becomes involved in a series of historical events and falls in love with a young woman (Robin Wright). Hanks’s performance as Forrest was praised for his ability to bring heart and emotion to the film, and he won an Academy Award for his portrayal of the character.
2. Philadelphia (1993)
In this drama, Hanks plays Andrew Beckett, a successful lawyer who is fired from his job after his employer discovers he has AIDS. Hanks’s performance as Beckett was praised for his ability to bring depth and emotion to the character, and he won an Academy Award for his portrayal of the character.
3. Saving Private Ryan (1998)
In this war drama, Hanks plays Captain John H. Miller, a World War II officer who leads a team of soldiers on a mission to find and bring home a missing paratrooper (Matt Damon). Hanks’s performance as Miller was praised for his ability to bring a sense of leadership and compassion to the character, and he received numerous awards for his portrayal of the character.
4. Big (1988)
In this classic comedy, Hanks plays Josh Baskin, a young boy who wishes to be “big” and magically becomes an adult (Hanks). Hanks’s performance as Josh/Big was praised for his ability to bring humor and charm to the film, and he received numerous awards for his portrayal of the character.
5. Cast Away (2000)
In this survival drama, Hanks plays Chuck Noland, a FedEx executive who becomes stranded on a deserted island after a plane crash. Hanks’s performance as Noland was praised for his ability to bring a sense of isolation and survival to the film, and he received numerous awards for his portrayal of the character.
6. The Green Mile (1999)
In this drama, Hanks plays Paul Edgecomb, a prison guard who befriends a death row inmate (Michael Clarke Duncan) with extraordinary powers. Hanks’s performance as Edgecomb was praised for his ability to bring depth and emotion to the character, and he received numerous awards for his portrayal of the character.
7. Apollo 13 (1995)
In this historical drama, Hanks plays Jim Lovell, a NASA astronaut who leads a mission to the moon that is beset by problems and becomes a race against time. Hanks’s performance as Lovell was praised for his ability to bring a sense of leadership and determination to the character, and he received numerous awards for his portrayal of the character.
8. A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood (2019)
In this drama, Hanks plays Fred Rogers, the beloved host of the children’s television show “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood.” Hanks’s performance as Rogers was praised for his ability to bring warmth and kindness to the character, and he received numerous awards for his portrayal of the character.
9. The Da Vinci Code (2006)
In this mystery thriller, Hanks plays Robert Langdon, a Harvard professor who becomes embroiled in a conspiracy involving the Catholic Church and the works of Leonardo da Vinci. Hanks’s performance as Langdon was praised for his ability to bring a sense of intelligence and determination to the character, and the film became a major hit.
10. Captain Phillips (2013)
In this biographical drama, Hanks plays Richard Phillips, the captain of a cargo ship who is taken hostage by Somali pirates and must use his wits and resources to survive. Hanks’s performance as Phillips was praised for his ability to bring a sense of leadership and determination to the character, and he received numerous awards for his portrayal of the character.
11. Catch Me If You Can (2002)
In this biographical crime drama, Hanks plays Carl Hanratty, an FBI agent who is tasked with tracking down and arresting a young con artist (Leonardo DiCaprio). Hanks’s performance as Hanratty was praised for his ability to bring depth and complexity to the character, and he received numerous awards for his portrayal of the character.
12. Road to Perdition (2002)
In this crime drama, Hanks plays Michael Sullivan, a hitman who must go on the run with his son (Tyler Hoechlin) after his family is targeted by a rival gangster (Paul Newman). Hanks’s performance as Sullivan was praised for his ability to bring emotion and depth to the character, and he received numerous awards for his portrayal of the character.
13. The Terminal (2004)
In this comedy-drama, Hanks plays Viktor Navorski, a foreign national who becomes stranded in an airport terminal after his country is overthrown in a coup. Hanks’s performance as Navorski was praised for his ability to bring humor and heart to the film, and he received numerous awards for his portrayal of the character.
14. Sleepless in Seattle (1993)
In this romantic comedy, Hanks plays Sam Baldwin, a widowed father who becomes the subject of a national radio show and falls in love with a woman (Meg Ryan) he has never met. Hanks’s performance as Baldwin was praised for his ability to bring charm and warmth to the film, and he helped make the film a box office hit.
15. That Thing You Do! (1996)
In this musical comedy-drama, Hanks plays Mr. White, the manager of a 1960s rock band who helps them achieve fame and success. Hanks’s performance as Mr. White was praised for his ability to bring humor and charm to the film, and he received numerous awards for his portrayal of the character.
16. Cloud Atlas (2012)
In this science fiction film, Hanks plays multiple roles as different characters in different time periods who are connected by a spiritual journey. Hanks’s performance in the film was praised for his versatility and ability to portray a wide range of characters, and the film received numerous awards and accolades.
17. A Hologram for the King (2016)
In this comedy-drama, Hanks plays Alan Clay, a struggling salesman who travels to Saudi Arabia to sell a holographic teleconferencing system to the king. Hanks’s performance as Clay was praised for his ability to bring humor and heart to the film, and he received numerous awards for his portrayal of the character.
18. The Polar Express (2004)
In this animated fantasy film, Hanks voices multiple characters, including the conductor of a magical train that takes a young boy (Daryl Sabara) to the North Pole to meet Santa Claus. Hanks’s performance in the film was praised for his ability to bring warmth and magic to the film, and the film became a holiday classic.
19. You’ve Got Mail (1998)
In this romantic comedy, Hanks plays Joe Fox, a bookstore owner who falls in love with a woman (Meg Ryan) he meets online, not realizing that she is his business rival. Hanks’s performance as Fox was praised for his ability to bring charm and humor to the film, and he helped make the film a box office hit.
20. Saving Mr. Banks (2013)
In this biographical drama, Hanks plays Walt Disney, the legendary film producer who fights to adapt the book “Mary Poppins” into a film. Hanks’s performance as Disney was praised for his ability to bring charm and warmth to the film, and he received numerous awards for his portrayal of the character.
21. Bridge of Spies (2015)
In this historical drama, Hanks plays James B. Donovan, a lawyer who is tasked with negotiating the release of a captured U.S. pilot (Austin Stowell) during the Cold War. Hanks’s performance as Donovan was praised for his ability to bring depth and complexity to the character, and he received numerous awards for his portrayal of the character.
22. The Ladykillers (2004)
In this comedy-crime film, Hanks plays Professor G.H. Dorr, the leader of a gang of thieves who plot to rob a casino and are foiled by an elderly woman (Irma P. Hall). Hanks’s performance as Dorr was praised for his ability to bring humor and absurdity to the film, and he received numerous awards for his portrayal of the character.
23. The Post (2017)
In this historical drama, Hanks plays Ben Bradlee, the editor of The Washington Post who fights to publish the Pentagon Papers and expose government secrets. Hanks’s performance as Bradlee was praised for his ability to bring a sense of leadership and determination to the character, and he received numerous awards for his portrayal of the character.
24. Cocoon (1985)
In this science fiction film, Hanks plays Jack Bonner, a young man who becomes involved in a group of elderly people who have been rejuvenated by alien cocoons. Hanks’s performance as Bonner was praised for his ability to bring emotion and depth to the character, and he received numerous awards for his portrayal of the character.
25. The Man with One Red Shoe (1985)
In this comedy, Hanks plays Scott Norris, a hapless young man who becomes the target of a CIA operation and goes on the run. Hanks’s performance as Norris was praised for his ability to bring humor and absurdity to the film, and he received numerous awards for his portrayal of the character.
26. Turner & Hooch (1989)
In this comedy-crime film, Hanks plays Scott Turner, a police detective who is paired with a slobbering and unruly dog (Beasley the Dog) to solve a murder case. Hanks’s performance as Turner was praised for his ability to bring humor and heart to the film, and he received numerous awards for his portrayal of the character.
27. The Bonfire of the Vanities (1990)
In this comedy-drama, Hanks plays Sherman McCoy, a Wall Street executive who becomes embroiled in a scandal and media frenzy. Hanks’s performance as McCoy was praised for his ability to bring depth and complexity to the character, and he received numerous awards for his portrayal of the character.
28. Splash (1984)
In this romantic comedy, Hanks plays Allen Bauer, a young man who falls in love with a mermaid (Daryl Hannah) he rescued from the sea. Hanks’s performance as Bauer was praised for his ability to bring charm and humor to the film, and he helped make the film a box office hit.
Tom Hanks has had a long and illustrious career in Hollywood, and he has consistently delivered strong and memorable performances in a wide variety of films. Whether he’s playing a lovable and charming character, a complex and flawed hero, or a historical figure, Hanks always manages to bring something special and unique to each role he plays. These 28 films are just a small sampling of his many great movies, and they showcase his range and versatility as an actor.