19 Best Tom Hanks Movies

In “Splash,” Tom Hanks stars as Allen Bauer, a man who falls in love with a mermaid named Madison, played by Daryl Hannah, after she rescues him from drowning. This romantic comedy, directed by Ron Howard, was Hanks’ breakout role, showcasing his charm and comedic timing. The film was both a critical and commercial success, earning praise for its originality and Hanks’ endearing performance. “Splash” received an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Screenplay and helped establish Hanks as a rising star in Hollywood.

In “Big,” Tom Hanks plays Josh Baskin, a 12-year-old boy who magically becomes an adult overnight after making a wish to be “big” at a carnival fortune-telling machine. Hanks’ portrayal of a child trapped in an adult’s body is both hilarious and heartfelt, capturing the innocence and wonder of childhood. The film was a major success, earning widespread acclaim for Hanks’ performance, which was both endearing and nuanced. His role in “Big” earned him his first Academy Award nomination for Best Actor, solidifying his status as a leading man in Hollywood. The film remains a beloved classic, celebrated for its imaginative story and Hanks’ unforgettable performance.

In “A League of Their Own,” Tom Hanks stars as Jimmy Dugan, a washed-up, alcoholic former baseball player who reluctantly becomes the coach of an all-female baseball team during World War II. The film, directed by Penny Marshall, tells the story of the Rockford Peaches, one of the teams in the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League. Hanks’ portrayal of the gruff but ultimately supportive coach is both comedic and touching, delivering memorable lines like “There’s no crying in baseball!” The movie was a commercial and critical success, praised for its strong performances, including Hanks’ standout role, and its portrayal of women’s contributions during the war. “A League of Their Own” has since become a beloved sports film classic.

In “Sleepless in Seattle,” Tom Hanks stars as Sam Baldwin, a widower who captures the hearts of listeners nationwide when his young son, Jonah, calls a radio show to find him a new wife. Sam’s touching story and his heartfelt description of his late wife intrigue Annie Reed, played by Meg Ryan, leading to a long-distance romance that unfolds across the country. Directed by Nora Ephron, the film became a defining romantic comedy of the 1990s, praised for its witty script, emotional depth, and the chemistry between Hanks and Ryan. “Sleepless in Seattle” was both a box office hit and a critical success, earning multiple award nominations, including an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Screenplay. Hanks’ performance solidified his status as a leading actor in romantic comedies.

In “Philadelphia,” Tom Hanks delivers a powerful performance as Andrew Beckett, a successful lawyer who is unjustly fired from his firm after they discover he has AIDS. Determined to fight back, Andrew hires a small-time lawyer, Joe Miller (played by Denzel Washington), to represent him in a groundbreaking discrimination lawsuit. Directed by Jonathan Demme, “Philadelphia” was one of the first mainstream Hollywood films to tackle the AIDS crisis and homophobia. Hanks’ portrayal of Andrew is deeply moving, capturing the dignity and struggles of a man facing immense prejudice and illness. The film received widespread critical acclaim, and Hanks won the Academy Award for Best Actor, marking a turning point in his career and contributing to greater awareness and empathy for those affected by AIDS.

In “Forrest Gump,” Tom Hanks stars as the titular character, a kind-hearted man with a low IQ who unwittingly influences many of the major events in American history from the 1950s to the 1980s. Despite his limited intelligence, Forrest lives an extraordinary life, meeting historical figures, achieving great success, and touching the lives of everyone he encounters, all while holding on to his deep love for his childhood friend, Jenny. Hanks’ portrayal of Forrest is both nuanced and heartfelt, bringing a sense of innocence and optimism to the character. The film, directed by Robert Zemeckis, was a massive critical and commercial success, winning six Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Actor for Hanks. His performance became iconic, and the film remains a beloved cultural touchstone.

In “Apollo 13,” Tom Hanks plays Jim Lovell, the real-life NASA astronaut who leads the ill-fated “Apollo 13” mission. The film, directed by Ron Howard, chronicles the harrowing true story of the lunar mission that faced near disaster when an oxygen tank exploded, jeopardizing the lives of the crew. Hanks’ portrayal of Lovell is calm and resolute, embodying the bravery and determination required to guide his team safely back to Earth. “Apollo 13” was a critical and commercial success, praised for its intense realism, strong performances, and technical accuracy. The film received nine Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture, and won two, solidifying its place as one of the great space dramas in cinema. Hanks’ role further cemented his reputation as one of Hollywood’s most reliable and versatile leading men.

The “Toy Story” franchise, beginning in 1995, revolutionized animated filmmaking as the first feature-length film entirely created with CGI. Tom Hanks voices Woody, the loyal and brave cowboy doll who serves as the leader of a group of toys that come to life when humans aren’t around. Throughout the series, Woody grapples with themes of loyalty, change, and identity, making him one of the most beloved characters in animation. The “Toy Story” films have received widespread critical acclaim for their storytelling, animation, and emotional depth, with each installment becoming a box office success. The franchise has won numerous awards, including multiple Academy Awards. The highly anticipated “Toy Story 5” is set to continue the legacy, with Hanks reprising his iconic role releasing in 2026.

“Saving Private Ryan,” directed by Steven Spielberg, is a harrowing World War II epic that follows a group of U.S. soldiers tasked with locating and bringing home Private James Ryan, the last surviving brother of four servicemen. Tom Hanks stars as Captain Miller, the commanding officer leading the mission. Hanks’ portrayal of Miller is deeply impactful, capturing the character’s leadership, vulnerability, and moral complexity. The film is renowned for its realistic depiction of combat, particularly the intense D-Day landing sequence. “Saving Private Ryan” received universal acclaim for its direction, cinematography, and Hanks’ performance, winning five Academy Awards, including Best Director and Best Cinematography, and is considered one of the greatest war films ever made.

“Cast Away,” directed by Robert Zemeckis, follows Chuck Noland, played by Tom Hanks, a FedEx executive who survives a plane crash and is stranded on a deserted island. The film explores his struggle for survival and emotional resilience as he adapts to isolation and loses hope of rescue. Hanks delivers a gripping, physically demanding performance, conveying both the physical and psychological challenges of his character with remarkable depth. “Cast Away” received critical acclaim for Hanks’ transformative performance and the film’s engaging narrative. Hanks’ dedication to the role, including a dramatic physical transformation, earned him praise and further solidified his reputation as one of Hollywood’s leading actors. The film was a commercial success and remains a powerful testament to the human spirit.

“Catch Me If You Can,” directed by Steven Spielberg, is based on the true story of Frank Abagnale Jr., a con artist who successfully committed various frauds while evading the law. Tom Hanks plays Carl Hanratty, the determined FBI agent tasked with capturing Frank, portrayed by Leonardo DiCaprio. Hanks delivers a compelling performance as a diligent, resourceful investigator who becomes increasingly fascinated by Frank’s audacity and charm. The film was widely acclaimed for its entertaining storytelling, strong performances, and dynamic direction. It was a commercial success, with Hanks’ role earning praise for his portrayal of a complex, driven lawman, further showcasing his versatility and talent.

“The Polar Express,” directed by Robert Zemeckis, is a visually stunning animated film that follows a young boy’s magical journey to the North Pole on a mysterious train. Tom Hanks voices multiple characters in the film, including the enigmatic Conductor, who guides the children on their adventure. Hanks’ performances add depth and charm to the film’s fantastical elements. The movie was praised for its groundbreaking use of motion capture technology and its enchanting storytelling, though it received mixed reviews from critics regarding its animation style. Despite the mixed critical reception, “The Polar Express” has become a beloved holiday classic, celebrated for its imaginative approach and Hanks’ engaging voice work.

“Captain Phillips,” directed by Paul Greengrass, is a tense thriller based on the true story of Captain Richard Phillips, who was taken hostage by Somali pirates while navigating a cargo ship in 2009. Tom Hanks stars as “Captain Phillips”, delivering a gripping and nuanced performance as the captain who must navigate a high-stakes situation to protect his crew and himself. The film was praised for its intense and realistic portrayal of the hijacking, Hanks’ exceptional performance, and the film’s suspenseful direction. “Captain Phillips” received widespread critical acclaim, including a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actor for Hanks, and is noted for its harrowing depiction of real-life heroism and survival.

“Bridge of Spies,” directed by Steven Spielberg, is a historical drama based on the true story of the Cold War exchange of spies between the United States and the Soviet Union. Tom Hanks stars as James B. Donovan, an insurance lawyer who negotiates the exchange of Soviet spy Rudolf Abel for American U-2 pilot Francis Gary Powers, who was captured by the Soviets. Hanks’ portrayal of Donovan is both compelling and earnest, capturing the character’s moral conviction and diplomatic skill. The film was lauded for its historical accuracy, strong performances, and Spielberg’s direction. “Bridge of Spies” received critical acclaim and won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for Mark Rylance, with Hanks’ performance also receiving significant praise.

“Sully,” directed by Clint Eastwood, is a biographical drama that recounts the true story of Captain Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger, who successfully landed US Airways Flight 1549 on the Hudson River after both engines failed. Tom Hanks stars as “Sully”, portraying the pilot with a blend of calm professionalism and inner conflict. The film focuses on Sully’s heroic actions and the subsequent investigation that questioned his decisions. “Sully” received widespread acclaim for Hanks’ performance, Eastwood’s direction, and its compelling depiction of the emergency landing. The film was praised for its tense and realistic portrayal of the events, with Hanks earning particular recognition for his nuanced and compelling portrayal of “Sully”.

“The Post,” directed by Steven Spielberg, is a political thriller centered on the true story of the Washington Post’s decision to publish the Pentagon Papers, a classified government report detailing the Vietnam War’s misleading information. Tom Hanks stars as Ben Bradlee, the newspaper’s executive editor who, alongside publisher Katharine Graham (played by Meryl Streep), takes a stand for press freedom despite government pressure. Hanks’ performance is both authoritative and nuanced, reflecting Bradlee’s commitment to journalistic integrity. The film was praised for its timely and gripping portrayal of media ethics, as well as for the strong performances by Hanks and Streep. “The Post” received critical acclaim and several award nominations, including Academy Award nominations for Best Picture, Best Actress for Streep, a Golden Globe nomination for Best Supporting Actor for Hanks.

“A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood” is a 2019 film starring Tom Hanks as Fred Rogers, the beloved host of the children’s TV show “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood”. The film, directed by Marielle Heller, explores the impact of Rogers’ kindness and empathy on a cynical journalist, played by Matthew Rhys. Tom Hanks received widespread acclaim for his portrayal of Rogers, with critics praising his ability to capture the warmth and authenticity of the real-life figure. His performance earned him several awards and nominations, including his first Oscar nomination in 19 years, following his previous nod for Cast Away in 2001.

“Greyhound,” directed by Aaron Schneider, is a World War II naval drama based on the true story of the Battle of the Atlantic. Tom Hanks stars as Captain Ernest Krause, a U.S. Navy officer tasked with leading a convoy of Allied ships across the treacherous Atlantic Ocean while evading German U-boat attacks. Hanks delivers a commanding performance, embodying the resilience and leadership required for the high-stakes mission. The film was praised for its intense action sequences, realistic depiction of naval warfare, and Hanks’ compelling portrayal of a determined leader. “Greyhound” received positive reviews for its thrilling and immersive experience, despite limited theatrical release due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“A Man Called Otto,” directed by Marc Forster, is a heartwarming dramedy based on the novel “A Man Called Ove” by Fredrik Backman. Tom Hanks stars as Otto, a curmudgeonly, solitary man who finds his life transformed when new neighbors move in and slowly break through his tough exterior. Hanks delivers a poignant and layered performance, capturing Otto’s evolution from a grumpy misanthrope to a more open-hearted individual. The film received acclaim for Hanks’ moving portrayal, its blend of humor and emotional depth, and its exploration of themes like grief, community, and redemption. Critics praised the film’s engaging narrative and Hanks’ standout performance, which anchored the story’s emotional core.

Tom Hanks’ legendary career is a masterclass in versatility and charm, captivating audiences with his ability to slip into any role and make it unforgettable. From the child-at-heart in Big to the unforgettable journey of Forrest Gump, Hanks has been our guide through some of cinema’s most iconic moments. Whether he’s battling the elements in Cast Away or diving deep into history with Saving Private Ryan, Hanks always brings a unique blend of heart and soul to the screen. His roles in Captain Phillips and The Post prove he can take on real-life heroes with just as much finesse, turning true stories into gripping tales.

But the Hanks magic doesn’t stop there! Up next, he’s reuniting with director Robert Zemeckis (hello, Forrest Gump fans!) in the highly anticipated Here, alongside Robin Wright. This intriguing film takes us on a time-bending journey across generations, all centered around a single piece of land. Mark your calendars—Here hits theaters on November 1, 2024!