Tom Hanks has been making us laugh, cry, and think for over four decades in Hollywood. The two-time Oscar winner brings something special to every role, making even the wildest stories feel real with his honest acting and everyday charm. His talent for playing both funny and serious parts has made him one of the most loved actors of our time.
With so many great films in his career, picking the best ones isn’t easy. From playing a man with a child’s heart to a stranded survivor on a desert island, Hanks has shown us what it means to be human in all kinds of situations. Here’s our ranking of the 15 best Tom Hanks movies that show why he’s earned his place as America’s favorite actor.
15. Captain Phillips (2013)
In this nail-biting true story, Hanks plays Captain Richard Phillips, whose cargo ship is taken over by Somali pirates. The movie keeps you on the edge of your seat as Phillips tries to protect his crew while dealing with the desperate pirates. Hanks perfectly shows the captain’s bravery and fear during the crisis. The final scenes where Phillips processes his trauma are some of Hanks’ most powerful acting moments ever.
14. Bridge of Spies (2015)
Hanks teams up with director Steven Spielberg in this Cold War thriller about a lawyer negotiating a prisoner exchange between the United States and Soviet Union. Playing James Donovan, an ordinary man in extraordinary circumstances, Hanks brings warmth and moral strength to this historical drama. His character stands firm on his principles even when it’s not popular or safe. The film shows how everyday courage can make a difference during tense international conflicts.
13. Philadelphia (1993)
As Andrew Beckett, a lawyer fired from his firm after his AIDS diagnosis is discovered, Hanks delivered a groundbreaking performance that won him his first Oscar. The film tackles tough subjects like homophobia and AIDS discrimination when these topics weren’t widely discussed in mainstream movies. Hanks lost 35 pounds for the role and brings both dignity and vulnerability to his character. Philadelphia helped change how AIDS was portrayed in popular culture and showed Hanks’ commitment to meaningful storytelling.
12. Apollo 13 (1995)
“Houston, we have a problem.” With these famous words, Hanks as astronaut Jim Lovell captures the calm under pressure that made the real Apollo 13 crew legendary. Based on the true story of a moon mission gone wrong, the film shows how NASA worked to bring the astronauts home safely after an oxygen tank explosion. Hanks portrays Lovell with the perfect mix of authority, worry, and hope. The film remains one of the most accurate and thrilling space movies ever made.
11. The Green Mile (1999)
In this supernatural prison drama based on Stephen King’s novel, Hanks plays prison guard Paul Edgecomb, who discovers an inmate with healing powers on death row. The film explores themes of justice, compassion, and the supernatural through Hanks’ thoughtful performance. His character serves as the moral center of the story as he questions the execution of a miracle worker. The film’s emotional impact comes largely from how Hanks makes us feel the weight of his character’s impossible choices.
10. Road to Perdition (2002)
Playing against type as a Depression-era hitman protecting his son, Hanks shows a darker side in this visually stunning gangster film. His character, Michael Sullivan, is a complicated man torn between his violent profession and his desire to be a good father. The father-son relationship forms the emotional core of this revenge story set against a backdrop of organized crime. Hanks brings depth to his character, making us care about a man who kills for a living.
9. Big (1988)
Hanks shines as Josh Baskin, a 12-year-old boy who wakes up in an adult body after making a wish on a carnival machine. His perfect capture of childlike wonder in an adult world made this film a classic. The famous floor piano scene at FAO Schwarz shows Hanks’ physical comedy skills at their best. The movie balances humor with genuine emotion as Josh navigates the adult world while keeping his youthful spirit.
8. A League of Their Own (1992)
“There’s no crying in baseball!” As Jimmy Dugan, the grumpy alcoholic coach of a women’s baseball team during World War II, Hanks creates one of his most quotable characters. The film celebrates the real-life All-American Girls Professional Baseball League with heart and humor. Hanks starts as a reluctant leader but grows to respect his players’ talent and determination. His character’s transformation mirrors the film’s message about taking women’s sports seriously.
7. Toy Story Series (1995-2019)
As the voice of Woody, the loyal cowboy doll, Hanks created one of animation’s most beloved characters across four films. Woody’s journey from jealous leader to selfless friend forms the emotional backbone of the entire series. Hanks brings depth and genuine feeling to his voice performance, making us care deeply about a toy’s inner life. The evolution of Woody’s character across the films reflects universal themes of purpose, friendship, and letting go.
6. Charlie Wilson’s War (2007)
Hanks portrays real-life Congressman Charlie Wilson, who secretly arranged funding for Afghan freedom fighters during the Soviet-Afghan War. Working with a sharp script by Aaron Sorkin and alongside Philip Seymour Hoffman and Julia Roberts, Hanks delivers a captivating performance as a hard-partying politician with surprising depth. The film balances humor with serious geopolitical consequences, allowing Hanks to showcase both his comedic timing and dramatic talents. His charismatic performance helps make complex political history accessible and entertaining.
5. Sleepless in Seattle (1993)
As Sam Baldwin, a widower whose son calls a radio show to find his dad a new wife, Hanks created one of romantic comedy’s most endearing characters. The film cleverly keeps its romantic leads (Hanks and Meg Ryan) apart until the final moments, building anticipation through near-misses and parallel storylines. Hanks portrays grief and gradual healing with genuine emotion that grounds the film’s more fantastical elements. His performance helped cement his reputation as an actor who could carry both dramatic weight and romantic appeal.
4. Joe Versus the Volcano (1990)
In his first pairing with Meg Ryan, Hanks stars as Joe Banks, a man who believes he’s dying and agrees to jump into a volcano to appease island gods. This offbeat fantasy-comedy didn’t connect with audiences initially but has gained appreciation over time for its quirky vision and big themes. Hanks deftly portrays Joe’s transformation from a depressed office worker to a man embracing life’s adventures. The film’s colorful visuals and unusual storytelling showcase Hanks’ willingness to take creative risks.
3. The ‘Burbs (1989)
In this dark comedy, Hanks plays Ray Peterson, a suburban dad who becomes convinced his new neighbors are part of a murderous cult. The film pokes fun at neighborhood paranoia and the sometimes strange dynamics of suburban life. Hanks brings his everyman charm to a character gradually descending into obsession and conspiracy theories. His physical comedy skills shine as Ray’s investigation leads to increasingly absurd situations that have made this film a cult classic with enduring appeal.
2. Sully (2016)
Hanks embodies real-life hero Captain Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger, who landed a passenger plane on the Hudson River, saving all 155 people aboard. Directed by Clint Eastwood, the film explores both the emergency landing and the investigation that questioned Sully’s decision. Hanks perfectly captures Sully’s calm professionalism and the emotional toll of sudden fame and scrutiny. His performance shows how true heroism often comes from simply doing your job well when it matters most.
1. Forrest Gump (1994)
In his Oscar-winning role as a man with a low IQ who unknowingly influences many historical events, Hanks created an unforgettable character who became part of American culture. Forrest’s simple wisdom (“Life is like a box of chocolates”) and pure heart make him someone audiences root for throughout his extraordinary journey. Hanks disappears into the role completely, mastering Forrest’s accent, posture, and innocence. The film’s blend of personal story and American history, anchored by Hanks’ performance, makes it his most iconic work.
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