Tom Hanksis one of the most beloved actors of classic and modern cinema. His career spans almost fifty years, having begun his acting work in 1977 with stage performances in Shakespeare’sThe Taming of the ShrewandHamlet. Nowadays, he is widely considered one of the top actors and filmmakers in the world, with his talents from both behind and in front of the camera notable worldwide.
Many generations have grown up with Hanks' iconic characters. FromToy Story’s beloved Woody doll to the lighthearted dramedyBig, he has voiced and portrayed various characters throughout the years that have stayed with the fans who love them. But it’s not just his works from the 1980s and 90s that have kept him in the hearts of millions all this time. True-story movies likeSullyandCaptain Phillipshave also become some of his most recognizable.Tom Hanks has almost 90 movie credits to his name, so it’s impossible to narrow down all of those into a list of just ten. However, the films here are so recognizable that it’d be difficult to find someone who’s not at least seen half of them, and they’re all just as notable as the rest.
10’Sleepless in Seattle' (1993)
Directed by Nora Ephron
Sleepless in Seattleis one of five projects that Tom Hanks andMeg Ryanhave worked on together. AlongsideYou’ve Got MailandJoe Versus the Volcano,Nora Ephron’s classic romantic comedy is one of their most recognized works.
Sleepless in Seattletook many by pleasant surprise. It performed very well, both critically and commercially, and remains one of thebest and most referenced rom-comsever made.It is also one of the most financially successful romantic comedies of all time, an impressive fact for a movie over 35 years old. Hanks and Ryan may spend a large chunk of the movie apart, but theirSleepless in Seattlechemistry has continued for decades.
Sleepless In Seattle
9’Sully' (2016)
Directed by Clint Eastwood
Hanks gives one of his most powerful performances in this 2016biopic from directorClint Eastwood. The pair worked together onSully, a biographical dramatic telling of what’s become known as The Miracle on the Hudson.
In 2009, a plane carrying 155 people made an emergency landing on the Hudson River in New York, having lost both engines to a bird strike not long after takeoff. Tom Hanks plays the pilot,Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger, who successfully saved the lives of everyone on board alongside his copilotJeffrey Skiles(Aaron Eckhard). The movie is based on Sully’s autobiography and the challenges and subsequent investigation faced in the aftermath, and it’ll keep viewers on the edge of their seats from beginning to end.
8’Toy Story' (1995)
Directed by John Lasseter
TheToy Storyfranchiseis one of the most iconic animated series ever created. The influence these movies have had in future animations and the lives of those who grew up with or have seen them is arguably second to none. They are some of the most popular animations with some of the most memorable characters, especially the initial trilogy.
It’s been thirty years since Tom Hanks' iconic voice of Woody first appeared on the big screen. Since then, Hanks has voiced him in multiple feature films and TV specials, making him one of the most instantly recognizable animated characters of all time.Toy Storywas a groundbreaking achievement in the future of computer-animated filmmaking, but more than anything, it is cherished by the people who grew up with the toys that make it what it is today.
7’The Green Mile' (1999)
Directed by Frank Darabont
The Green Mileis one of those movies deemed too heartbreaking to watch more than once by essentially everyone who’s seen it. It’s devastating. There’s no halfway with how much emotion it is willing to throw at the audience, and it’s capable of leaving people reeling long after the credits roll.That being said, it’s also one of the most memorable, well-performed drama films from the 1990s.
Tom Hanks' final film credit from the 1990s came with the release of the book-to-movie adaptation ofSteven King’s 1996 novelof the same name.The Green Mileis an acclaimed title with elements of supernatural happenings caused by one Death Row inmate’s incredible healing abilities. John Coffey (Michael Clarke Duncan) is the definition of a kindhearted soul, and his story is one of sheer devastation and emotional weight. As difficult as this movie is to watch at times,The Green Mileis one of the best performances of Hanks' career, as well as the late Michael Clarke Duncan.
The Green Mile
6’Captain Phillips' (2013)
Directed by Paul Greengrass
Captain Phillipsis a twelve-year-old action, thriller, and drama that takes viewers through the unfolding hostage situation aboard a US container ship after it is hijacked by Somali pirates.Captain Richard Phillips, played by Hanks in one of his most raw and emotionally charged performances, is kidnapped and held by the assailants on a lifeboat in a tense standoff.
In one of the movie’s final scenes, the Captain is rescued, and a medic, played by a real navy corpsman, treats him for shock and tends to his injuries. The pair improvised this scene, and Hanks' performance and trauma were so astonishing that it took her aback and created a more believable moment that showcased his talents as an actor. It is one of thebest performances from Tom Hanks' entire filmography.
Captain Phillips
5’Big' (1988)
Directed by Penny Marshall
Bigis a 1988 comedy with drama and fantasy elements scattered throughout. It follows a young boy named Josh Baskin, who makes a wish on a Zoltar fortune-telling machine and magically turns into a “big” person.Tom Hanks plays the grown-up Josh, and his performance was mind-blowingly convincing of a frightened boy in an uncertain environment.
Bigis a notable addition to Tom Hanks' filmography for multiple reasons. Not only is it an iconic movie and one of the most rewatchable of Hanks films, butit’s also the feature that earned him his first Academy Award nomination for Best Actor. Its message is one that everyone can relate to, and the moral of the story is to live in the moment and not wish to grow up too fast. One never knows what they could miss out on.
4’Apollo 13' (1995)
Directed by Ron Howard
Apollo 13is a dramatized retelling of what should have been the third American crewed mission to land on the moon. The failed lunar mission that took place in 1970 was aborted after an explosion occurred on board, damaging essential systems and forcing the astronauts to try and return to Earth without further catastrophe.
Tom Hanks stars as one of this three-man crew aboard the Apollo 13 spacecraft, alongsideKevin BaconandBill Paxton. The score, editing, direction, and performances of those involved in the production ofApollo 13make it one of thebest and most realistic space moviesever made.It earned nine Academy Award nominations across multiple categoriesand is widely regarded by critics and audiences as one of Tom Hanks' best movies. That re-entry scene alone will always give viewers the chills.
3’Saving Private Ryan' (1998)
Directed by Steven Spielberg
Saving Private Ryanis a timeless film that has been dubbed one ofthe best war features of all timeon more than one occasion. It follows an extensive mission to bring home the only surviving brother of four after three of them are killed in action, and as one could imagine, it’s far from a smooth journey across war-stricken land.
Tom Hanks stars as Captain John Miller, who leads the mission to bring Private James Francis Ryan (Matt Damon) home in one piece to his mom, but not without great cost.Hanks earned his fourth Best Actor nomination for his role in Steven Spielberg’s acclaimed feature, and it was more than deserved. This movie is notorious for having one of the hardest-to-watch openings in film, but it is a must-watch if viewers can make it past the infamous Omaha Beach scene and out the other side.
Saving Private Ryan
2’Philadelphia' (1993)
Directed by Jonathan Demme
Philadelphiais a heartbreaking story of discrimination and fighting for rights that takes place during a time when little to nothing was known about HIV/AIDS. Its story is important, and its influence on thedepiction of LGBTQ+ communitiesin mainstream Hollywood features was inspiring and greatly impactful.
The film follows a man named Andrew Beckett after he is wrongfully dismissed from his law firm once the higher-ups discover his AIDS diagnosis and homosexuality.Andrew sets about getting justice for himself and anyone else affected by workplace discrimination against homophobia and illness. His health deteriorates throughout the film, and it’s devastating to watch. Hanks' performance as Andrew earned him another Best Actor nomination at the Academy Awards, which he ultimately won.Philadelphiais a deeply emotional watch but something everyone should see.
Philadelphia
1’Forrest Gump' (1994)
Directed by Robert Zemeckis
Pure and innocent, Forrest Gump is a man with low intelligence, often bullied for his low IQ and physical disabilities as a child.The movie develops with Forrest and follows his experiences in the war and during multiple stages of his life, as he ultimately takes things as they come and faces every day, one step at a time, despite his challenges.
The character of Forrest Gump earned Hanks his second consecutive Oscar win for Best Actor, following his previous triumph forPhiladelphiathe year prior. Forrest and his story has become an iconic addition to the entertainment industry.Now 30 years old, he is still an instantly recognizable character full of heart and compassion, and one movie lovers will always remember, no matter how many years have passed since his movie’s release.
