Ranked: 20 Of The Best Tom Hanks Movies

Tom Hanks has established himself as one of the greatest actors in the history of Hollywood. His diverse roles have spanned across all genres, with performances marked by warmth, depth, and a palpable sense of humanity. In this article, we rank the top 20 best performances of his career, from the absolute best downwards.

1. "Forrest Gump" (July 6, 1994): Hanks plays the title role of Forrest Gump, a simple man with a heart of gold who unwittingly influences numerous historical events. The character's earnestness and Hanks's brilliant performance are what earned this film its top spot. Notable co-star: Robin Wright.
2. "Saving Private Ryan" (July 24, 1998): In this harrowing WWII drama, Hanks plays Captain John H. Miller, who leads a group of soldiers to find Private James Ryan (Matt Damon). Hanks's portrayal of a leader grappling with the horrors of war is both moving and compelling.
3. "Philadelphia" (December 22, 1993): Hanks won his first Oscar for his role as Andrew Beckett, a gay lawyer who sues his firm for discrimination after he's fired for having AIDS. This film is a poignant exploration of love, loss, and justice.
4. "Cast Away" (December 22, 2000): Hanks plays Chuck Noland, a FedEx executive stranded on a deserted island. His powerful solo performance, carrying much of the film, showcases his incredible range and talent.
5. "The Green Mile" (December 10, 1999): As Paul Edgecomb, a death row corrections officer, Hanks delivers a performance filled with compassion and moral conflict in this adaptation of Stephen King's novel.
6. "Big" (June 3, 1988): Hanks plays Josh Baskin, a boy who magically becomes an adult overnight. His ability to capture childlike innocence in an adult's body makes this film a timeless classic.
7. "Captain Phillips" (October 11, 2013): Hanks's portrayal of the titular Captain Richard Phillips, whose ship is hijacked by Somali pirates, is a testament to his ability to infuse intensity and humanity into his roles.
8. "Catch Me If You Can" (December 25, 2002): Hanks plays FBI Agent Carl Hanratty, who chases a con artist (Leonardo DiCaprio). His straight-laced performance provides the perfect counterpoint to DiCaprio's flashy scammer.
9. "Toy Story" series (1995-2019): Hanks brings Woody, a cowboy doll with a heart of gold, to life with his voice performance, adding a layer of depth and emotional resonance to this animated classic series.
10. "Apollo 13" (June 30, 1995): As Jim Lovell, commander of the ill-fated Apollo 13 mission, Hanks anchors this tense space drama with his characteristic grace and gravitas.
11. "A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood" (November 22, 2019): Hanks beautifully captures the essence of Fred Rogers, offering a gentle, heartwarming performance that pays tribute to the beloved TV icon.
12. "The Terminal" (June 18, 2004): Hanks plays Viktor Navorski, a man stuck living in an airport terminal, with a perfect blend of humor and pathos.
13. "Sully" (September 9, 2016): Hanks portrays Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger, the pilot who successfully landed his damaged plane on the Hudson River, demonstrating his knack for playing real-life heroes with humility and depth.
14. "Bridge of Spies" (October 16, 2015): Hanks's performance as James B. Donovan, a lawyer who negotiates a prisoner exchange during the Cold War, is a masterclass in understated heroism.
15. "Road to Perdition" (July 12, 2002): Hanks steps out of his comfort zone to play Michael Sullivan, a mob enforcer seeking revenge, showcasing his ability to handle darker roles.
16. "Splash" (March 9, 1984): As Allen Bauer, a man who falls in love with a mermaid (Daryl Hannah), Hanks shows his early talent for romantic comedy.
17. "Sleepless in Seattle" (June 25, 1993): Hanks's Sam Baldwin is a widower who finds love over the radio, further establishing his place as a leading man in romantic films.
18. "The Post" (December 22, 2017): Hanks plays Washington Post editor Ben Bradlee, defending the freedom of the press during the Pentagon Papers scandal, proving once again his ability to portray real-life figures with authenticity.
19. "Charlie Wilson's War" (December 21, 2007): As the titular Charlie Wilson, a congressman who aids Afghan mujahideen in their fight against the Soviets, Hanks brings charisma and wit to this political drama.
20. "You've Got Mail" (December 18, 1998): Hanks and Meg Ryan shine as rival bookstore owners who unknowingly fall in love online, wrapping up our list with a feel-good rom-com classic.

From embodying an ordinary man living through extraordinary circumstances in "Forrest Gump" to capturing the essence of beloved children's television host Fred Rogers in "A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood", Tom Hanks has repeatedly demonstrated the depth of his acting prowess and his unparalleled ability to connect with audiences. His performances, filled with authenticity, compassion, and humanism, will continue to resonate for generations to come.

Which is your favourite Tom Hanks movie?