Tom Hanks Movies: The Actor's Best

It would be unjust to claim Tom Hanks movies are unvaried, with only one form of the fundamentally decent, all-American Everyman to his name. On the contrary, the actor continuously furnishes evidence of his versatility. Examining his filmography, he has transformed himself from a leading man in Sleepless In Seattle to comedic relief in Bachelor Party and a polyphonic performance in Cloud Atlas. No matter which notes he strikes, Hanks always hits it distinctly. To honor this laudable feat, here is our ultimate appraisal of the Tom Hanks movies.

In what could have been an improbable story, Splash marked a breakthrough for its lead actor, Tom Hanks. Even so, thanks to the renowned screenplay penned by Lowell Ganz, Babaloo Mandel, and Bruce Jay Friedman, audiences were given a glimpse of Hanks' potential movie stardom. It told the tale of a young man (Hanks) reunited with his mermaid savior (Daryl Hannah) two decades later. Despite what could have been a ludicrous plot, the writers handled it adeptly, while Hanks' performance aptly mirrored the delicate tones of their work. Additionally, with the success of Splash came the birth of a movie icon.

At a noteworthy moment in Hanks' early-'90s glory days, he earned an Oscar for portraying a gay man with HIV who had been wrongfully discharged from his job. Intuitively incorporating "liberal balancing" by partnering Hanks with Denzel Washington as the soon-to-be repentant homophobic attorney, this film sparked new discourse about straight actors playing LGBTQ roles. However, there was no more unmistakable message of understanding and respect than casting Hanks. While it is an industry-issue movie, marked by its self-awareness, Hanks conveys both smarts and compassion.

Tom Hanks' performance in Sleepless in Seattle stands out so distinctly; it's no wonder he's held in such high regard. He plays Sam, a heartbroken widower bound to fall for Meg Ryan as the love-struck reporter with dreams of an affair to remember. Thanks to the magic and charm of Nora Ephron, this classic feel-good yarn gives us something wonderfully warm and fulfilling. Hanks brings a sensitive touch to his character: the nice guy next door, the one everyone can easily crush on — so innocent yet so appealing.

Late in his career, Hanks has become an undeniable audience favorite, embodying a type of reassurance that whatever he is involved in will turn out alright. Consequently, he takes on the role originally played by Jason Robards in All the President's Men, bringing his own degree of authenticity and sincerity to the character of Ben Bradlee. As customary, there is never any doubt that Hanks is on the right side; what's more, he is willing to challenge himself and recognize his errors - it just makes it easier to root for his characters. Furthermore, his later roles have displayed an endearing grumpiness, and it's a wonder he hasn't played a journalist before as it fits him like a tailored coat from days gone by.

Jim Lovell's immortal words, "Houston, we have a problem," may be all you remember of the Best Picture nominee Apollo 13. As an eye-opener, go back and watch. You'll witness Tom Hanks portraying Jim Lovell in an unrelenting, no-frills fashion as he endeavors to keep his comrades (Bill Paxton, Kevin Bacon) focused during the crisis. As a result, it's a performance that can be easily neglected, yet Hanks gives it an unwavering power. He displays the heroics of not wholly losing your head in the face of a calamity. Apollo 13 will go down as one best Tom Hanks movies.

Hanks donned flab for his starring role as Jimmy Dugan, the alcoholic, gruff manager of a women’s baseball team. A League of Their Own was an interesting point for Hanks in his career—a rebound from Bonfire of the Vanities preceding his back-to-back Oscars. It’s amusing to see him hurl insults left and right. Nonetheless, beneath Dugan’s tough exterior lies a heart of gold, and his shallow character could have been a parody but Hanks, with all his charm and benevolence, elevates the movie.

After receiving a near-Robert De Niro–level physical transformation, Tom Hanks embodied a FedEx executive in Cast Away. He is stranded on a desert island after a plane crash. Eventually, Hanks' character grapples with solitude and discovers an impetus to continue living. The actor endowed this intimate and primal performance with great intensity, expressing that even the most unwavering individuals have their limits. His portrayal of fierce determination, within his trademark good-natured persona, was slightly daunting yet captivating.

Tom Hanks created a masterful performance as Fred Rogers, an iconic children's TV star from the 1960s who reigned for decades. Matthews Rhys stars alongside him as a hardened magazine journalist sent to interview Rogers. Rather, Hanks crafts a complex and distinct character with unique physical and vocal mannerisms contrasting his perceived ''aw-shucks'' style. Most notable is when he asks Rhys to sit silently for a full minute.

Woody, voiced by Tom Hanks in the beloved Pixar Toy Story films, is quite a remarkable character. An antiquated pull-string cowboy toy, he is the favorite of Andy, much to the dismay of Buzz Lightyear (voiced by Tim Allen). Representing an old Western figure pushed aside by space-exploration-inspired science fiction, his vocal performance casts a spell of pure delight upon the audience. This casting is one of Hanks's most beautiful and sorrowful moments. It puts him to the test in terms of acting challenges more so than in other movies. This is especially prevalent in Toy Story 2, when his previous toy pals suggest that he forget about pleasing kids whose love will surely fade. Marvelousness ensues.

Tom Hanks received a second consecutive Best Actor Oscar for his iconic performance in Forrest Gump. Twenty-nine years since its release, it is still considered one of the best Tom Hanks movies. Director Robert Zemeckis is credited for his work on the film, yet Hanks' portrayal truly stands out. He never portrays Forrest as an idiot; instead, there's a sincerity to the character that makes him endearing to viewers. His purity is admirable, as he is loving, trusting, and curious without being a liar. If only we were all like Forrest.