By BrainFall Staff - Updated: April 9, 2024
There are few actors or actresses that can capture the audience in a likable way more than Tom Hanks. Tom Hanks movies are synonymous with American cinema, and Tom has put forth so many memorable performances in them. He has received an Academy Award nomination six times and has won two Best Actor Academy Awards. Tom Hanks stars in the kinds of movies that many people love to see in movie theaters. His catalog of mainstream film and a few TV roles has shown that he is one of the most reliable actors working today.
Whether you’ve seen him in Walt Disney Studios and Pixar’s Toy Story films alongside Tim Allen or any of the romantic comedy films he has starred in alongside Meg Ryan, Tom Hanks has shown us many facets of himself. So if you’re searching for the best Tom Hanks movies to watch, you can find a wide variety of genres and films. If you’re well-versed in Tom Hanks, you may have seen a lot of his movies. We’re here to help you find the ones you maybe haven’t seen.
Take this quiz to find out which of the best Tom Hanks movies you should watch next. Your results might surprise you.
Tom Hanks movies
Tom Hanks is an American actor that has starred in numerous films that are known all over the world. He has teamed up with the likes of director Steven Spielberg, Robert Zemeckis, Ron Howard, and more to earn Academy Award nominations and wins. His career has seen him work with Jennifer Jason Leigh, Christopher Walken, Leonardo Dicaprio, Julia Roberts, Helen Hunt, Michael Clarke Duncan, and even his wife Rita Wilson and son Colin Hanks. Some of the most famous characters of the past 30 years have been played by Tom Hanks, including Forrest Gump, Captain Phillips, Woody in the Toy Story films, Jimmy Dugan, Larry Crowne, Charlie Wilson, Michael Sullivan, Scott Turner, Joe Dante, Jim Lovell, and more.
Tom won his first Academy Award for Best Actor for the film Philadelphia. He then won his second Academy Award for Best Actor the next year for Forrest Gump. He has been nominated five times for a Best Actor Academy Award and one time for Best Supporting Actor for A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood.
When a movie stars Tom Hanks, you know to expect a well-acted film. Tom Hanks movies ranked among the highest grossing of the past 30 years, and his acting career has spanned many decades.
Which of the Tom Hanks Movies Should I Watch Next?
So you've caught the Tom Hanks bug, huh? We've all been there, scrolling endlessly through movie options, only to whisper under our breath, "If only there were a sign telling me which Tom Hanks flick to watch next!" Well, fret not, fellow film buff, because we're here to play the role of that little cinematic angel perched on your shoulder, whispering sweet nothings of stellar performances and heartwarming plots.
Choosing a Tom Hanks movie is like picking your favorite flavor at a deluxe ice-cream parlor—the options are numerous, and they're all delicious in their own right. From the stranded island survivor to the captain of a hijacked ship, our Tom has defined Hollywood excellence across a spectrum so broad, even a rainbow would get envy issues. Whether you're in the mood for an unraveling mystery or a feel-good tale that will have you grinning like a Cheshire cat, Hanks has got a movie in his arsenal to match your appetite.
Let's be honest, who can resist the charm of America's Dad? I mean, the man has played everyone's favorite neighbor, Mr. Rogers, for goodness' sake! So grab your popcorn, dim the lights, and prepare to be guided on this journey through Hanks' finest moments on screen. It's time to dive into the treasure trove of his filmography and pinpoint exactly which Hanksian adventure will be your movie night champion.
The Quintessential Tom Hanks Experience
When we think of the ultimate Tom Hanks experience, we’re talking about films that take us from the gritty beaches of Normandy to the vast expanse of space, and even to the warm embrace of a family living room—with laughter, tears, and a toy story (or two) to go with it.
From WWII to the Moon
Saving Private Ryan: Here’s where we strap on our boots and march into the heart of World War II. This isn't just any war movie; it's an intense, Hanks-filled journey where every step through the European Theater is heavy with the weight of sacrifice.
Apollo 13: Fasten your seatbelts because we're taking off into a Hanks-led space adventure that is, quite literally, out of this world. Houston, we definitely don’t have a problem reveling in the gripping true story of the ill-fated moon mission.
Laughter and Tears: Comedy and Drama Highlights
Big: Get ready to tap out a melody on a life-sized piano because we're diving into the film that put Hanks on the comedic map. This delightful romp through childhood wishes and adult-sized responsibilities is a must-see.
The Green Mile: Break out the tissues for this one. We're walking the mile with Hanks as a prison guard faced with supernatural and emotional challenges that will leave us all contemplating life, death, and miracles.
Philadelphia: A groundbreaking and powerful drama that has Hanks at his best, tackling injustice and fighting for dignity. It's a moving masterpiece that will tug at our heartstrings.
Animated Adventures and Family Fun
Toy Story: To infinity and beyond with Hanks as the iconic Woody, the rootin-tootin' cowboy doll that stole our hearts. Teaming up with Buzz Lightyear, they embark on escapades that remind us all of the wonders of friendship and imagination.
A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood: We zip up our cardigans and change into our sneakers with Hanks portraying the beloved Fred Rogers. This heartwarming film invites us into Mr. Rogers' neighborhood and our own capacity for kindness, understanding, and neighborly love.
In the world of Tom Hanks movies, picking just one to watch next is like choosing a single flavor at an ice cream festival. Whether we're surviving on a deserted island with only Wilson for company in Cast Away or uncovering scandals in The Post, we're guaranteed a ride that's as memorable as it is star-studded. So, what's it going to be? Let's decide together, quiz-style, right here on BrainFall!
Behind the Scenes: Collaborations and Cast Dynamics
We've all seen the magic on screen, but have you ever wondered what goes on when the cameras aren't rolling? The real show often happens off-stage, and in Tom Hanks' world, it's about those stellar collaborations and the incredible dynamics among cast members that boost a film's vibe from great to absolutely legendary.
Directorial Synergy
Working with directors like Robert Zemeckis and Steven Spielberg has been a jackpot for Tom. Think about it, when Hanks teamed up with Zemeckis, we got to see the magic of Chuck Nolan in Cast Away, making us all consider volleyballs as potential best friends. With Spielberg, it's like every project they touch – from Saving Private Ryan to Masters of the Air, the bombs of brilliance just don't stop dropping! Their collaborations are like peanut butter and jelly; separate they're good, but together they're epic.
Cohorts and Co-Stars
Oh, the people Hanks has shared the big screen with! With Tim Allen in Toy Story, our favorite duo Woody and Buzz literally launched us 'to infinity and beyond'. And, remember him with Meg Ryan? That on-screen romance in Sleepless in Seattle had us more entangled than earbuds in a pocket! Working under directors like Ron Howard, or alongside stars like Austin Butler, who rocked his hips as Elvis and made the world swoon in Baz Luhrmann's biopic, Tom Hanks' movies are a veritable who's-who of talent. Hanks himself has donned many hats, from an FBI agent to the compassionate Paul Edgecomb; his ability to flip the script and delve into a new persona is like a party trick that never gets old!
So there you have it, peeps - grab your popcorn and a cozy blanket, because whichever Tom Hanks film you queue up next, just know there's a treasure trove of behind-the-scenes gold that made it the gem it is today!
