The 20 Best Tom Hanks Movies, from ‘Cast Away’ to ‘Toy Story’ to ‘Big’

20. Ben Bradlee, “The Post” (2017)

Best line: “What is it you think we do here for a living, kid?”

What sets it apart: Assuming you don’t count Hanks and wife Rita Wilson’s producing credits on the “Mamma Mia!” duology, Steven Spielberg’s “The Post” marks the actor’s only collaboration with Meryl Streep (so far). The two Hollywood heavyweights bring intense energy to what could be a tiresome journalism drama as newspaper publisher Katharine Graham and editor Ben Bradlee in the days leading up to the Washington Post’s decision to publish the Pentagon Papers. Hanks was not nominated for Best Actor at that year’s Oscars (though Streep enjoyed a Best Actress nod), but did have his work recognized at the Golden Globes among other awards shows. —AF

19. Charlie Wilson, “Charlie Wilson’s War” (2007)

Best line: “You know you’ve reached rock bottom when you’re told you have character flaws by a man who hanged his predecessor in a military coup.”

What sets it apart: Hanks delivers a one-two, comedic-dramatic punch in the true story of “Charlie Wilson’s War”: the late director Mike Nichols’ brilliant telling of a congressman (Hanks) and CIA agent’s (Philip Seymour Hoffman) efforts to arm rebels during the Soviet–Afghan War in an underdog mission named Operation Cyclone. Written by Aaron Sorkin, the 2007 gem boasts Hanks at his most by-the-bar likeable. Despite the obviously sensitive subject, the well-loved dramedy’s redemption arc of a womanizing politician-turned-vehicle for good is entertaining start to finish with some all-time exchanges between Hanks and co-star Julia Roberts as socialite Joanne Herring. (“Why is Congress saying one thing and doing nothing?” “Well, tradition mostly.”) —AF

18. Stanley Zak, “Asteroid City” (2023)

Best line: “In my loneliness, I have learned to give complete and unquestioning faith in the people I love.” 

What sets it apart: As the grouchy father-in-law to Jason Schwartzman’s war photographer, Hanks is a standout in the rock-solid ensemble of Wes Anderson’s latest. The part plays with the actor’s “America’s dad” reputation in interesting ways, casting him as a loving grandfather but cold presence towards the man who married his now deceased daughter. Hanks’ understated and gruff presence fits the films muted but quietly devestating exploration like a glove, and the slow dethawing Stanley experiences towards his son-in-law makes for one of the movie’s most satisfying arcs. It’s a good enough performance that watching makes one wonder how Hanks hasn’t been in every Anderson movie already. —WC   

17. James Donovan, “Bridge of Spies” (2015)

Best line: “We need to get off this merry-go-round, sir. The next mistake our countries make could be the last one. We need to have the conversation our governments can’t.”

What sets it apart: Ranking on IndieWire’s collection of the best spy movies ever made, “Bridge of Spies” sees Hanks take on the part of the real James B. Donovan: a Cold War-era attorney tasked with arranging the release of  U.S. pilot Francis Gary Powers (Austin Stowell) from a Moscow prison. Reuniting with director Steven Spielberg for the first time since “The Terminal” in 2004, the resultant display of espionage excellence used Hanks and his director’s most reliable talents to score six Oscar nominations, including Best Picture. Mark Rylance won Best Supporting Actor that year for his performance as Rudolf Abel, a Soviet spy. —AF

16. Michael Sullivan, “Road to Perdition” (2002)

Best line: “This has nothing to do with your business.”

What sets it apart: Among the few fictional mob dads to really give Tony Soprano a run for his money, Hanks’ Michael Sullivan anchored the plodding terror of “Road to Perdition” with arresting gravitas. Sam Mendes’ 2002 revenge flick — his first film after “American Beauty” — follows a mob enforcer on his quest to avenge the death of his wife and child with his 12-year-old son in tow. Acting with Jude Law, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Stanley Tucci, Daniel Craig, and even the late Paul Newman in his final major movie performance (Newman received a Best Supporting Actor nod for the effort), Hanks explores seemingly endless opportunities for chemistry with his castmates. He brings an especially strong performance out of the then just-starting-out Tyler Hoechlin as Michael Sullivan Jr. —AF

15. Sam Baldwin, “Sleepless in Seattle” (1993)

Best line: “It was a million tiny little things that, when you added them all up, they meant we were supposed to be together.” 

What sets it apart: “Sleepless in Seattle” would be Hanks’ first collaboration with Meg Ryan, and the two eventually became an iconic rom-com duo. But Nora Ephron’s beloved film keeps the two apart for almost its entire runtime, with Ryan’s Annie falling in love with Hanks’ Sam after he hears him speaking about his grief over his dead wife on a national radio program. It’s hard to sell the soulmate connection that “Sleepless in Seattle” pushes, but the pair manage, conveying a deep chemistry when they finally come face to face that makes it obvious they’re meant to be. And beforehand, Hanks is perfect in the role of an average, kindhearted man navigating love in the wake of loss, anchoring his performance with the perfectly sweet relationship between Sam and his son Jonah (Ross Malinger). —WC

14. Paul Edgecomb, “The Green Mile” (1999)

Best line: “Things that happen in this world. It’s a wonder God allows it.”

What sets it apart: Based on Stephen King’s 1996 novel of the same name, “The Green Mile” stars Hanks as a Depression-era prison guard working on death row at a Louisiana penitentiary, where he becomes convinced a Black man (Michael Clarke Duncan) accused of killing two white girls is not only innocent but possesses a supernatural ability to heal others. The religious parable that follows is a searingly ironic reflection on the tyranny of humanity that thoroughly — if somewhat clumsily — examines the faulty American justice system that so often fails those it should serve most. Though it won no Oscars, “The Green Mile’ earned nods for Best Picture, Best Sound, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Supporting Actor for Duncan’s performance as John Coffey. —AF

13. Fred Rogers, “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood” (2019)

Best line: “I don’t think anybody can grow unless he really is accepted exactly as he is.”

What sets it apart: It’s a bit of casting that is almost too good; of course a celebrity as beloved as Hanks would get chosen to play Fred Rogers, maybe the most universally adored entertainer that isn’t a Muppet. But sometimes the obvious casting is the correct one, because Hanks is perfect as the “Mister Roger’s Neighborhood” star, imbuing him with a deep and moving kindness that never crosses the line into cartoonish or two-dimensional. It helps that Hanks is a supporting figure in the film, which focuses mostly on Matthew Rhys as the cynical journalist struggling with fatherhood who interviews him for a magazine piece. The two have crackerjack and moving chemistry together, as Hanks’ Rogers pushes the younger man into becoming a kinder, more openhearted person. —WC

12. Mr. White, “That Thing You Do!” (1996)

Best line: “The one-hit Wonders. A very common tale.”

What sets it apart: Hanks’ directorial debut, “That Thing You Do!” also contains one of the stars’ most memorable supporting performances. He plays Mr. White: a talent manager fashioned loosely after The Beatles’ Brian Epstein who takes one-hit wonders the Oneders (pronounced “Wonders,” not “Oh-need-ers”) under his wing. The role is one of the first times he’s ever played a mentor figure, and from the jump it’s clear he was essentially born for it; he’s terrific as the sarcastic, sharp-tongued industry pro, whipping the dysfunctional small town band into shape. But the character has the sweetness inherent to some of Hanks best work, exemplified by his protectiveness of the band leader’s girlfriend Faye (Liv Tyler) and his encouragement of drummer Guy (Tom Everett Scott) to pursue her. —WC

11. Joe Fox, “You’ve Got Mail” (1998)

Best line: “Don’t cry, Shopgirl. Don’t cry.”

What sets it apart: Hanks’ reteam with Ephron and Ryan after the success of “Sleepless in Seattle” isn’t quite as good as “The Shop Around the Corner,” which it’s loosely based on, but it comes pretty close. The extremely ’90s plotline casts Hanks against type as a cutthroat executive for a mega bookstore chain, who clashes with Ryan’s independent store owner. Online, however, they’re pen pals over AOL, and slowly start to fall in love with each other. Hanks and Ryan’s famous chemistry gets its best showcase here, as they defrost from hate to friendship to love, and Hanks’ arc of learning to be a kinder person makes for surprisingly meaty material in a sunny rom-com. —WC 

10. Jim Lovell, “Apollo 13” (1995)

Best line: “Houston, we have a problem.” 

What sets it apart: Hanks has become something of a survival specialist over the years, playing a man lost at sea in “Cast Away” and a captain facing off with pirates in “Captain Phillips.” But before the actor took on either of those roles, he anchored director Ron Howard’s harrowing dramatization of the infamously dicey Apollo 13 mission as Commander Jim Lovell. Here Hanks offers a masterclass in remaining present, creating a taut dynamic with the ground crew while simultaneously keeping the astronauts suddenly stranded in space focused on their goal. This, of course, results in the all-time excellent “Houston, we have a problem” scene so many know so well. —AF

9. Josh Baskin, “Big” (1988)

Best line: “I don’t get it.” 

What sets it apart: From Jamie Lee Curtis in “Freaky Friday” to the cast of the recent “Jumanji” sequels, countless adult actors have tackled the challenge of playing children magically trapped in grown-up bodies. But Hanks set a new standard and earned his first Oscar nomination with Josh Baskin, the 13-year-old hero of “Big.” In this endlessly lovely coming-of-age romp, a frustrated kid gets his wish to “be big” from a mysterious boardwalk game. The adventure that follows lets Hanks parade through hilariously relatable fish-out-of-water scenes, including a serious “sleepover” misunderstanding with his co-worker/love interest Susan (Elizabeth Perkins). (“OK, but I get to be on top!”) “Big” also boasts Hanks’ unforgettable dancing scene atop a giant keyboard in iconic toy store FAO Schwarz. —AF

8. Carl Hanratty, “Catch Me If You Can” (2002)

Best line: “Is that the truth, Frank? Is that the truth?” 

What sets it apart: Audiences can thank director Steven Spielberg for casting Hanks and his outrageous Boston accent opposite Leonardo DiCaprio in this blistering cat-and-mouse saga. Based on the true story of reformed con man and forger Frank Abaganale, “Catch Me If You Can” features Hanks’ best police performance to date. As FBI Agent Carl Hanratty, Hanks needed to maintain the tension of the film’s titular pursuit while steadily building an emotional relationship between Carl and Frank almost entirely by phone. When the characters finally meet in the film’s last act, Hanks delivers one of the most dramatically rewarding scenes of his career. —AF

7. Woody, “Toy Story” (1995)

Best line: “You are a child’s play thing!” 

What sets it apart: Voice actors were evolving their artform alongside technically-savvy animators long before the 1986 founding of Pixar. But Hanks brought something extra special to the revolutionary “Toy Story,” helping sell the toys-come-to-life premise with the timeless panache he brought to Sheriff Woody. From heartfelt moments (“We’ll always be there for him…”) to funnier beats (“That wasn’t flying. That was falling with style!”), Hanks delivered countless lines across the Toy Story films with earnest believability and cowboy flair that helped the still bustling, digitally rendered world feel real. —AF

6. Jimmy Dugan, “A League of Their Own” (1992)

Best line: “There’s no crying in baseball.”

What sets it apart: “A League of Their Own” stars Hanks as Jimmy Dugan, a jaded former baseball player who unexpectedly becomes coach for the all-women’s team The Rockford Peaches. Hanks is easy to love in comedic roles, of course. But what made his contribution to director Penny Marshall’s 1992 film a stand-out — particularly in an acting lineup that also boasts Geena Davis, Madonna, Garry Marshall, and more — was Jimmy’s sharp edge, which presented a snarky challenge uncharacteristic of Hanks’ other movie work to that point. A cynical alcoholic with  limited respect for the job he’s been given (at least initially), Jimmy was tough love personified, letting Hanks knock iconic lines (“The hard is what makes it great!”) out of the park. —AF

5. Captain Miller, “Saving Private Ryan” (1998)

Best line: “If going to Ramel and finding him so he can go home, if that earns me the right to get back to my wife, well, then, that’s my mission.” 

What sets it apart: War movies allow actors recreating the horrors of combat ample opportunities for star-making performances. But unlike some leading action heroes, Hanks didn’t use his part in “Saving Private Ryan” to deliver some look-at-me drama showcase. Instead, Hanks’ Oscar-nominated take on Captain John Miller is impactful because it is grounded in the tragic reality that many soldiers, particularly those fighting in World War II, were just regular guys trying to get home alive. Miller’s sacrifice in the film’s final act is both heartbreaking for him as a character, but a painful final word from director Steven Spielberg about the cost of violence. “Saving Private Ryan” was Hanks’ fourth Oscar nomination. It was also nominated for Best Picture and won Spielberg Best Director. —AF

4. Richard Phillips, “Captain Phillips” (2013)

Best line: “If the pirates find you, remember, you know this ship. They don’t.”

What sets it apart: The true story of the 2009 hijacking of the Maersk Alabama by four Somali pirates is genuinely terrifying. To make his titular role pop, Hanks employs a steady, magnetic presence that consistently makes the chess moves between the criminals and their captives compelling. As the complications mount and the stakes rise, Richard Phillips must calmly navigate a situation many would not survive. Hanks filmed aboard a ship identical to the Maersk Alabama and described an intense production process. “There’s a lot of mental stress,” Hanks said in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter. “[There’s] the anger that goes along with it and the desperation and stuff like that. You’ve got to start at 60 miles an hour.” —AF

3. Andy Beckett, “Philadelphia” (1993)

Best line: “What do you call a thousand lawyers chained together at the bottom of the ocean? A good start.” 

What sets it apart: Hanks wouldn’t accept the role of Andy Beckett if offered it today. “Let’s address ‘Could a straight man do what I did in ‘Philadelphia’ now?’ No and rightly so,” Hanks said in an interview with The New York Times. “It’s not a crime, it’s not boohoo, that someone would say we are going to demand more of a movie in the modern realm of authenticity.”

Still, Hanks delivers a tremendous performance as Beckett, a gay attorney whose wrongful termination lawsuit against his former firm springboards director Jonathan Demme’s exploration of homophobia and stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS. “I know that my work in this case is magnified by the fact that the streets of heaven are too crowded with angels,” Hanks said of the public health crisis in his first Oscar acceptance speech. —AF

2. Forrest Gump, “Forrest Gump” (1994)

Best line: “I don’t know if we have a destiny, or if we’re all just floatin’ around accidental-like on a breeze, but I think maybe it’s both. Maybe both is happenin’ at the same time.”

What sets it apart: Whimsically exploring four decades of American history, Hanks charms as the titular Forrest Gump by maintaining a perfect balance of twee naivety, honest warmth, and comedic brilliance. The actor won his second Academy Award for the part (back-to-back with his win for “Philadelphia”). Despite also earning a Best Picture win, “Forrest Gump” remains a frustratingly undersung chapter for Hanks, who lamented its repeat appearance in anniversary articles arguing “Pulp Fiction” should’ve won that year instead. 

“Look, I don’t know, but there is a moment of undeniable heartbreaking humanity in ‘Forrest Gump,’” Hanks said in an interview with the New York Times, describing a favorite scene of his between Forrest and Lieutenant Dan (Gary Sinise). “That’s some intangible shit right there.” —AF

1. Chuck Noland, “Cast Away” (2000)

Best line: “I know what I have to do now. I got to keep breathing, because tomorrow the sun will rise. Who knows what the tide could bring?” 

What sets it apart: Chuck Noland suffers more than most movie heroes when his plane crash lands in the Pacific Ocean. The busy FedEx exec soon washes ashore a deserted island and begins a multi-year effort to get back to civilization and Kelly, the woman he loves (Helen Hunt). A survival performance this painful could be one-note, but undertaken by Hanks, Chuck Noland becomes a kaleidoscopic display of the actor’s most subtle talents. Suffice to say, only Hanks could make entire scenes played opposite a static volleyball heartbreaking. He earned his fifth Academy Award nomination for the achievement. —AF