Tom Hanks is one of Hollywood’s most recognized faces. The famous actor’s been in so many roles it’s hard to track which movies he’s actually been in! With such a big name and diverse selection of roles, it’s almost impossible to select the best 10 movies he’s starred in, but we somehow did it.
So here are Tom Hank’s top 8 best film roles, in no specific order.
1. Catch Me If You Can- 2002
Catch Me If You Can tells the insane story of Frank Abagnale, an infamous con artist from the 70’s. In the movie Hank plays the chill FBI agent chasing after Abagnale, played by Leonardo DiCaprio.
2. Charlie Wilson’s War- 2007
Charlie Wilson’s War tells the story of Congressman Wilson, an 80’s Reagan-style politician who was the big developer factor behind the cold war against the USSR’s war efforts in Afghanistan. Hanks plays a character with a pessimistic and sleazy attitude, making it an interesting role for Hanks.
3. Saving Mr. Banks- 2014
There’s no doubt in our minds that Saving Mr. Banks is one of Hanks’ most famous films. He plays Walt Disney in this film, a role he nailed perfectly. He was able to capture the aspects of Disney’s personality and reenact them with great care and detail.
4. Cast Away- 2000
In Castaway Hanks gets noticeably dedicated to his role as a FedEx employee stranded on a desert island. He plays the character of a scared, helpless man who eventually learns how to survive on the island while simultaneously going insane very well.
5. Forrest Gump- 1994
It’s arguable that Forrest Gump is the movie that launched Hanks career into stardom. The film tells the story of a young Forrest growing up with learning issues in the 1950’s. The character is one of kindness and luck, with a deep career in tennis, Vietnam, and football. Hanks was so good in the role, it’s hard to remember he’s an actor and not actually Forrest Gump.
6. Bridge of Spies- 2015
Bridge of Spies tells the suspenseful story of a Soviet-U.S. exchange during the Cold War era. Hanks, playing lawyer James Donovan, is chosen to represent Soviet spy Rudolf Abel (played by Mark Rylance) in this exchange in the early 60’s, near the start of the Cold War. The exchange takes place at the end of the film over the Glienicke bridge in Germany, which is where the film’s name comes from. The film is a great balance between the two characters and their juxtaposing personalities and backgrounds.
7. A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood- 2019
A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood is one of Hanks’ most praised modern performances. The film tells the story of children’s TV personality Fred Rogers, namely during the latter 90’s when he began to slip from the public eye. Hanks is able to perform in Rogers’ shoes so well, including matching his vocal and physical patterns perfectly, that yet again it’s hard to separate him from the real Mr. Rogers.
8. Apollo 13- 1995
The attention-grabbing story behind Apollo 13 needed an actor like Hanks. The film goes through the story of the Nasa moon landing of the 70’s. Hanks, as usually, is able to adapt perfectly to the suspenseful and shocking environment that the film creates. It’s one of his best performances to date.
Conclusion
Tom Hanks is arguable one of the best actors in Hollywood. He’s one of those characters that knows how to immerse himself in his roles, that it’s not even a question. The movies he stars in continuously receive high praise. The very fact that he can somehow take a real-life person and recreate the events in their life with such a high level of detail truly shows how dedicated he is to his craft.
