These Are the Four Films Tom Hanks Calls His Absolute Favorites

Tom Hanks has been one of Hollywood’s most beloved actors for decades. He first captured audiences in the early 1980s, thanks to his natural charm and easy screen presence. His breakout role came in 1988 with Big, which earned him his first Academy Award nomination for Best Actor.

A few years later, he cemented his legacy by winning back-to-back Oscars for Philadelphia and Forrest Gump, proving he could tackle both deeply emotional and wide-ranging roles. Hanks has worked with some of the industry’s top directors, from Steven Spielberg to Robert Zemeckis, building a career defined by versatility and consistency.

Recently, Hanks spoke with fans on Letterboxd about the four movies he considers his favorites, offering a glimpse into the films that have shaped his view of cinema. At the top of his list is Stanley Kubrick’s 1968 sci-fi epic 2001: A Space Odyssey.

“I watch it multiple times a year,” Hanks said. “I know the movie so well I could walk you through it, start to finish, and not stop talking once.” He praised the film for its groundbreaking visuals and the depth of its storytelling, calling it an unmatched achievement in cinema.

Hanks’ second choice is the classic 1946 drama The Best Years of Our Lives. The film follows veterans returning home from World War II, and Hanks described it as “the best film about WWII from that generation.

It captures the emotions, the struggles, and the honesty of that era.” Having starred in Saving Private Ryan, Hanks said he has a special connection to movies that explore war and its impact on people’s lives.

For his third pick, Hanks turned to a lighter note with the 1964 Beatles movie A Hard Day’s Night. He recalled seeing it as a child and being blown away by the band’s energy and humor.

“The Beatles were so fresh and funny while playing some of the greatest music of any generation. It stuck with me forever,” he said. The film remains a favorite for its charm, music, and ability to capture the spirit of youth. Rounding out the list is the 1969 drama Midnight Cowboy, starring Dustin Hoffman and Jon Voight.

Hanks called the film “locked into its time but still dealing with themes that feel universal—human drive, friendship, and the unlikely connections that shape our lives.” He singled out the performances as enduring examples of actors mastering their craft, saying they continue to inspire new generations of performers.

Even at this stage in his career, Hanks shows no signs of slowing down. He recently starred in Here, directed by Robert Zemeckis, which used advanced de-aging technology to tell a story spanning thousands of years in a single room.

He also appeared in Wes Anderson’s streaming hit The Phoenician Scheme, alongside Scarlett Johansson and Benedict Cumberbatch. Hanks is also returning to voice Woody in Toy Story 5, which is set to hit theaters later this year.

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