Tom Hanks’ Best Roles
Tom Hanks has become one of the most beloved and respected actors in the world. For decades, he’s been a reliable presence on the big screen, earning a reputation as a genuinely good person both on and off camera. His ability to connect with audiences is nearly unmatched, making his characters feel like old friends or figures we can deeply empathize with. He has a way of bringing warmth and humanity to every part he plays, which has solidified his status as a true Hollywood icon.
What makes his career so remarkable is his incredible range as a performer. He started in comedies, showcasing his natural charm and timing, before seamlessly transitioning into serious dramatic roles that have earned him numerous awards and accolades. From playing real-life heroes to voicing an animated cowboy, he has tackled a vast array of characters. This versatility has allowed him to build a filmography filled with memorable performances that have stood the test of time and continue to move viewers of all ages.
‘Big’ (1988)
Tom Hanks plays Josh Baskin, a young boy who makes a wish to be big and wakes up the next morning in the body of an adult. The role required him to convincingly portray a child’s innocence, wonder, and confusion while navigating the adult world of corporate jobs and romantic relationships. His performance captures the physical comedy of a kid in a grown-up’s body, famously seen in the floor piano scene at the toy store.
The part was a major turning point in his career, establishing him as a leading man with serious acting ability beyond pure comedy. He earned his first Academy Award nomination for the role, which showcased his talent for blending humor with genuine heart. The film became a commercial and critical success, largely due to his believable and endearing portrayal of a boy trying to figure out how to be an adult.
‘Sully’ (2016)
In this film, he portrays Captain Chesley Sullenberger, the real-life pilot who became a hero after successfully landing a damaged passenger jet on the Hudson River. The role involved capturing the calm professionalism and quiet dignity of a seasoned pilot during and after a moment of intense crisis. He conveys the immense pressure Sullenberger faced not only in the air but also during the subsequent investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board.
To prepare for the part, he spent time with the real Captain Sullenberger, studying his mannerisms and approach to flying. The film focuses on the untold story behind the “Miracle on the Hudson,” exploring the emotional and psychological toll the event took on its hero. His understated performance highlights the character’s internal struggle as his actions and career are scrutinized.
‘Bridge of Spies’ (2015)
He stars as James B. Donovan, an American lawyer recruited by the CIA during the Cold War to negotiate a prisoner exchange. His character is an ordinary man thrust into extraordinary circumstances, using his principles and negotiation skills to navigate a tense international standoff. The performance emphasizes Donovan’s unwavering commitment to justice and due process, even for a captured Soviet spy.
The story is based on true events, detailing the complex mission to swap the spy for a captured American pilot. He works closely with director Steven Spielberg to bring this historical drama to life, marking another successful collaboration between the two. His portrayal of Donovan is that of a quiet hero who relies on his intellect and integrity rather than force to achieve his goals.
‘Toy Story 4’ (2019)
He returns to voice the beloved cowboy doll, Sheriff Woody, in the fourth installment of the animated series. In this adventure, Woody grapples with his purpose after his kid, Bonnie, creates a new favorite toy named Forky. The character embarks on a road trip that forces him to question his loyalty and consider what life could be like beyond the playroom.
His voice work once again brings depth and emotion to the character, exploring themes of identity, loss, and moving on. The film’s conclusion provides a poignant and significant moment for the character he had voiced for over two decades. The story allows Woody to evolve, reflecting on his past with Andy and making a life-altering decision about his future.
‘Road to Perdition’ (2002)
He plays Michael Sullivan, a mob enforcer for an Irish crime boss in Depression-era America. This role was a significant departure from the more likable characters he was known for, casting him as a conflicted anti-hero. After his family is targeted, Sullivan goes on the run with his surviving son, seeking revenge while trying to protect him from a life of violence.
The film explores themes of father-son relationships, loyalty, and redemption against a visually stunning backdrop. His performance is restrained and somber, conveying his character’s internal turmoil and deep-seated morality despite his violent profession. It demonstrated his ability to inhabit darker, more complex roles and hold his own alongside a cast of veteran actors.
‘Apollo 13’ (1995)
He portrays astronaut Jim Lovell, the commander of the ill-fated Apollo 13 lunar mission. The film dramatizes the real-life crisis that occurred when an oxygen tank exploded, forcing the crew and mission control to work together to bring the astronauts home safely. His performance captures the calm leadership and unwavering resolve of Lovell in the face of near-certain disaster.
The production was noted for its commitment to accuracy, with the actors undergoing training and filming scenes in a zero-gravity environment. He famously delivered the line “Houston, we have a problem,” which has since become an iconic piece of movie history. His portrayal of Lovell as a competent and focused leader helped make the film a gripping and inspirational tale of human ingenuity and courage.
‘Philadelphia’ (1993)
He plays Andrew Beckett, a successful lawyer who is fired from his prestigious firm after his employers discover he has AIDS. Beckett decides to sue for wrongful dismissal, hiring the only lawyer willing to take his case. The role required a significant physical transformation, as he lost a considerable amount of weight to realistically portray the character’s declining health.
His performance earned him his first Academy Award for Best Actor and was praised for its sensitivity and emotional depth. The film was one of the first mainstream Hollywood productions to tackle the AIDS epidemic directly, and his portrayal brought a human face to the crisis. He powerfully conveyed Beckett’s fight for dignity and justice in the face of prejudice and fear.
‘Captain Phillips’ (2013)
This film features his portrayal of Richard Phillips, the real-life captain of a cargo ship hijacked by Somali pirates. The role is an intense and physical one, depicting the captain’s terrifying ordeal as he is taken hostage. He expertly conveys the character’s fear, resilience, and quick thinking as he tries to protect his crew and outwit his captors.
The movie was filmed on the open sea to add to its realism, and the final scenes are particularly noted for their raw emotional power. His performance in the aftermath of the rescue, as Phillips is being treated for shock, was widely acclaimed for its authenticity. He captures the immense psychological trauma of the event, grounding the high-stakes action in a very human experience.
‘Cast Away’ (2000)
He stars as Chuck Noland, a FedEx systems analyst who becomes the sole survivor of a plane crash and finds himself stranded on a deserted island. The film is a powerful story of survival, with much of its runtime featuring him alone on screen. He underwent a dramatic physical transformation for the part, first gaining weight and then losing a significant amount to show the effects of his time on the island.
His performance is a tour de force, as he carries the film almost single-handedly, conveying a wide range of emotions without much dialogue. The character’s relationship with a volleyball he names Wilson becomes the emotional core of the film, a testament to his ability to create a compelling connection out of nothing. The role earned him an Academy Award nomination and is often cited as one of his most demanding and impressive achievements.
‘Catch Me If You Can’ (2002)
He plays Carl Hanratty, a determined FBI agent who relentlessly pursues a brilliant young con artist named Frank Abagnale Jr. His character serves as the grounded, by-the-book foil to the charming and elusive criminal. Throughout the film, Hanratty develops a complicated, almost fatherly relationship with the man he is chasing across the globe.
The role showcases his ability to play a persistent and somewhat world-weary lawman who is still deeply committed to his job. Set against a stylish 1960s backdrop, the film is a fast-paced and entertaining cat-and-mouse game. His dynamic with his co-star provides much of the movie’s heart and humor, as their characters find an unlikely respect for one another.
‘Toy Story’ (1995)
He originated the voice of Sheriff Woody, a pull-string cowboy doll who is the favorite toy of a young boy named Andy. Woody’s world is turned upside down when a new toy, the high-tech space ranger Buzz Lightyear, arrives and threatens his top spot. The film follows their journey from rivals to best friends as they get lost in the outside world.
His voice performance perfectly captured Woody’s warmth, leadership, and underlying insecurity, making the character instantly iconic. The film was a groundbreaking achievement in computer animation and storytelling, and his work was central to its success. He helped create a character that has been beloved by generations of children and adults alike, establishing a new standard for voice acting in animation.
‘Toy Story 3’ (2010)
He reprises his role as the voice of Woody in a story that finds the toys facing an uncertain future as their owner, Andy, prepares for college. When they are accidentally donated to a daycare center, Woody must rally his friends to escape and find their way back home. The film is widely regarded as a deeply emotional and satisfying conclusion to the original trilogy.
His performance brings a new level of maturity and poignancy to the character, as Woody grapples with themes of loyalty, purpose, and saying goodbye. The film’s climactic incinerator scene and its heartfelt final moments with Andy are incredibly powerful, due in large part to the emotional weight he brings to the role. The story resonated strongly with audiences who had grown up with the characters.
‘The Green Mile’ (1999)
In this film, he plays Paul Edgecomb, a death row prison guard during the Great Depression. Edgecomb’s life is forever changed by the arrival of John Coffey, a gentle giant of a man who is convicted of a terrible crime but possesses a miraculous healing gift. His character serves as the story’s moral center, narrating the events from his perspective as an old man.
His performance is one of quiet strength and compassion, as Edgecomb witnesses unbelievable events that challenge his understanding of good and evil. He develops a profound bond with John Coffey and struggles with the morality of his role in the justice system. The film is a powerful and emotional adaptation of a Stephen King story, anchored by his steady and empathetic portrayal.
‘Saving Private Ryan’ (1998)
He leads an ensemble cast as Captain John Miller, an Army Rangers captain tasked with a dangerous mission during World War II. Following the D-Day invasion of Normandy, Miller must lead his squad behind enemy lines to find and bring home a private whose three brothers have already been killed in action. His character is a battle-hardened but deeply human leader trying to make sense of the brutal realities of war.
The film is renowned for its visceral and realistic depiction of combat, particularly its opening D-Day sequence. His portrayal of Captain Miller is understated yet powerful, capturing the immense burden of leadership and the toll that war takes on a person’s soul. He grounds the epic scale of the movie with a relatable performance that focuses on the quiet dignity of an ordinary man doing his duty.
‘Forrest Gump’ (1994)
He delivers an iconic performance as the title character, a kind-hearted man with a low IQ who unwittingly finds himself at the center of several major historical events of the 20th century. Forrest’s simple outlook on life and his unwavering devotion to his loved ones guide him through an extraordinary journey. The role allowed him to showcase a unique blend of innocence, humor, and profound emotion.
The film was a massive cultural phenomenon and a huge box office success. His portrayal earned him his second consecutive Academy Award for Best Actor, a feat achieved by few in history. He created a truly unforgettable character whose optimistic philosophy and memorable lines, like “Life was like a box of chocolates,” have become a permanent part of popular culture.
Which Tom Hanks role do you think is his absolute best?
