Tom Hanks, born in 1956, is undoubtedly one of the most beloved actors in Hollywood. Renowned for his ability to tackle complex roles, Tom Hanks has earned two Academy Awards for Best Actor for his performances in Philadelphia and Forrest Gump. With a career full of iconic films and multiple Oscar nominations, his talent is recognized worldwide. Here’s a list of the best Tom Hanks movies you must watch:
1.The Terminal
Directed by Steven Spielberg, this movie tells the story of an Eastern European man stranded at a New York airport terminal. Denied entry into the United States and unable to return home due to a military coup, his situation is both heartwarming and challenging. The film is inspired by the real-life story of Mehran Karimi Nasseri, who lived in Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport for 18 years.
Information about The Terminal (2004)
- Director: Steven Spielberg
- Cast: Tom Hanks, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Stanley Tucci, Chi McBride
- Release Year: 2004
- Duration: 128 minutes
- Country: United States
- Genre: Comedy, Drama, Romance
- Language: English
- Age Rating: PG-13
- Available Platforms: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies
- IMDb Rating: 7.4/10
- Similar Movies: Catch Me If You Can (2002), Forrest Gump (1994), Cast Away (2000)
- Trailer: YouTube Trailer
- IMDb Link: The Terminal on IMDb
2.Big
This delightful movie follows a young boy whose wish to become an adult is granted overnight. Starring Tom Hanks and Elizabeth Perkins, the film explores the humorous and touching consequences of this transformation. Hanks received his first Oscar nomination for Best Actor for his performance in this role.
Information about Big (1988)
- Director: Penny Marshall
- Cast: Tom Hanks, Elizabeth Perkins, Robert Loggia, John Heard
- Release Year: 1988
- Duration: 104 minutes
- Country: United States
- Genre: Comedy, Drama, Fantasy
- Language: English
- Age Rating: PG
- Available Platforms: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies
- IMDb Rating: 7.3/10
- Similar Movies: Splash (1984), 13 Going on 30 (2004), The Kid (2000)
- Trailer: YouTube Trailer
- IMDb Link: Big on IMDb
3.The Green Mile
This emotional masterpiece stars Tom Hanks, Michael Clarke Duncan, and David Morse. The movie tells the story of John Coffey, a death row inmate with a mysterious supernatural gift, and his relationship with prison guard Paul Edgecomb. It is a moving tale of humanity, justice, and redemption.
Information about The Green Mile (1999)
- Director: Frank Darabont
- Cast: Tom Hanks, Michael Clarke Duncan, David Morse, Bonnie Hunt
- Release Year: 1999
- Duration: 189 minutes
- Country: United States
- Genre: Crime, Drama, Fantasy
- Language: English
- Age Rating: R
- Available Platforms: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies
- IMDb Rating: 8.6/10
- Similar Movies: Shawshank Redemption (1994), A Time to Kill (1996), The Mist (2007)
- Trailer: YouTube Trailer
- IMDb Link: The Green Mile on IMDb
4.The Da Vinci Code
Based on Dan Brown’s best-selling novel, this thriller features Tom Hanks as Robert Langdon, a professor who gets entangled in a murder mystery at the Louvre Museum. Alongside cryptologist Sophie Neveu, he uncovers secrets that could change the world while evading both the police and a shadowy religious group.
Information about The Da Vinci Code (2006)
- Director: Ron Howard
- Cast: Tom Hanks, Audrey Tautou, Ian McKellen, Jean Reno
- Release Year: 2006
- Duration: 149 minutes
- Country: United States
- Genre: Mystery, Thriller
- Language: English
- Age Rating: PG-13
- Available Platforms: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies
- IMDb Rating: 6.6/10
- Similar Movies: Angels & Demons (2009), National Treasure (2004), Inferno (2016)
- Trailer: YouTube Trailer
- IMDb Link: The Da Vinci Code on IMDb
5.Forrest Gump
In one of his most iconic roles, Tom Hanks stars as Forrest Gump, a man with a low IQ but a big heart. The movie spans decades, showcasing Forrest’s incredible journey through love, war, and historical moments, all with humor and warmth. Co-starring Robin Wright and Gary Sinise, this movie won six Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Actor for Hanks.
Information about Forrest Gump (1994)
- Director: Robert Zemeckis
- Cast: Tom Hanks, Robin Wright, Gary Sinise, Sally Field
- Release Year: 1994
- Duration: 142 minutes
- Country: United States
- Genre: Drama, Romance
- Language: English
- Age Rating: PG-13
- Available Platforms: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies
- IMDb Rating: 8.8/10
- Similar Movies: The Shawshank Redemption (1994), Rain Man (1988), Cast Away (2000)
- Trailer: YouTube Trailer
- IMDb Link: Forrest Gump on IMDb
6.Saving Private Ryan
Directed by Steven Spielberg, this war epic features Tom Hanks as Captain John Miller, leading a dangerous mission to rescue a soldier during World War II. Starring Matt Damon and Edward Burns, the film is celebrated for its intense realism and emotional depth, earning it multiple Oscars.
Information about Saving Private Ryan (1998)
- Director: Steven Spielberg
- Cast: Tom Hanks, Matt Damon, Tom Sizemore, Edward Burns
- Release Year: 1998
- Duration: 169 minutes
- Country: United States
- Genre: Drama, War
- Language: English
- Age Rating: R
- Available Platforms: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies
- IMDb Rating: 8.6/10
- Similar Movies: Hacksaw Ridge (2016), 1917 (2019), Dunkirk (2017)
- Trailer: YouTube Trailer
- IMDb Link: Saving Private Ryan on IMDb
7.Angels & Demons
In this sequel to The Da Vinci Code, Tom Hanks reprises his role as Robert Langdon. This time, he uncovers a conspiracy involving the Illuminati and the Vatican, teaming up with Italian scientist Vittoria Vetra. Together, they race against time to prevent a devastating event.
Information about Angels & Demons (2009)
- Director: Ron Howard
- Cast: Tom Hanks, Ewan McGregor, Ayelet Zurer, Stellan Skarsgård
- Release Year: 2009
- Duration: 138 minutes
- Country: United States
- Genre: Action, Mystery, Thriller
- Language: English
- Age Rating: PG-13
- Available Platforms: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies
- IMDb Rating: 6.7/10
- Similar Movies: The Da Vinci Code (2006), Inferno (2016), National Treasure (2004)
- Trailer: YouTube Trailer
- IMDb Link: Angels & Demons on IMDb
8.Philadelphia
This groundbreaking drama stars Tom Hanks as Andrew, a lawyer fired after being diagnosed with AIDS. With the help of lawyer Joe Miller, played by Denzel Washington, Andrew fights for justice and sheds light on discrimination against AIDS victims. Hanks won his first Oscar for Best Actor for this role.
Information about Philadelphia (1993)
- Director: Jonathan Demme
- Cast: Tom Hanks, Denzel Washington, Roberta Maxwell, Antonio Banderas
- Release Year: 1993
- Duration: 125 minutes
- Country: United States
- Genre: Drama
- Language: English
- Age Rating: PG-13
- Available Platforms: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies
- IMDb Rating: 7.7/10
- Similar Movies: A Time to Kill (1996), Dead Poets Society (1989), Good Will Hunting (1997)
- Trailer: YouTube Trailer
- IMDb Link: Philadelphia on IMDb
9.Greyhound
In this war drama, Tom Hanks stars as Commander Krause, leading an Allied convoy across treacherous Atlantic waters during World War II. Facing relentless attacks from German U-boats, Krause must protect his crew and fulfill his mission against all odds.
Information about Greyhound (2020)
- Director: Aaron Schneider
- Cast: Tom Hanks, Stephen Graham, Rob Morgan, Elisabeth Shue
- Release Year: 2020
- Duration: 91 minutes
- Country: United States
- Genre: Action, Drama, History
- Language: English
- Age Rating: PG-13
- Available Platforms: Apple TV+
- IMDb Rating: 7.0/10
- Similar Movies: Dunkirk (2017), Midway (2019), The Hunt for Red October (1990)
- Trailer: YouTube Trailer
- IMDb Link: Greyhound on IMDb
10.Cast Away
This survival epic follows Tom Hanks as a FedEx employee stranded on a deserted island after a plane crash. His struggle for survival and emotional resilience take center stage. Co-starring Helen Hunt, this performance earned Hanks yet another Oscar nomination.
Information about Cast Away (2000)
- Director: Robert Zemeckis
- Cast: Tom Hanks, Helen Hunt, Paul Sanchez, Lari White
- Release Year: 2000
- Duration: 143 minutes
- Country: United States
- Genre: Adventure, Drama, Romance
- Language: English
- Age Rating: PG-13
- Available Platforms: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies
- IMDb Rating: 7.8/10
- Similar Movies: The Terminal (2004), Forrest Gump (1994), Life of Pi (2012)
- Trailer: YouTube Trailer
- IMDb Link: Cast Away on IMDb
11.Captain Phillips
This biographical movie portrays the harrowing experience of Captain Richard Phillips, a merchant mariner taken hostage by Somali pirates in 2009. Starring Tom Hanks, Barkhad Abdi, and Faisal Ahmed, the movie captivates with its intense storytelling and compelling performances.
Information about Captain Phillips (2013)
- Director: Paul Greengrass
- Cast: Tom Hanks, Barkhad Abdi, Barkhad Abdirahman, Faysal Ahmed
- Release Year: 2013
- Duration: 134 minutes
- Country: United States
- Genre: Biography, Drama, Thriller
- Language: English
- Age Rating: PG-13
- Available Platforms: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies
- IMDb Rating: 7.8/10
- Similar Movies: United 93 (2006), Argo (2012), Zero Dark Thirty (2012)
- Trailer: YouTube Trailer
- IMDb Link: Captain Phillips on IMDb
12.News of the World
Set after the American Civil War, this movie follows Captain Jefferson Kyle Kidd, played by Tom Hanks, who earns his living by traveling and reading the news to people. His life changes when he encounters an orphaned girl and embarks on a dangerous journey to reunite her with her relatives.
Information about News of the World (2020)
- Director: Paul Greengrass
- Cast: Tom Hanks, Helena Zengel, Tom Astor, Elizabeth Marvel
- Release Year: 2020
- Duration: 118 minutes
- Country: United States
- Genre: Action, Adventure, Drama
- Language: English
- Age Rating: PG-13
- Available Platforms: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV
- IMDb Rating: 6.8/10
- Similar Movies: True Grit (2010), The Revenant (2015), Hostiles (2017)
- Trailer: YouTube Trailer
- IMDb Link: News of the World on IMDb
13.Inferno
In this action-packed thriller, Tom Hanks reprises his role as Robert Langdon. Waking up in Venice with no memory of how he got there, Langdon teams up with Dr. Sienna Brooks to prevent a global plague. The movie, based on Dan Brown’s novel, is filled with puzzles, action, and mystery.
Information about Inferno (2016)
- Director: Ron Howard
- Cast: Tom Hanks, Felicity Jones, Irrfan Khan, Omar Sy
- Release Year: 2016
- Duration: 121 minutes
- Country: United States
- Genre: Action, Adventure, Crime
- Language: English
- Age Rating: PG-13
- Available Platforms: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies
- IMDb Rating: 6.2/10
- Similar Movies: The Da Vinci Code (2006), Angels & Demons (2009), National Treasure (2004)
- Trailer: YouTube Trailer
- IMDb Link: Inferno on IMDb
14.Catch Me If You Can
This iconic movie stars Tom Hanks as an FBI agent chasing a young and elusive con artist, played by Leonardo DiCaprio. The movie chronicles the high-stakes game of cat and mouse between the two, delivering suspense and humor in equal measure.
Information about Catch Me If You Can (2002)
- Director: Steven Spielberg
- Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Hanks, Christopher Walken, Amy Adams
- Release Year: 2002
- Duration: 141 minutes
- Country: United States
- Genre: Biography, Crime, Drama
- Language: English
- Age Rating: PG-13
- Available Platforms: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies
- IMDb Rating: 8.1/10
- Similar Movies: The Wolf of Wall Street (2013), American Hustle (2013), Blow (2001)
- Trailer: YouTube Trailer
- IMDb Link: Catch Me If You Can on IMDb
15.The Circle
In this thought-provoking movie, Tom Hanks stars as Eamon Bailey, the founder of a powerful tech company. A young employee, Mae, played by Emma Watson, becomes entangled in an experiment that raises questions about personal freedom and privacy.
Information about The Circle (2017)
- Director: James Ponsoldt
- Cast: Emma Watson, Tom Hanks, John Boyega, Karen Gillan
- Release Year: 2017
- Duration: 110 minutes
- Country: United States
- Genre: Drama, Sci-Fi, Thriller
- Language: English
- Age Rating: PG-13
- Available Platforms: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies
- IMDb Rating: 5.3/10
- Similar Movies: Black Mirror (2011), Ex Machina (2014), The Social Dilemma (2020)
- Trailer: YouTube Trailer
- IMDb Link: The Circle on IMDb
16.Sully
This gripping drama tells the real-life story of pilot Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger, who heroically landed a disabled plane on the Hudson River, saving 155 passengers. Despite public praise, Sully faces an investigation that threatens his career. Tom Hanks stars alongside Aaron Eckhart in this inspiring movie.
Information about Sully (2016)
- Director: Clint Eastwood
- Cast: Tom Hanks, Aaron Eckhart, Laura Linney, Valerie Mahaffey
- Release Year: 2016
- Duration: 96 minutes
- Country: United States
- Genre: Biography, Drama
- Language: English
- Age Rating: PG-13
- Available Platforms: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies
- IMDb Rating: 7.4/10
- Similar Movies: Flight (2012), Captain Phillips (2013), The 15:17 to Paris (2018)
- Trailer: YouTube Trailer
- IMDb Link: Sully on IMDb
17.Cloud Atlas
In this ambitious and unique movie, Tom Hanks, Halle Berry, and Jim Sturgess portray multiple characters across six interconnected stories spanning centuries. The film explores themes of reincarnation and the ripple effects of individual actions.
Information about Cloud Atlas (2012)
- Directors: Tom Tykwer, Lana Wachowski, Lilly Wachowski
- Cast: Tom Hanks, Halle Berry, Hugh Grant, Hugo Weaving
- Release Year: 2012
- Duration: 172 minutes
- Country: United States
- Genre: Drama, Sci-Fi
- Language: English
- Age Rating: R
- Available Platforms: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies
- IMDb Rating: 7.4/10
- Similar Movies: The Fountain (2006), Interstellar (2014), The Tree of Life (2011)
- Trailer: YouTube Trailer
- IMDb Link: Cloud Atlas on IMDb
18.Bridge of Spies
Directed by Steven Spielberg, this historical drama stars Tom Hanks as James B. Donovan, a lawyer negotiating a Cold War prisoner exchange. The movie offers a gripping look at diplomacy and espionage during a tense period in history.
Information about Bridge of Spies (2015)
- Director: Steven Spielberg
- Cast: Tom Hanks, Mark Rylance, Alan Alda, Amy Ryan
- Release Year: 2015
- Duration: 142 minutes
- Country: United States
- Genre: Drama, History, Thriller
- Language: English
- Age Rating: PG-13
- Available Platforms: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies
- IMDb Rating: 7.6/10
- Similar Movies: Argo (2012), The Post (2017), Munich (2005)
- Trailer: YouTube Trailer
- IMDb Link: Bridge of Spies on IMDb
19.Apollo 13
This classic movie tells the true story of NASA’s ill-fated Apollo 13 mission. Tom Hanks, as astronaut Jim Lovell, leads a crew through a desperate struggle to return safely to Earth after a critical malfunction in space.
Information about Apollo 13 (1995)
- Director: Ron Howard
- Cast: Tom Hanks, Kevin Bacon, Bill Paxton, Gary Sinise
- Release Year: 1995
- Duration: 140 minutes
- Country: United States
- Genre: Adventure, Drama, History
- Language: English
- Age Rating: PG
- Available Platforms: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies
- IMDb Rating: 7.6/10
- Similar Movies: The Martian (2015), Gravity (2013), Hidden Figures (2016)
- Trailer: YouTube Trailer
- IMDb Link: Apollo 13 on IMDb
20.The Post
Starring Tom Hanks and Meryl Streep, this movie chronicles the Washington Post’s decision to publish the Pentagon Papers, exposing government secrets about the Vietnam War. The film highlights the importance of press freedom and journalistic integrity.
Information about The Post (2017)
- Director: Steven Spielberg
- Cast: Tom Hanks, Meryl Streep, Bob Odenkirk, Sarah Paulson
- Release Year: 2017
- Duration: 116 minutes
- Country: United States
- Genre: Biography, Drama, History
- Language: English
- Age Rating: PG-13
- Available Platforms: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies
- IMDb Rating: 7.2/10
- Similar Movies: Spotlight (2015), All the President’s Men (1976), Bridge of Spies (2015)
- Trailer: YouTube Trailer
- IMDb Link: The Post on IMDb
21.Saving Mr. Banks
This delightful movie tells the behind-the-scenes story of Disney’s efforts to adapt Mary Poppins for the big screen. Tom Hanks portrays Walt Disney, and Emma Thompson stars as author P.L. Travers, whose strict requirements make the project challenging.
Information about Saving Mr. Banks (2013)
- Director: John Lee Hancock
- Cast: Emma Thompson, Tom Hanks, Colin Farrell, Paul Giamatti
- Release Year: 2013
- Duration: 125 minutes
- Country: United States
- Genre: Biography, Comedy, Drama
- Language: English
- Age Rating: PG-13
- Available Platforms: Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV
- IMDb Rating: 7.5/10
- Similar Movies: Mary Poppins (1964), Finding Neverland (2004), The Founder (2016)
- Trailer: YouTube Trailer
- IMDb Link: Saving Mr. Banks on IMDb
22.You’ve Got Mail
This romantic comedy pairs Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan as online pen pals who unknowingly compete as bookstore owners in real life. The movie is a charming exploration of love, rivalry, and serendipity in the digital age.
Information about You’ve Got Mail (1998)
- Director: Nora Ephron
- Cast: Tom Hanks, Meg Ryan, Greg Kinnear, Parker Posey
- Release Year: 1998
- Duration: 119 minutes
- Country: United States
- Genre: Comedy, Drama, Romance
- Language: English
- Age Rating: PG
- Available Platforms: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies
- IMDb Rating: 6.7/10
- Similar Movies: Sleepless in Seattle (1993), When Harry Met Sally (1989), Notting Hill (1999)
- Trailer: YouTube Trailer
- IMDb Link: You’ve Got Mail on IMDb
23.That Thing You Do!
Written and directed by Tom Hanks, this movie follows the meteoric rise of a fictional band, The Wonders, in the 1960s. Featuring Tom Hanks, Tom Everett Scott, and Johnathon Schaech, the movie captures the spirit of the era with infectious energy and music.
Information about That Thing You Do! (1996)
- Director: Tom Hanks
- Cast: Tom Hanks, Liv Tyler, Johnathon Schaech, Steve Zahn
- Release Year: 1996
- Duration: 108 minutes
- Country: United States
- Genre: Comedy, Drama, Music
- Language: English
- Age Rating: PG
- Available Platforms: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies
- IMDb Rating: 6.9/10
- Similar Movies: Almost Famous (2000), A Hard Day’s Night (1964), Begin Again (2013)
- Trailer: YouTube Trailer
- IMDb Link: That Thing You Do! on IMDb
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