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Tom Hanks is often called "America’s Dad," a title earned through decades of playing relatable, heroic, and deeply human characters. With two Academy Awards and a filmography that spans from zany 80s comedies to harrowing war dramas, he is perhaps the most beloved actor of his generation. While he’s known for his "nice guy" persona, his best work often comes when he pushes that likability into places of extreme vulnerability or quiet strength.
POTENTIAL SPOILERS AHEAD!
My favorite Movies/TV Shows he has been in:
Saving Private Ryan (1998)
Rotten Tomatoes rating: 94%
IMDB rating: 8.6/10
Where to watch: Paramount+, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV
In Saving Private Ryan, Hanks plays Captain John Miller, a man whose steady hand and quiet authority anchor one of the most intense war films ever made. While the opening sequence on Omaha Beach is famous for its visceral chaos, it’s Hanks’ performance that provides the film’s soul. He portrays Miller not as a superhero, but as a high school English teacher who has been forced to become a leader of men.
The reveal of his civilian background is a pivotal moment that grounds the entire mission in humanity. Hanks perfectly captures the "thousand-yard stare" and the trembling hand of a man who is holding it all together for the sake of his squad. His performance turns the final moments of the film into something incredibly personal, reminding us that every soldier on that beach was someone’s son, teacher, or brother.
Cast Away (2000)
Rotten Tomatoes rating: 89%
IMDB rating: 7.8/10
Where to watch: AMC+, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV
In Cast Away, Tom Hanks delivers what might be the most impressive solo feat in modern cinema. Playing Chuck Noland, a FedEx executive obsessed with time who becomes stranded on a deserted island, Hanks carries the middle hour of the film with almost no dialogue, acting opposite a volleyball named Wilson.
Hanks’ physical transformation for this role was legendary—he famously lost 50 pounds and grew a thick, ragged beard to portray the passage of four years in isolation. But it’s the emotional journey that sticks with you. He manages to make us feel the crushing weight of loneliness and the primal drive to survive. The scene where he loses Wilson in the open ocean is a masterclass in acting; only Tom Hanks could make a global audience weep over a piece of sporting equipment.
My favorite Movie/TV Show he has been in that you may not have seen:
The Terminal (2004)
Rotten Tomatoes rating: 61%
IMDB rating: 7.4/10
Where to watch: Paramount+, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV
While A League of Their Own is a certified classic with iconic lines ("There's no crying in baseball!"), The Terminal is often the "forgotten" collaboration between Hanks and director Steven Spielberg. Hanks plays Viktor Navorski, a man from a fictional Eastern European country who becomes trapped in JFK International Airport when a military coup renders his passport invalid.
This film is a hidden gem because it relies entirely on Hanks' ability to be charming and resourceful in a confined space. Viktor doesn't speak much English at first, so Hanks uses physical comedy and expressive sincerity to win over the airport staff and the audience. It’s a whimsical, sweet story about waiting, bureaucracy, and finding a home in the most unlikely of places. If you want to see Hanks at his most "human" and endearing without the weight of a war or a crisis, this is the one you might have missed.
Don’t waste your time with this Movie/TV Show:
Pinocchio (2022)
Rotten Tomatoes rating: 28%
IMDB rating: 5.1/10
Where to watch: Disney+
You might see this on Disney+ and think, "Tom Hanks as Geppetto? That sounds perfect!" Unfortunately, this live-action remake is a hollow shell of the original animated classic. While Hanks certainly looks the part of the kindly woodcarver, his performance feels surprisingly disconnected, often buried under a distracting accent and layers of uncanny CGI.
The film lacks the heart and magic that made the 1940 original so special. Instead of a charming fable, it feels like a checklist of scenes rushed together without any emotional weight. It’s widely considered one of the weakest entries in Disney's lineup of live-action remakes and earned Hanks a nomination for a Razzie Award (Worst Actor). If you want to watch Pinocchio, stick to the animated original or Guillermo del Toro’s stop-motion version; this one is best left on the shelf.
Honorable Mentions to check out:
Tom Hanks has so many classics that narrowing them down is nearly impossible. If you’ve finished the ones above, these are essential:
A League of Their Own: A fantastic ensemble sports film where Hanks shines as the cynical, washed-up manager Jimmy Dugan.
Philadelphia: The role that won him his first Oscar; his chemistry with Denzel Washington is legendary.
Big: The definitive "boy in a man's body" performance that made him a superstar.
Road to Perdition: A somber, visually stunning neo-noir where Hanks plays a rare "dark" role as a mob enforcer.
Captain Phillips: Features perhaps the most realistic portrayal of shock ever filmed in its closing minutes.
The Green Mile: A soulful, heart-wrenching adaptation of Stephen King’s serial novel.
Toy Story: Proof that his voice alone can carry an entire franchise of emotional weight.