Tom Hanks is cinema gold, and his amazing variety of movies has earned him the title of one of the greatest stars of Hollywood. Whether he stars in heartwarming dramas, laugh-out-loud comedies, or anything in between, this actor has a grace that keeps audiences falling in love with him time and time again. Each film on this list of 20 showcases his undeniable talent—one that captivates viewers and leaves them spellbound on the screen. The movies that bring emotional depth, comedic charm, and pure humanity will remind you why Hanks remains one of the last cinematic icons.
1) The Circle (2017)
In The Circle, Tom Hanks portrays an enigmatic tech CEO Eamon Bailey, charismatic but mysterious. Dystopian near-future settings shape the movie, as issues of privacy, surveillance, and the cost of transparency are discussed. Even when it did not receive a uniformly positive review, the image of a benevolent ruler with a dark plan held by Hanks remains appealing. The movie is a warning for our lives that increasingly exist in the digital world. The nuanced performance by Hanks gives this chilling narrative more appeal. A must-watch for tech-thriller fans of a thought-provoking kind.
2) Pinocchio (2022)
Tom Hanks appears in Disney's live-action remake of Pinocchio as an old man version of Geppetto; the kind woodcarver who dreamt of his puppet to become an actual boy. Bringing a warmth in his performance that gives space for emotional depth, coupled with fatherly love and the hope that something wonderful may still come to life, these qualities make up Hanks' performance that grounds this film. He offers chemistry with a CGI Pinocchio, which adds authenticity to the story, reminding viewers of the timeless magic of Disney's classic tales.
3) Inferno (2016)
Tom Hanks reprises his role as Robert Langdon in this high-octane film adaptation of Dan Brown's book. Inferno puts Langdon on a tightrope race against time, as he battles with amnesia while peeling away the layers of a deadly conspiracy tied into Dante's Divine Comedy. Here, Hanks brings his usual gravity and intelligence to the character, balancing Langdon's vulnerability and brilliance. The movie strays from the book in several areas, but Hanks' performance grounds the wildly hectic narrative, making for an engaging watch for lovers of fast-paced mysteries.
4) Ithaca (2015)
In Ithaca, set in World War II, this is a smaller yet poignant role with Tom Hanks playing the recently deceased father of a youthful telegraph messenger. Directing this very heartfelt film regarding grief, resilience, and family are Meg Ryan and Tom's wife, while his mere screen time hardly mattered as, even off the screen, he was a very significant moral guide for the movie's protagonist. His subtle, compassionate performance brings depth to this moving story of the power of letters and human connection during the war.
5) The Bonfire Of The Vanities (1990)
In The Bonfire of the Vanities, the life of Sherman McCoy, a "Master of the Universe," begins to unravel after a tragic hit-and-run accident. Transposed from Tom Wolfe's novel, the film delves into issues of greed, race, and media exploitation. The movie was not capable of transposing the nicety of the novel, yet Tom Hanks as the morally confounded McCoy does a beautiful job of humanizing the fallible character. His comedic timing and dramatic instincts shine, making this a fascinating watch for those exploring his early career.
6) Larry Crowne (2011)
This is the feel-good dramedy with Tom Hanks as the middle-aged Larry Crowne who reinvents his life after being downsized. He directed it and delves into themes about self-discovery and the strength to survive. Working alongside Julia Roberts, his teacher, and love interest, Tom does his usual: warm, authentic, and real. While the story is biased towards simplicity, it would not be possible for Hanks to make Larry's journey inspiring in an otherwise hopeless message about embracing change and finding joy in unexpected places.
7) Angels and Demons (2009)
Tom Hanks stars in the thriller Angels & Demons again playing the role of Robert Langdon, set inside Vatican City. As the clock ticks away, Langdon must decipher the ancient symbols to prevent an ultimate attack on the Catholic Church. A fine actor who brings both intellectuality with the action-hero quality and keeps this lead quite fascinating. The movie, with its breathtaking visuals and gripping narrative, brings to life Hanks' ability to bring Dan Brown's complex hero to life, offering an edge-of-your-seat cinematic experience.
8) Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close (2011)
In this powerful drama, post-9/11, Tom Hanks stars as a father whose loss has imprinted itself upon his son, Oskar. With flashbacks, Hanks depicts a loving, playful parent whose memory powers the narrative. His warmth and relatability make the stakes emotionally higher, and depth gives to Oskar's healing and discovery journey. While the film was further polarized by criticism, the ability to bring both laughter and tears makes Hanks stand out as a strong performer in this extremely emotional story.
9) The Money Pit (1986)
Tom Hanks plays the role of Walter Fielding, in this hilarious comedy, in which the dream home transforms into a nightmare. It's mainly his chemistry with Shelley Long co-star, whose characters take on increasing levels of absurd challenges. Scenes that show collapsing staircases and exploding bathtubs especially bring out the best physical comedy by Hanks, and these capture his comedic brilliance when starting. Despite decades since its release, the movie is still very relevant and entertaining to understand homeownership issues.
10) Finch (2021)
Finch stars Tom Hanks, who gives a great performance alone in a dying inventor building a robot to care for his dog after he's gone. The movie takes place in a post-apocalyptic world where companionship, survival, and legacy come into play. Hanks adds an emotional depth to Finch in making a heartfelt story of hope amidst despair. One relies highly upon Hanks's ability to convey vulnerability and strength, all in isolation. Such is a sweet addition to his legacy of very humanly performed roles.
11) Catch Me If You Can (2002)
Tom Hanks is compelling as Carl Hanratty, a serious and committed FBI agent in pursuit of Frank Abagnale Jr., who is played by Leonardo DiCaprio. In the case of Catch Me If You Can, Hanks plays this role with depth and even subtle humor, such as the loneliness and commitment involved in making Hanratty more than just the man after Frank. His sharp sparring with DiCaprio fuels much of the tension and charm within this Spielberg film; indeed, their interplay is one of the best features of this movie. Hanks's subtle playing offers equal flashes of wit and sincerity.
12) A Man Called OTTO (2022)
In A Man Called Otto, Tom Hanks gives an appearance as Otto Anderson, a curmudgeon, in a state of grief and isolation. The situation of things changes when a young family relocates to the house next door, upsetting his life as he is accidentally pulled into their lives through the character's reluctant emotional evolution. Hanks displays depth as well as brings in much-needed humor to balance out the character's journey with subtlety. It's a warm, wondrously funny movie about second chances and features Hanks in the unassailable role of making even the most complex characters warm and authentic.
13) Dragnet (1987)
Tom Hanks stars in this comedy version of the iconic TV series Dragnet alongside Dan Aykroyd. As the slack-jawed, unconventionally dressed Detective Pep Streebek, Hanks brings a perfect counterpoint to Aykroyd's stiff-shouldered Sergeant Friday as they try to solve an unbelievable case involving cults and corruption. Hanks's comedy timing and playful energy are wonderful in the procedural format and make the film a hilarious satire. While Dragnet parodies crime dramas, the same performance that has Hanks recalling his early comedic genius endures.
14) Forrest Gump (1994)
Tom Hanks excels in Forrest Gump, where a man with an apparently dim mind possesses a heart that speaks much and has the most interesting coincidence of life in history. With mastery, Hanks brings childlike wonder and unbreakable kindness into being with Forrest Gump. It is in the context of hope and resilience. Touching his way with a run across America and reaching so many hearts with loyalty and love without failing, Forrest's journey remains inspiring. Hanks' performance earned his second consecutive Academy Award for Best Actor, making the movie a timeless classic.
15) Turner and Hooch (1989)
Turner & Hooch co-stars Tom Hanks, who stars as the unlikely Detective Scott Turner. Accompanied by a slobbering drooling French Mastiff, his life will get turned upside down. Combining comedy, action, and some genuinely heartfelt moments, this movie establishes Hanks' ability to bring out such emotions when partnered with not only humans but canines also. The comedic chemistry between him and Hooch makes this buddy-cop movie a special one in his early career. It's a treat to watch for both animal lovers and comedy fans.
16) Punchline (1988)
In Punchline, Tom Hanks portrays the struggling stand-up comedian Steven Gold who teaches an up-and-coming comedian (Sally Field). The movie talks about the hardship of following your dream by putting together some humor and emotion. Hanks himself can convey all the vulnerability one finds in laughter by projecting Steven as being both a teacher and a struggler for himself. The chemistry between Hanks and Field elevates the film, making it a warm, thoughtful exploration of ambition and friendship. This role showcased Hanks' versatility because he was able to excel at both comedy and drama.
17) Sleepless in Seattle (1993)
In Sleepless in Seattle, Tom Hanks plays Sam Baldwin, a widower who inadvertently becomes the center of a romantic whirlwind after his son calls into a radio show. He does a heart-wrenching performance in playing Sam's vulnerability, warmth, and humor with effortless charm. He plays the man who cautiously re-learns love as very relatable and lovable. Starring with Meg Ryan for the first time, Hanks' understated chemistry adds to the magic that this old-fashioned romantic film remains a classic. Sleepless in Seattle still runs as one of the films that set his mark in emotional connectivity with audiences.
18) A Hologram For The King (2016)
In A Hologram for the King, Tom Hanks stars as struggling businessman Alan Clay, who is in Saudi Arabia to sell a revolutionary new technology. Here the movie talks about cultural exchange, reinvention, and resilience. Alan, the vulnerable man with a funny bone, as Hanks brings him to life in this unbridled world of an unfamiliar culture, entwines real connections with Sarita Choudhury. While understated, though, it is the depth Hanks gives to his story of an ordinary man that makes for a quietly compelling watch.
19) Cloud Atlas (2012)
In the ambitious sci-fi epic Cloud Atlas, Tom Hanks performs a range of characters, including, at one point, doctorly villainy and post-apocalyptic tribesman. Along with many others, the entire range is an amazing variety in acting and adapting; interconnectedness and what ripples from your action across time are themes present in this movie. It's one of those polarized films where, while the telling was unique, Hanks had solid transformations in the performances and thus grounded the film. It's a testament to his versatility and his willingness to take creative risks.
20) Cast Away (2000)
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In Cast Away, Tom Hanks puts in one unforgettable performance of Chuck Noland, the man marooned on a deserted island after the crash of his plane. The character had very few words to utter and made tremendous use of his body acting for survival and desolation. The film is testimony to Hanks' phenomenal talent, as he goes about portraying Chuck's emotional journey from despair to hope, maintaining an emotional investment from the audience throughout. Hanks's performance of his character's relationship with the inanimate object, Wilson the volleyball, has become iconic, adding heart to this gripping survival tale.
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