Tom Hanks Movies: Best of All Time

While some might consider his popularity to be declining, Tom Hanks has been one of the most consistently accomplished and successful movie actors over the last 25 years. The list of Tom Hanks movies includes a large array of comedy movies, action movies and drama movies that show off his diverse talents.

This list of Tom Hanks movies is focused on the Top 10 movies with Tom Hanks of all time, beginning in the mid-1980s when he first appeared prominently on screen. With so many epic roles and movies, narrowing down to ten films is certainly a chore.

For the purposes of this top 10 list of Tom Hanks movies, the movie must have been entertaining, well-received commercially and/or critically, epic in nature with a lasting impact, iconic in its time, and Tom Hanks must have been a significant player in the film.

Best Tom Hanks Movies of All Time

10. You’ve Got Mail (1998) – This romantic comedy is often overlooked as it was a follow up to the popular 1993 Sleepless in Seattle. In a similar vein as its predecessor, this Tom Hanks movie also co-starred Meg Ryan.

9. A League of Their Own (1992) - It wasn’t necessarily one of the most epic performances in the list of Tom Hanks movies, but this unique and important film definitely deserves as spot in the top 10. Hanks plays a baseball coach of an all-women’s team during war time. A great cast of players shared the screen.

8. Toy Story (1995) - How can an animated movie for kids in which Tom Hanks’ involvement was simply a voice make the top to list? Simple. Toy Story is still considered one of the best movies for kids ever made.

7. Philadelphia (1993) – In one of his more controversial roles, Tom Hanks portrayed a gay man struggling with HIV/Aids when the disease was first becoming prominent in the scope of American culture.

6. Big (1988) – For anyone who has ever wished for the day that could “enjoy” all the wonders that come with adulthood, Big is an adventurous and entertaining movie. After a wish at a carnival, Josh Baskin (Tom Hanks) gets the opportunity to experience the romance and responsibility of being “big”.

5. Sleepless in Seattle (1993) – You know there have been some great Tom Hanks movies when a film considered by many to be one of the best romantic comedies of all time is only #5 on the top 1o list of Tom Hanks films.

4. Splash (1984) - Tom Hanks literally splashed on the movie scene in this classic story about a mermaid (Darryl Hannah) who finds her way into the big city. Hanks’ character must fight to cover up the truth behind his new girlfriend to avoid having her put under a microscope.

3. The Green Mile (1999) – Perhaps the most inspiring movie with Tom Hanks, the Green Mile blends an epic story with a supernatural appeal. While Hanks was a key player in this emotional story, the film also marked the breakout of Michael Clarke Duncan.

2. Castaway (2000) – Of all Tom Hanks movies, Castaway is one that many fans would point to as the film that you could watch multiple times and still be entertained. His classic portrayal of FedEx manager Chuck Nolan who is lost at sea for four years is brilliant. He and Helen Hunt were great as was “Wilson” the soccer ball.

1. Forrest Gump (1994) – You could certainly make a case for several other Tom Hanks films to occupy the top spot on this list, but no other movie or role has maintained its epic nature and status as one of the all time greats like Forrest Gump. Hanks’ portrayal of the less-intelligent, but lovable title character will be long-remembered in film history.

*Writer’s Note: Catch Me If You Can and Saving Private Ryan were two other great Tom Hanks movies considered for the list, but preference was given to other films because these were movies with other more prominent actors/characters.

No doubt there are great Tom Hanks movies not included in this list. In fact, there are several that could have been comfortably included without reservation. However, the list in place gives a good scope of the legacy of Tom Hanks films that spans about 25 years.

Want to tell us your favorite film not on our list of Tom Hanks movies and why? Just add a comment and share your thoughts!

This feature article about the Best Movies with Tom Hanks was written by Neil of Movie Room Reviews

See also:

• List of Johnny Depp Movies

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