Tom Hanks is one of the most beloved and bankable movie stars in the United States. His career began in 1980 with the comedy duo Bosom Buddies, and since then he has collaborated with some of the most renowned directors in the industry. From voicing iconic animated characters to writing, directing and starring in two feature films, Hanks has done it all. Today, we take a look at the 25 best Tom Hanks movies and explore his incredible career.
Hanks' big break came with the 1984 romantic comedy Splash, where he played Allen Bauer, a young man in love with a mermaid. This was followed by several other projects with directors such as Ron Howard, Steven Spielberg, Nora Ephron, Robert Zemeckis, Penny Marshall and Paul Greengrass. He also voiced Woody, one of the most iconic animated characters of all time. Hanks has starred in 49 leading roles to date, ranging from comedies to epic war dramas.
He has traveled to space, fought pirates and survived a deserted island. One of his most memorable roles is that of Frank Abagnale Jr. in Catch Me If You Can (1996), where he plays a con artist who is pursued by an FBI agent. Another notable performance is that of Fred Rogers in A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood (2019), where he portrays an iconic American television host. But perhaps his most impressive role to date is that of James B.
Donovan in Steven Spielberg's Cold War thriller Bridge of Spies (2015). In this movie, Hanks plays an insurance lawyer who is tasked with negotiating the release of a captured American U-2 pilot. These are just some of the amazing performances that Tom Hanks has given throughout his career. From comedies to dramas, he has proven himself to be one of the most versatile actors in Hollywood.