In a 2021 appearance on The Bill Simmons Podcast, the two-time Oscar winner reflected on the productions that meant the most to him, explaining that his choices were based not on awards or box office success, but on the experiences he had while making them. The list included an ambitious sci-fi epic, a beloved sports comedy, and one of his most physically demanding performances.
Why Tom Hanks Chose ‘Cloud Atlas,’ ‘A League of Their Own,’ and ‘Cast Away’
When asked to name the three best films of his career, Hanks immediately pointed to “Cloud Atlas,” “A League of Their Own,” and “Cast Away.” Rather than ranking them by critical acclaim or popularity, he explained that he chose them because of “the personal experience” each project gave him.
His first selection, “Cloud Atlas,” was especially meaningful because of where and how it was made. The ambitious 2012 science fiction epic, directed by the Wachowskis and Tom Tykwer, was filmed extensively in Germany and featured an ensemble cast playing multiple roles across interconnected stories spanning centuries. Hanks recalled that it was “the first time I’d ever shot extensively in Germany and I was surrounded by history,” before adding that everyone involved was “just trying to do the hardest, best work on a deep throw.”
For “A League of Their Own,” the memories were far simpler. The 1992 sports comedy drama, directed by Penny Marshall, tells the fictionalized story of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League during World War II, with Hanks playing the unforgettable coach Jimmy Dugan. Looking back on the production, he smiled at one particular perk, saying he got to play baseball all summer, an experience that made the film stand out among dozens of projects.
Hanks rounded out his list with “Cast Away,” Robert Zemeckis’ survival drama in which he portrayed FedEx executive Chuck Noland after a plane crash leaves him stranded on a deserted island. The production required filming in Fiji and included a lengthy shoot that transformed both the actor and the character. Remembering that experience, Hanks described it as “bold adventures,” adding, “We were out in the middle of the ocean trying to grab shots. We were out in Fiji and my whole family was with me. Nothing but adventures every single day.”