From lighthearted comedies to emotional dramas and gripping thrillers, Tom Hanks has done it all. He’s the everyman audiences root for, a reliable presence on screen who brings honesty, warmth, and depth to every role. Whether he’s stranded on an island, commanding a WWII mission, or voicing a beloved toy, Hanks always delivers.
To celebrate his birthday, we’re revisiting ten of his most iconic films. These are the roles that helped define his legacy, earned critical acclaim, and reminded us why Tom Hanks remains one of the most respected and beloved actors in the world.
Forrest Gump (1994)
Source: IMDb
Tom Hanks won his second consecutive Oscar for playing Forrest, a simple man whose life intersects with some of America’s most significant events. His tender, layered performance turned this into an instant classic.
Saving Private Ryan (1998)
Source: IMDb
As Captain Miller, Hanks brought quiet strength and vulnerability to Steven Spielberg’s brutal and emotional WWII epic. The role is one of his most commanding and human.
Cast Away (2000)
Source: IMDb
Hanks carried nearly the entire film solo, turning a deserted island survival story into a deeply emotional journey. His physical transformation and raw performance were unforgettable.
Philadelphia (1993)
Source: IMDb
This groundbreaking film earned Hanks his first Oscar, portraying a lawyer battling both AIDS and discrimination. It was a bold, compassionate role that helped shift public awareness.
Big (1988)
Source: IMDb
The film that made Hanks a star. Playing a boy in a grown man’s body, he nailed the physical comedy and innocence, creating a character that remains one of his most beloved.
Apollo 13 (1995)
Source: IMDb
In this tense space drama based on true events, Hanks led the ensemble with calm authority and emotional depth, proving once again he could anchor a high-stakes story.
Toy Story (1995)
Source: IMDb
Voicing Woody in Pixar’s first feature, Hanks brought warmth, humor, and heart to a cowboy doll. He turned an animated character into one of the most iconic roles of his career.
The Green Mile (1999)
Source: IMDb
In this supernatural prison drama, Hanks played a compassionate death row guard witnessing miracles and tragedy. His performance grounded the film’s fantasy elements in real emotion.
Captain Phillips (2013)
Source: IMDb
As the titular cargo ship captain held hostage by Somali pirates, Hanks delivered one of his most intense performances—especially in the raw, emotional final scene.
A League of Their Own (1992)
Source: IMDb
Hanks flexed his comedic muscles as a washed-up baseball manager in this beloved sports dramedy. His grumpy-yet-lovable character gave us one of cinema’s most quoted lines: “There’s no crying in baseball!”
