Tom Hanks 61-Film Career: From “He Knows You’re Alone” To “The Phoenician Scheme”

Tom Hanks is one of Hollywood’s most beloved and enduring stars, with a career spanning over four decades. He has become a cultural icon, often referred to as ‘America’s Dad’ for his affable demeanor and his frequent portrayal of decent, ordinary men in extraordinary circumstances. His journey began in television and lighthearted comedies, where his natural charm and comedic timing quickly made him a recognizable face.

Over the years, Hanks masterfully transitioned from a comedic actor to a dramatic powerhouse, earning numerous accolades, including consecutive Academy Awards for Best Actor. His filmography is a remarkable collection of box-office hits and critically acclaimed dramas, showcasing a range and consistency that few actors ever achieve. From voicing a beloved cowboy doll to commanding troops on D-Day, he has created a gallery of unforgettable characters that have left a lasting mark on audiences worldwide.

He Knows You’re Alone (1980)

In his feature film debut, Tom Hanks made a brief appearance in this slasher horror film. The story centers on a young bride-to-be who is stalked by a relentless killer who targets women on the verge of marriage. It follows the classic formula of the genre that was popular at the time, building suspense as the killer closes in on his next victim.

Hanks played Elliot, a psychology student who crosses paths with the main character. His role is small but memorable as he philosophizes about the nature of fear, providing a moment of levity and intellectual discussion amidst the terror. It was a humble beginning that offered just a hint of the charisma that would later define his career.

Splash (1984)

This fantasy romantic comedy was the film that truly launched Tom Hanks into stardom. He played Allen Bauer, a man who, as a boy, was saved from drowning by a young mermaid. Twenty years later, he is a frustrated small business owner who falls in love with a beautiful woman named Madison, unaware that she is the same mermaid from his past.

The film was a massive critical and commercial success, praised for its sweet-natured humor and heartfelt romance. Hanks’ portrayal of the lovestruck and utterly bewildered Allen was perfect, establishing his on-screen persona as a relatable everyman. His chemistry with co-star Daryl Hannah was a key ingredient in the movie’s enchanting appeal.

Bachelor Party (1984)

Showcasing his early comedic talents, Hanks starred as Rick Gassko, a charming school bus driver about to get married. To celebrate his last night of freedom, his friends throw him a wild and chaotic bachelor party. The situation quickly spirals out of control, testing Rick’s commitment to his fiancée.

The movie is a classic 1980s raucous comedy, filled with slapstick gags and over-the-top situations. Hanks brings his signature charm to the lead role, making Rick a likable and sympathetic character even amidst the debauchery. It solidified his reputation as a capable comedic lead.

The Man with One Red Shoe (1985)

In this spy comedy, Hanks plays Richard Harlan Drew, an ordinary concert violinist who is randomly singled out by the CIA. Because he happens to be wearing one red shoe, he is mistaken for a spy, and his life is turned upside down as various agents begin to follow, bug, and attempt to assassinate him.

The film is a remake of a French movie and relies on mistaken identity for its humor. Hanks excels as the bewildered innocent caught in a web of espionage he doesn’t understand. His performance is a highlight in a fun, if somewhat convoluted, comedic adventure.

Volunteers (1985)

Set in 1962, this comedy features Hanks as Lawrence Whatley Bourne III, a spoiled Yale graduate who joins the Peace Corps to escape a gambling debt. He is sent to Thailand, where his preppy, self-centered attitude clashes with the idealistic mission of his fellow volunteers and the realities of life in a remote village.

The film reunites Hanks with his ‘Bosom Buddies’ co-star John Candy and features his future wife, Rita Wilson. It’s a lighthearted satire that pokes fun at class differences and an entitled worldview. Hanks’ portrayal of the snobbish but ultimately changed Lawrence is a key part of the movie’s comedic charm.

The Money Pit (1986)

Hanks stars alongside Shelley Long in this slapstick comedy about a young couple who buy what they believe is their dream house. They soon discover the house is a crumbling wreck, and their attempts to renovate it lead to one disaster after another, hilariously straining their finances and their relationship.

Hanks plays Walter Fielding, Jr., a lawyer for a rock band, whose sanity is pushed to the limit by the never-ending home repairs. The film is famous for its elaborate and destructive physical comedy gags. Hanks’ frantic and increasingly desperate performance is a classic example of his early comedic work.

Nothing in Common (1986)

In a role that signaled his move toward more dramatic work, Hanks plays David Basner, a successful and self-absorbed advertising executive. His carefree life is disrupted when his parents announce they are divorcing after 36 years of marriage, forcing him to reconnect with his aging and difficult father.

The film is a comedy-drama that balances humor with genuinely touching moments about family responsibility and reconciliation. Hanks delivers a more layered performance, showing his ability to handle both funny and poignant material. It was a crucial step in his evolution as an actor.

Every Time We Say Goodbye (1986)

Hanks plays David Bradley, a wounded American pilot in the Royal Air Force stationed in Jerusalem during World War II. While recovering, he falls in love with a young woman from a conservative Sephardic Jewish family. Their romance is forbidden due to their different religious and cultural backgrounds.

This romantic drama showcases a more serious and romantic side of Hanks. The film explores themes of love, prejudice, and cultural clashes against the backdrop of war. It is a more traditional romance that stands out among the comedies he was making at the time.

Dragnet (1987)

In this comedic homage to the classic police procedural, Hanks stars as Detective Pep Streebek, the wisecracking and street-smart new partner of the rigid and by-the-book Joe Friday. The mismatched duo investigates a series of bizarre cult-related crimes happening across Los Angeles.

Hanks provides the perfect modern counterpoint to his co-star Dan Aykroyd’s straight-laced character. His performance is full of energy and humor, and the chemistry between the two leads is the heart of the film. The movie successfully satirizes buddy-cop conventions while paying tribute to its source material.

Big (1988)

This beloved fantasy-comedy earned Hanks his first Academy Award nomination for Best Actor. He plays Josh Baskin, a 12-year-old boy who makes a wish to be “big” and wakes up the next morning in the body of a 30-year-old man. He must then navigate the adult world, including getting a job at a toy company and falling into a romance.

Hanks’ performance is masterful, perfectly capturing the innocence, wonder, and confusion of a child trapped in an adult’s body. His famous scene playing ‘Heart and Soul’ on a giant floor piano is one of cinema’s most iconic moments. The film is a charming and heartfelt classic that cemented his status as a major star.

Punchline (1988)

Hanks plays Steven Gold, a gifted but self-destructive stand-up comedian. He is a medical school dropout who struggles with his personal life while trying to make it in the competitive world of comedy clubs. He forms a complicated friendship and rivalry with a housewife who is also trying to become a comedian.

This film offered Hanks another opportunity to blend comedy with serious drama. His portrayal of Steven is complex, showing the anger and vulnerability behind the jokes. It’s a compelling look at the personalities and pressures involved in the world of stand-up comedy.

The ‘Burbs (1989)

In this dark comedy, Hanks plays Ray Peterson, a suburbanite who decides to spend his vacation at home. His peaceful week is disrupted when a mysterious and reclusive new family, the Klopeks, moves in next door. Ray and his neighbors become convinced the newcomers are part of a murderous cult.

The film satirizes suburban life and paranoia, as Ray’s suspicion leads him and his friends down a rabbit hole of hilarious and increasingly dangerous investigations. Hanks is the perfect anchor for the film, playing the relatable everyman whose curiosity gets the better of him.

Turner & Hooch (1989)

Hanks stars as Detective Scott Turner, a meticulously neat and orderly police investigator. His life is turned upside down when he is forced to adopt Hooch, a large and slobbery dog who is the only witness to his owner’s murder. The man-and-dog duo must learn to coexist to solve the crime.

This buddy-cop comedy, with a canine twist, was a box office success. The comedic chemistry between the uptight Hanks and the chaotic dog is the film’s main draw. It’s a charming and funny movie that further solidified Hanks’ reputation as a lovable leading man.

Joe Versus the Volcano (1990)

In this quirky and stylized romantic comedy, Hanks plays Joe Banks, a downtrodden man working a miserable factory job. After being diagnosed with a terminal “brain cloud,” he accepts an offer from a wealthy industrialist to live like a king for a few weeks and then sacrifice himself by jumping into a volcano on a remote island.

The film is a unique and allegorical fairy tale about finding the courage to truly live. Hanks plays Joe with a sense of wonder and despair, and the film is notable for having his co-star, Meg Ryan, play three different characters he meets on his journey. It has since become a cult classic.

The Bonfire of the Vanities (1990)

Hanks plays Sherman McCoy, a wealthy Wall Street “Master of the Universe” whose life spirals out of control after he’s involved in a hit-and-run accident in the Bronx. The incident becomes a media sensation, exploited by journalists, politicians, and community leaders for their own gain.

The film is a satirical look at the greed, ambition, and social tensions of 1980s New York City. Based on the bestselling novel, the movie was a high-profile project that ultimately struggled to connect with audiences and critics. Hanks’ role was a departure, casting him as a less sympathetic, privileged character at the center of a social storm.

Radio Flyer (1992)

In this drama, Hanks serves as the narrator and appears as the adult version of the main character, Mike. The film tells the story of two young brothers who try to escape their abusive stepfather by building a flying machine, the “Radio Flyer,” in the hopes of flying away to safety.

The movie blends childhood fantasy with the harsh reality of domestic abuse. While Hanks’ on-screen time is limited, his narration provides the story’s frame and its reflective, grown-up perspective. It’s a poignant and imaginative film that deals with difficult subject matter.

A League of Their Own (1992)

Hanks plays Jimmy Dugan, a former baseball star whose drinking problem ended his career. He becomes the cynical and reluctant manager of the Rockford Peaches, a team in the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League, which was formed during World War II.

Initially dismissive of his team, Jimmy slowly rediscovers his love for the game and comes to respect the talent and determination of his players. Hanks’ performance is one of his most iconic, and his line, ‘There’s no crying in baseball!’, has become legendary. The film is a beloved classic that celebrates a unique chapter in sports history.

Sleepless in Seattle (1993)

Reuniting with Meg Ryan, Hanks stars as Sam Baldwin, a grieving widower who moves to Seattle with his young son, Jonah, after his wife’s death. On Christmas Eve, Jonah calls a national radio talk show and says his Christmas wish is for his dad to find a new wife. Thousands of women across the country, including an engaged journalist named Annie Reed, are touched by the story.

The film is a classic romantic comedy known for its clever premise, where the two romantic leads barely share any screen time together until the final scene. Hanks’ portrayal of the heartbroken but decent Sam is incredibly charming and sympathetic. The movie’s climax at the top of the Empire State Building is one of modern cinema’s most memorable romantic moments.

Philadelphia (1993)

In a role that won him his first Academy Award for Best Actor, Hanks plays Andrew Beckett, a brilliant senior associate at a prestigious Philadelphia law firm. When his bosses discover he is gay and has AIDS, they fire him. Beckett teams up with a homophobic personal injury lawyer to sue his former employers for discrimination.

Hanks’ performance was a landmark, bringing a mainstream audience to a powerful and compassionate story about the AIDS crisis at a time when it was still a highly stigmatized subject. He famously lost a significant amount of weight to portray the physical decline of his character. The film is a moving and important piece of cinema.

Forrest Gump (1994)

Winning his second consecutive Oscar for Best Actor, Hanks delivered one of his most iconic performances as Forrest Gump. The film follows the life of a kind-hearted but slow-witted man from Alabama who unwittingly influences some of the most important historical events of the 20th century, all while longing for his childhood sweetheart, Jenny.

The movie was a cultural phenomenon and a massive box-office success. Hanks’ portrayal of Forrest is endearing and unforgettable, capturing the character’s simple wisdom and unwavering optimism. The film’s blend of humor, heart, and innovative special effects made it one of the most celebrated movies of its decade.

Apollo 13 (1995)

Hanks stars as astronaut Jim Lovell in this gripping drama based on the true story of the ill-fated Apollo 13 lunar mission. When an on-board explosion cripples their spacecraft, Lovell and his crew must work with Mission Control in a desperate race against time to return safely to Earth.

The film is a tense and inspiring tribute to the ingenuity and courage of the astronauts and the ground crew. Hanks provides a calm and commanding center as the mission’s commander, perfectly capturing the “failure is not an option” spirit. His line, “Houston, we have a problem,” became an iconic quote.

Toy Story (1995)

Hanks gave voice to one of the most beloved animated characters of all time, Sheriff Woody, in this groundbreaking computer-animated film. Woody is a pull-string cowboy doll and the favorite toy of a young boy named Andy. His position as leader of the toys is threatened when Andy receives a flashy new Buzz Lightyear space ranger action figure.

The film was a revolution in animation and a massive success with both kids and adults. Hanks’ voice work as Woody is brilliant, perfectly conveying the doll’s pride, jealousy, and eventual heroism. The friendship between Woody and Buzz is the heart of a story that has spawned a hugely successful franchise.

That Thing You Do! (1996)

Hanks made his directorial and screenwriting debut with this charming musical-comedy, in which he also co-stars. The film follows the meteoric rise and fall of The Wonders, a fictional one-hit-wonder rock band from Pennsylvania in the 1960s. Their catchy tune, ‘That Thing You Do!’, takes them from a local talent show to national stardom.

Hanks plays Mr. White, the savvy and professional A&R man from Play-Tone Records who signs the band. His character serves as a mentor and a guide through the whirlwind world of the music industry. The film is a fun and affectionate look at a bygone era of pop music.

Saving Private Ryan (1998)

In this powerful and influential war film, Hanks plays Captain John H. Miller, a U.S. Army Rangers captain. Following the D-Day landings at Normandy, Miller is tasked with leading a small squad of soldiers behind enemy lines to find and bring home Private James Ryan, whose three brothers have already been killed in action.

The film is renowned for its shockingly realistic and visceral depiction of combat, particularly its opening 27-minute sequence depicting the Omaha Beach landing. Hanks gives a masterful performance as the weary and decent leader, trying to make sense of his mission while holding his squad together. It is widely regarded as one of the greatest war films ever made.

You’ve Got Mail (1998)

This film marked the third romantic pairing of Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan. They play Joe Fox and Kathleen Kelly, rival bookstore owners in New York City who dislike each other in real life. Unbeknownst to them, they have been carrying on an anonymous and affectionate romance online.

The movie is a charming update of the classic story ‘The Shop Around the Corner’ for the digital age. Hanks plays the head of a giant corporate bookstore chain who threatens to put Ryan’s small, independent shop out of business. Their witty email exchanges and eventual real-life connection make for a delightful and beloved romantic comedy.

Toy Story 2 (1999)

Hanks returned as the voice of Sheriff Woody in this highly anticipated sequel. The story takes an emotional turn when Woody is stolen by a greedy toy collector. While Buzz Lightyear and the other toys mount a rescue mission, Woody discovers his past as a valuable collectible from a popular 1950s puppet show and is tempted by the idea of a life of admired immortality in a museum.

The film was praised for being even richer and more emotionally resonant than the original. It explores themes of loyalty, purpose, and abandonment. Hanks once again delivers a pitch-perfect vocal performance, beautifully capturing Woody’s internal conflict and his ultimate devotion to his friends.

The Green Mile (1999)

Hanks plays Paul Edgecomb, a death row corrections officer at a Southern prison in the 1930s. The film is told in flashback as an elderly Paul recounts his experiences with a remarkable inmate named John Coffey, a gentle giant with supernatural healing powers who has been convicted of a brutal crime.

Based on the Stephen King novel, the film is a powerful and emotional supernatural drama. Hanks provides the moral center of the story as a decent man who begins to question his role in the justice system after witnessing what he believes to be miracles. His performance is full of compassion and gravity.

Cast Away (2000)

In one of his most demanding roles, Hanks plays Chuck Noland, a time-obsessed FedEx systems analyst who is the sole survivor of a plane crash. He washes up on a deserted island and must learn to survive, with his only companion being a volleyball he names Wilson.

Hanks underwent a dramatic physical transformation for the role, first gaining weight and then losing over 50 pounds to portray Chuck’s four years of isolation. The film is a tour de force of acting, with Hanks carrying long stretches of the movie entirely on his own. His performance earned him another Academy Award nomination.

Road to Perdition (2002)

Set in the 1930s, this stylish crime drama features Hanks as Michael Sullivan, Sr., an enforcer for an Irish mob boss in Illinois. When his son witnesses one of his hits, it sets off a chain of events that leads to betrayal and forces Sullivan and his son to go on the run.

This role was a significant departure for Hanks, casting him as a dark and violent anti-hero. He brings a quiet intensity and gravitas to the character of a professional killer who is also a devoted father seeking vengeance and redemption. The film is known for its stunning cinematography.

Catch Me If You Can (2002)

Hanks plays Carl Hanratty, a determined and serious FBI agent who relentlessly pursues a brilliant young con artist named Frank Abagnale Jr. The film is based on the true story of Abagnale, who successfully posed as a pilot, a doctor, and a lawyer, all before his 19th birthday.

The movie is a fun and stylish cat-and-mouse game. Hanks provides the perfect straight-man foil to Leonardo DiCaprio’s charming rogue. Hanratty becomes an unlikely father figure to Frank, and their long-distance relationship is the heart of this entertaining and energetic film.

The Ladykillers (2004)

In this dark comedy from the Coen Brothers, Hanks plays Professor G.H. Dorr, a flamboyant and eccentric Southern gentleman who puts together a crew of inept criminals. They plan to rob a riverboat casino by tunneling through the cellar of an unsuspecting elderly landlady.

Hanks’ performance is delightfully over-the-top, with a unique accent and mannered speech. He is almost unrecognizable as the verbose and seemingly charming criminal mastermind whose plan goes comically awry. The film is a quirky and stylized remake of a classic British comedy.

The Terminal (2004)

Hanks stars as Viktor Navorski, a man from a fictional Eastern European country who arrives at New York’s JFK Airport. He discovers that a military coup has occurred in his homeland, rendering his passport invalid. Unable to enter the United States or return home, he is forced to live in the airport terminal indefinitely.

Inspired by a true story, the film is a gentle and charming comedy-drama. Hanks gives a wonderfully endearing performance as the resourceful and optimistic Viktor, who builds a new life for himself within the confines of the terminal, making friends and even finding romance.

The Polar Express (2004)

In this visually innovative animated Christmas film, Hanks took on multiple roles using performance capture technology. He voices and provides the motion capture for the Conductor, the main character Hero Boy as an adult, his father, a mysterious hobo, Scrooge, and Santa Claus.

The story follows a young boy who doubts the existence of Santa Claus and is taken on a magical train ride to the North Pole on Christmas Eve. Hanks’ warm and authoritative voice as the Conductor guides the audience through the enchanting and adventurous journey. The film has become a modern holiday classic.

The Da Vinci Code (2006)

Hanks brought the character of Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon to the screen in this blockbuster thriller based on the bestselling novel by Dan Brown. After a curator is murdered inside the Louvre Museum, Langdon becomes the prime suspect and must unravel a series of ancient clues to solve the crime and uncover a religious conspiracy that could shake the foundations of Christianity.

The film was a massive international box office hit, despite some controversy. Hanks embodies the intellectual and resourceful professor who is constantly on the run, piecing together a historical puzzle. It was the first film in a successful trilogy starring Hanks as Langdon.

Charlie Wilson’s War (2007)

Based on a true story, this political comedy-drama stars Hanks as Charlie Wilson, a hard-partying Texas congressman in the 1980s. With the help of a rebellious CIA operative and a wealthy Houston socialite, Wilson orchestrates a massive covert operation to supply Afghan freedom fighters with the weapons they need to defeat the Soviet Union.

Hanks perfectly captures the charm and political savvy of the flamboyant congressman. The film is a witty and intelligent look at how a few unlikely individuals can change the course of history. It features sharp dialogue and stellar performances from its entire cast.

The Great Buck Howard (2009)

Hanks plays a small but significant role as Mr. Gable in this comedy-drama. The story focuses on a young man who drops out of law school to become the road manager for a washed-up mentalist named Buck Howard. Hanks’ character is the disapproving father of the young man, who cannot understand his son’s career choices.

The film is a heartfelt story about following one’s passion. Hanks’ presence in the movie is notable as it was produced by his own production company, and his son, Colin Hanks, plays the lead role, adding a layer of personal connection to the father-son dynamic in the story.

Angels & Demons (2009)

Hanks reprised his role as Professor Robert Langdon in this sequel to ‘The Da Vinci Code’. This time, Langdon is summoned to the Vatican to help solve the murder of a physicist and prevent a terrorist attack by the Illuminati, a secret society seeking revenge against the Catholic Church.

The film is a fast-paced thriller that sends Langdon on another race against time through Rome, deciphering ancient symbols and navigating deadly catacombs. Hanks once again anchors the film as the brilliant academic caught in a high-stakes adventure.

Toy Story 3 (2010)

Hanks returned as the voice of Sheriff Woody in what many thought would be the final chapter of the series. With their owner, Andy, now grown up and heading off to college, the toys are accidentally donated to a daycare center. They must contend with a tyrannical teddy bear who runs the daycare like a prison and face the poignant reality that their time with Andy is over.

The film was a massive critical and commercial success, celebrated for its humor, adventure, and deeply emotional conclusion. It deals with themes of change, moving on, and the bittersweet nature of growing up. Hanks’ voice work is central to the film’s powerful emotional impact, earning it an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.

Larry Crowne (2011)

Hanks directed, co-wrote, and starred in this romantic comedy. He plays the titular character, a cheerful and dedicated middle-aged man who is unexpectedly fired from his big-box retail job. He decides to reinvent himself by enrolling in a local community college, where he develops a crush on his jaded public speaking teacher.

The film is a lighthearted and optimistic story about second chances. Hanks brings his signature everyman charm to the role of a man determined to stay positive in the face of adversity. It’s a sweet and gentle movie about finding a new direction in life.

Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close (2011)

In this emotional drama, Hanks plays Thomas Schell Jr., the father of a brilliant and eccentric young boy named Oskar. The story is told from Oskar’s perspective after his father dies in the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. A year later, Oskar finds a mysterious key in his father’s closet and embarks on a journey across New York City to find the lock it opens.

Hanks appears in flashbacks as the loving and inventive father who created elaborate scavenger hunts to help his son engage with the world. Though his screen time is limited, his presence is felt throughout the entire film. His character represents the profound loss at the heart of the story.

Cloud Atlas (2012)

In this ambitious and complex science fiction film, Hanks plays six different characters across six interconnected storylines spanning centuries. His roles range from a greedy 19th-century doctor to a tribal survivor in a post-apocalyptic future. The film explores how the actions of individuals can ripple through time and impact one another.

The movie is a sweeping epic that defies easy categorization, blending different genres and philosophical ideas. Hanks’ multiple performances showcase his incredible versatility as an actor, transforming physically and vocally for each distinct part. It is one of the most unique and artistically daring projects of his career.

Captain Phillips (2013)

Hanks delivered a powerful, critically acclaimed performance as Captain Richard Phillips, the real-life captain of a cargo ship hijacked by Somali pirates. The film is a tense and gripping thriller that documents the hijacking and Phillips’s ordeal as he is taken hostage in a small lifeboat.

The movie is a visceral and realistic depiction of the event, and Hanks’ performance was praised for its intensity and emotional depth. His portrayal of Phillips in the final scenes, depicting the raw shock and trauma after his rescue, is considered some of the finest acting of his career and earned him numerous award nominations.

Saving Mr. Banks (2013)

Hanks took on the daunting task of portraying one of the most famous figures in entertainment history: Walt Disney. The film tells the story of Disney’s 20-year effort to persuade the cantankerous author P.L. Travers to sell him the movie rights to her beloved book, ‘Mary Poppins’.

The movie focuses on the contentious creative battle between the optimistic Disney and the stubborn Travers. Hanks captures the charm, showmanship, and steely determination of the entertainment mogul. It’s a fascinating look at the difficult birth of a cinematic classic.

Bridge of Spies (2015)

In this Cold War historical drama, Hanks plays James B. Donovan, an American insurance lawyer. He is recruited by the CIA to defend an arrested Soviet spy in court and then to negotiate a prisoner exchange for a captured American pilot.

Based on a true story, the film is a tense and intelligent thriller that celebrates diplomacy and integrity. Hanks gives a masterful performance as the principled and courageous Donovan, a man who believes everyone deserves a defense, even at great personal risk.

A Hologram for the King (2016)

Hanks stars as Alan Clay, a washed-up American businessman who travels to Saudi Arabia to sell a holographic teleconferencing system to the king. Facing financial ruin and a personal crisis, Alan finds himself in a foreign culture, waiting endlessly for a meeting that may never happen.

The film is a wry and gentle comedy-drama about a man adrift in a strange new world. Hanks delivers a poignant performance as a man searching for a second chance and finding unexpected connections along the way.

Sully (2016)

Hanks portrays Captain Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger in this drama based on the “Miracle on the Hudson.” The film recounts how Sully successfully landed a disabled passenger jet on the Hudson River, saving all 155 people on board. It also focuses on the subsequent investigation that questioned his actions and threatened his reputation.

Hanks gives a quiet and powerful performance, capturing the calm professionalism and inner turmoil of the heroic pilot. The film is a tribute to competence and grace under pressure and celebrates a rare moment of good news that captivated the nation.

Inferno (2016)

Hanks returned for his third and final outing as Professor Robert Langdon. In this installment, Langdon wakes up in an Italian hospital with amnesia. He must team up with a doctor to recover his memories and stop a madman from unleashing a global plague connected to Dante’s ‘Inferno’.

The film is another high-stakes thriller that sends Langdon on a frantic chase across Europe. It combines the familiar elements of puzzle-solving and historical intrigue that fans of the series had come to expect, with Hanks once again at the center of the action.

The Circle (2017)

In this technological thriller, Hanks plays Eamon Bailey, the charismatic and visionary co-founder of a powerful tech and social media company called The Circle. The company preaches the gospel of complete transparency, believing that all human experience should be recorded and shared.

Hanks’ character is an idealistic but ominous figure, a sort of modern-day tech guru whose utopian vision has dystopian implications. It was a different kind of role for him, portraying a character whose charm masks a more unsettling agenda about privacy and control.

The Post (2017)

Hanks stars as Ben Bradlee, the gruff and determined executive editor of The Washington Post in the 1970s. The film tells the true story of how the newspaper’s publisher and editor risked their careers and their freedom to publish the Pentagon Papers, classified documents that revealed government lies about the Vietnam War.

The movie is a timely and gripping drama about the importance of a free press. Hanks’ portrayal of the hard-driving and principled Bradlee is a highlight, and his dynamic with Meryl Streep as publisher Katharine Graham is central to the film’s power.

Toy Story 4 (2019)

In what many consider the true final chapter for Woody, Hanks once again voiced the iconic cowboy. When Bonnie, the toys’ new owner, creates a new favorite toy out of a spork named Forky, Woody takes it upon himself to keep the existentially confused Forky from throwing himself away. A road trip adventure leads Woody to a reunion with an old friend and a difficult choice about his own future.

The film is another emotional and beautifully animated installment in the beloved series. It serves as a poignant epilogue for Woody’s character arc, exploring themes of purpose, loyalty, and letting go. Hanks’ final recording sessions for the role were reportedly very emotional.

A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood (2019)

Hanks earned another Oscar nomination for his uncanny portrayal of Fred Rogers, the beloved children’s television host. The film is not a traditional biopic but instead tells the story of a cynical journalist who is assigned to write a profile on Mr. Rogers and finds his perspective on life transformed by his encounters with the gentle and empathetic icon.

Hanks perfectly captures the voice, mannerisms, and profound kindness of Fred Rogers. His performance is a warm and subtle tribute to a man who taught generations of children about empathy and acceptance. The film is a moving exploration of kindness and forgiveness.

Greyhound (2020)

Hanks wrote the screenplay and starred in this tense World War II naval thriller. He plays Commander Ernest Krause, a first-time captain leading an international convoy of supply ships across the treacherous North Atlantic. For days, the convoy is stalked and attacked by a wolfpack of German U-boats.

The film is a taut and focused procedural, spending most of its runtime in the heat of battle on the ship’s bridge. Hanks gives a commanding performance as the steadfast but weary captain, burdened by the immense responsibility of keeping thousands of men safe.

News of the World (2020)

In this Western drama, Hanks plays Captain Jefferson Kyle Kidd, a Civil War veteran who now travels from town to town reading the news to local communities. He is tasked with transporting a young girl, who was raised by a Native American tribe, across the harsh Texas landscape to her surviving relatives.

The film is a classic journey story about two lost souls who form an unlikely bond. Hanks delivers a warm and grounded performance as a man who has seen the divisions of the world and now seeks to bring people together through stories.

Finch (2021)

In this post-apocalyptic science fiction drama, Hanks plays Finch Weinberg, a robotics engineer and one of the last men on Earth. Dying from a terminal illness, he builds a robot to take care of his beloved dog after he’s gone. The three of them embark on a perilous journey across the American West.

For much of the film, Hanks is the only human actor on screen, sharing his scenes with a dog and a robot. It is a touching and character-driven story about love, mortality, and what it means to be human, anchored by a poignant and heartfelt performance from Hanks.

Elvis (2022)

Hanks took on a rare villainous role in this dazzling musical biopic, playing Colonel Tom Parker, the manipulative and greedy manager of Elvis Presley. The story is told from Parker’s unreliable perspective, chronicling his discovery of Elvis and his controlling grip on the rock and roll legend’s life and career.

Wearing heavy prosthetics and adopting a strange accent, Hanks is almost unrecognizable. His performance as the carnival-barker-turned-manager is unsettling and complex, providing a dark counterpoint to the vibrant energy of Elvis’s story. It was a bold and divisive performance.

Pinocchio (2022)

In this live-action adaptation of the Disney animated classic, Hanks portrays Geppetto, the kind and lonely woodcarver who creates a puppet that magically comes to life. He makes a wish upon a star for Pinocchio to become a real boy, setting in motion a grand adventure.

Hanks brings his signature warmth and heart to the role of the loving father figure. He embodies the gentle spirit of the character, whose greatest desire is to have a son. The film reunites him with director Robert Zemeckis for a new take on a timeless tale.

A Man Called Otto (2022)

Hanks stars as Otto Anderson, a grumpy and isolated widower who has given up on life following the death of his wife. His meticulous and solitary routine is constantly disrupted when a lively young family moves in next door, leading to an unlikely friendship that slowly begins to change his world.

The film is a heartwarming and often funny story about grief, community, and finding new reasons to live. Hanks skillfully portrays Otto’s journey from a cantankerous curmudgeon to a man who rediscovers connection and purpose.

Asteroid City (2023)

In this typically quirky and stylized film from director Wes Anderson, Hanks joins a large ensemble cast. He plays Stanley Zak, the estranged father-in-law of the film’s main character, a war photographer grieving the recent death of his wife. The story is set in a desert town in the 1950s during a Junior Stargazer convention that is spectacularly interrupted by a world-changing event.

Hanks’ role is part of a complex, play-within-a-television-show structure. He delivers a touching and understated performance as a man trying to connect with his grieving son-in-law and grandchildren, fitting perfectly into the director’s unique cinematic world.

Freaky Tales (2024)

Tom Hanks made a brief but memorable cameo appearance in this anthology film set in 1987 Oakland. The movie weaves together four interconnected stories involving punk rockers, rappers, and various street heroes. His appearance is a fun nod that adds another surprising credit to his long filmography.

His cameo as a video store employee is a small part of a larger, vibrant tapestry of stories. It shows his willingness to participate in unique and independent projects, lending his star power to support creative filmmaking.

Here (2024)

This innovative film reunites Tom Hanks with his ‘Forrest Gump’ director Robert Zemeckis and writer Eric Roth. The story takes place entirely within the confines of a single room and chronicles the many lives and events that unfold there over the course of centuries, from the past to the distant future.

Hanks plays Richard Young, one of the central characters whose life we follow in the room. The film uses groundbreaking de-aging and digital technology to allow him and his co-star, Robin Wright, to portray their characters at various stages of their lives. It’s an ambitious and experimental look at time, memory, and the human experience.

The Phoenician Scheme (2025)

Tom Hanks is slated to re-team with director Wes Anderson for ‘The Phoenician Scheme’, an anticipated spy adventure with a comedic twist. The story is expected to follow a character who runs an elaborate con, claiming to be the secret agent hero from a series of popular spy novels. His clever scheme takes a dangerous and unexpected turn when he is pulled into a genuine international conspiracy.

This project marks another exciting collaboration for Hanks, placing him once again within Anderson’s unique and stylized filmmaking world following their work on ‘Asteroid City’. Billed as a spy story with a darkly comedic edge, the film promises to be an intriguing addition to Hanks’s celebrated filmography, continuing his long-standing tradition of working with some of cinema’s most distinctive and acclaimed directors.

After looking back at this incredible journey through 61 films, which Tom Hanks character has resonated with you the most? Share your favorite performance in the comments below.