With the release of Here, which marks a reunion between Tom Hanks and director Robert Zemeckis, there’s no better time to look back at the roles that have made Hanks one of Hollywood’s most beloved actors.
From intense dramas to heartfelt comedies, Hanks has spent decades crafting characters that resonate deeply with audiences worldwide. Join us as we revisit ten of the actor’s most unforgettable performances; a career defined by versatility, emotional depth, and a knack for capturing the human spirit.
Forrest Gump (Forrest Gump, 1994)
In what became one of his most iconic roles, Hanks stars as Forrest Gump, a gentle-hearted, simple-minded man whose life journey intersects with numerous pivotal moments in American history. Through Hanks’ Oscar-winning portrayal, Forrest becomes a symbol of optimism and resilience, with his unwavering sincerity and unaffected charm creating a character that feels both timeless and universally relatable. His performance not only brought the character’s innocence and depth to life but also solidified Forrest as a beloved figure in cinema history.
Captain John H. Miller (Saving Private Ryan, 1998)
Steven Spielberg’s harrowing WWII epic casts Hanks as Captain John H. Miller, a battle-weary officer assigned to lead a rescue mission into enemy territory. Hanks’ portrayal of Miller brings forth the character’s quiet strength and vulnerability, expertly balancing the hardened soldier with the compassionate leader. His intense performance, especially during the Omaha Beach landing, underscores the sacrifices made by soldiers, grounding the film’s larger war narrative in personal emotion and haunting realism.
Chuck Noland (Cast Away, 2000)
In Cast Away, Hanks takes on the challenging role of Chuck Noland, a FedEx employee stranded on a deserted island after a plane crash. The role is a near-solo performance, demanding an emotional intensity and physical transformation that Hanks delivers with skill and vulnerability. His gradual evolution from despair to resourcefulness captures the depths of human endurance, making Chuck’s journey of survival feel raw and unfiltered. Hanks’ commitment to the role earned him critical acclaim, showcasing his capacity to command the screen in isolation.
Jim Lovell (Apollo 13, 1995)
Portraying real-life astronaut Jim Lovell, Hanks delivers a captivating performance in Apollo 13, a film that recounts the harrowing events of NASA’s failed 1970 lunar mission. Hanks portrays Lovell with stoic courage and calm leadership, grounding the high-stakes, life-and-death situation in a moving depiction of human resilience. His performance, which balances intellect with emotional gravitas, helps drive the film’s tension, turning Lovell’s resolve and optimism into one of Hanks’ most inspiring character portrayals.
Josh Baskin (Big, 1988)
Hanks’ first Academy Award nomination came with Big, in which he plays Josh Baskin, a 13-year-old boy magically transformed into an adult’s body. Hanks brings a playful innocence to the role, portraying Josh’s childlike wonder with effortless charm. His joyous dance on the FAO Schwarz piano remains one of the film’s most memorable scenes, capturing the spirit of a child’s unfiltered joy and fascination. Hanks’ performance showcases his unique ability to inhabit characters with depth and humour, making Josh Baskin both relatable and endearing.
Andrew Beckett (Philadelphia, 1993)
In Philadelphia, Hanks delivers a deeply moving performance as Andrew Beckett, a lawyer fighting wrongful dismissal after being diagnosed with AIDS. Portraying Beckett with quiet strength and vulnerability, Hanks reveals the character’s pain, dignity, and courage as he battles both the illness and prejudice. His performance, which earned him his first Academy Award, highlights the discrimination faced by AIDS patients and underscored the humanity of those affected, making it one of his most socially impactful roles.
Woody (Toy Story franchise)
As the voice of dedicated cowboy toy Woody, Hanks brought warmth and complexity to a character beloved by audiences of all ages. Over the course of the Toy Story series, Hanks imbued Woody with loyalty, courage, and a vulnerability that resonated beyond animation. His portrayal of Woody’s loyalty to Andy and the other toys is filled with emotion, creating a character whose personal growth and enduring friendships make him one of the most cherished animated characters in film history.
Richard Phillips (Captain Phillips, 2013)
In Captain Phillips, Hanks stars as the titular captain whose ship is hijacked by Somali pirates. His portrayal captures Phillips’ fear, strength, and vulnerability in the face of danger, delivering a harrowing and tension-filled performance. In the film’s final moments, Hanks’ raw depiction of trauma and relief is both heart-wrenching and unforgettable, a testament to his talent for capturing human emotion in its most intense forms. His work in Captain Phillips is a standout, embodying resilience under unimaginable stress.
Michael Sullivan (Road to Perdition, 2002)
Road to Perdition sees Hanks stepping into the role of Michael Sullivan, a hitman seeking redemption and justice after a tragedy strikes his family. In this stylised noir, Hanks sheds his usual warmth to portray a man driven by revenge, tackling the character’s darker layers with subtlety and intensity. His portrayal of Sullivan’s inner conflict and longing for peace gives the film a sombre tone, showing a compelling side of Hanks as he navigates themes of violence, loyalty, and fatherhood.
Sam Baldwin (Sleepless in Seattle, 1993)
In Sleepless in Seattle, Hanks stars as Sam Baldwin, a widowed father whose radio interview about his loneliness unexpectedly captures the heart of a woman across the country. Hanks’ portrayal of Sam is gentle, humorous, and full of warmth, capturing the nuances of grief and the cautious journey of opening oneself to love again. His chemistry with co-star Meg Ryan, though they share few scenes together, is undeniable, making this film a classic of the romantic comedy genre.
