Top 10 Must-See Tom Hanks Movies

Bridge of Spies (2015) follows lawyer James Donovan (Tom Hanks), who, despite his background in insurance law and limited criminal case experience, is tasked by the CIA with defending Soviet spy Rudolph Abel. Donovan soon finds himself negotiating a pivotal prisoner exchange following the shooting down of an American U-2 spy plane over Soviet territory.

One of Hollywood's veteran actors, Tom Hanks delivers a standout performance. From his anxious pacing as he learns of Abel's situation, to his determined gaze braving the harsh German winter to seek justice, Hanks' portrayal is full of emotional depth. The somber moments when he must say goodbye to his client highlight his unwavering commitment to his principles.

IMDb Rating: 7.6

Tomatometer: 91%

Audience Rating: 87%

Captain Phillips (2013) is based on the true story that shocked America, marking the first time since the 19th century that a U.S. vessel (the Maersk Alabama) was successfully hijacked by pirates. What’s even more gripping is that Captain Phillips was taken hostage by four pirates who demanded a ransom, leading to a thrilling rescue operation.

The performances in this film are raw and authentic. Tom Hanks’ portrayal of the captain earned him an Oscar nomination for Best Actor in 2014. Audiences are so immersed in his character that they forget they are watching Hanks; instead, they see a seasoned, responsible captain. Every line he delivers, especially when held hostage, feels like a natural reaction to an unimaginable crisis.

IMDb Rating: 7.8

Tomatometer: 93%

Audience Rating: 89%

Charlie Wilson's War (2007) is based on a true story, recounting the controversial and turbulent life of Charlie Wilson, a Texas congressman. In the early 1980s, during the Cold War, Wilson persuaded the CIA to train and supply weapons to Afghan militants. This mission was backed by Joanne Herring, a savvy and beautiful woman with influential connections in both the U.S. and the Arab world. With the help of CIA agent Gust Avrakotos, Wilson's plan came to life, leading to an adventurous and politically charged journey.

Tom Hanks masterfully portrays the charming and intelligent Wilson, while Julia Roberts perfectly captures the elegance and shrewdness of Joanne Herring.

IMDb Rating: 7.0

Tomatometer: 92%

Audience Rating: 73%

The Terminal (2004) is one of Tom Hanks’ must-watch films, particularly if you're feeling down, as it may leave you with a renewed sense of appreciation for life—something few movies can achieve.

The story follows Viktor Navorski (Tom Hanks), a traveler from Eastern Europe who arrives in New York to get the autograph of a jazz musician to fulfill his late father’s wish. However, his home country is in the midst of a civil war, rendering his passport invalid. As a result, Viktor is stranded at the airport, declared a 'stateless' citizen, and forced to live in the terminal for months. During this time, he navigates the challenges of survival, from making money with a luggage cart to working construction.

The film features humorous situations, and Hanks’ performance is enough to win over audiences. Despite lacking expensive special effects or action-packed scenes, The Terminal grossed $219 million, thanks in large part to Hanks’ magnetic presence.

IMDb Rating: 7.4

Tomatometer: 61%

Audience Rating: 74%

Cast Away (2000) follows Chuck Noland (Tom Hanks), a FedEx systems analyst who survives a plane crash and washes up on a deserted island. Stranded and alone, Chuck must learn to survive for four years in isolation.

Cast Away is considered one of the pinnacle survival films, a modern-day take on the classic tale of Robinson Crusoe. Tom Hanks delivers an extraordinary performance in this role, showcasing a wide range of emotions and inner turmoil. His portrayal of an isolated man staring at the vast ocean, overwhelmed by loneliness, remains one of the most memorable cinematic moments. Hanks earned an Oscar nomination for Best Actor for this unforgettable performance.

IMDb Rating: 7.8

Tomatometer: 89%

Audience Rating: 84%

Forrest Gump (1994) is a timeless classic in Hollywood cinema.

Tom Hanks won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his portrayal of Forrest Gump, a kind-hearted man with a low IQ of 75 who seems to be guided by luck throughout his life. The film follows his remarkable journey, filled with humor and heartache, and offers profound lessons on life. As Forrest stumbles through major historical moments and interacts with iconic figures, the movie resonates with audiences on a deeply emotional level.

Thanks to Hanks' iconic performance, viewers experience the ups and downs of Forrest’s life, making it one of the most popular films in Hanks' career, grossing $677.9 million worldwide.

IMDb Rating: 8.8

Tomatometer: 70%

Audience Rating: 95%

Big tells the story of a young boy who wishes to become an adult. One day, after making this wish on a mysterious machine, he wakes up to find himself in the body of an adult. While Splash marked Tom Hanks' first leading role, Big became the breakthrough film in his career, propelling him to stardom in Hollywood. This role earned Hanks his first Oscar nomination for Best Actor.

At the time of filming Big in 1988, Hanks was 32 years old, close in age to his character “Josh the adult.” His youthful appearance fit the role perfectly, and his remarkable acting skills allowed him to deliver a performance that captured the innocence and emotional depth of a child trapped in an adult’s body.

IMDb Rating: 7.3

Tomatometer: 97%

Audience Rating: 82%

Finch (2021) is set in a post-apocalyptic Earth after a catastrophic solar storm causes the ozone layer to rupture, threatening the survival of humanity and many other species. Finch (Tom Hanks) is one of the few survivors, having created innovative technology that helps him live alongside his dog, Goodyear. He eventually builds a robot named Jeff, hoping it will care for his dog after he’s gone.

Hanks' heartfelt and authentic performance continues to captivate audiences, guiding them through nearly two hours of film without a dull moment. Alongside him are his dog Goodyear and the robot Jeff, both non-human characters who convey emotion so powerfully through their expressions, voices, and body language that they almost make you forget there’s no dialogue.

IMDb Rating: 6.8

Tomatometer: 74%

Audience Rating: 65%

News of the World (2020) stars Tom Hanks as Captain Jefferson Kyle Kidd, a former soldier with a calm and reserved demeanor who now travels across the American West, sharing stories of the world’s events. After leaving his life as a sea captain, he embarks on a new, ambitious adventure on land. The film, based on the novel by Paulette Jiles, carries an epic tone and conveys a message of bravery in overcoming past pain.

Hanks delivers a strong performance as Captain Kidd, with his portrayal reflecting his own age in his more mature role. His natural acting and fitting appearance capture the character’s calm and thoughtful nature perfectly. The dynamic between Hanks and young co-star Helena Zengel, who plays a 12-year-old girl, is one of the film's highlights.

IMDb Rating: 6.8
Tomatometer: 88%
Audience Rating: 89%