Tom Hanks is easily one of the most celebrated actors of all time. The talented comedic and dramatic actor got his start on the 1980s sitcom Bosom Buddies and has gone on to become one of the most successful actors of his generation. He has been nominated for five Academy Awards, winning back-to-back trophies in 1994-95 for his lead performances in Philadelphia and Forrest Gump.
Never one to shy away from playing real-life characters, Hanks returns to the big screen next Friday to play Fred Rogers in It's a Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood. To prepare us, let's assess what critics deem to be Hanks' finest films to date (minus cameos and documentaries). So, here are Tom Hanks' 10 best movies according to Rotten Tomatoes.
Splash (1984): 90%
What do you know, Hanks' first breakout hit is still causing a Splash among critics all these years later!
In just his second feature film and first leading role following the horror film He Knows You're Alone, Hanks won the role opposite Daryl Hannah in Splash. Hanks plays Allen Bauer, a man who reunites with the long lost love that saved his life as a boy. The problem is she's a mermaid! The film marked the first collaboration between Hanks and director Ron Howard, a relationship that would last over several films.
Bridge Of Spies (2015): 91%
Speaking of long-running collaborations, Hanks reunites with his old pal Steven Spielberg for the tale of Cold War-era espionage in Bridge of Spies. Hey, if it ain't broke!
In the film, Hanks plays James Donovan, an American lawyer tasked with legally defending a Russian spy so that the CIA can rightfully swap the man for a captured U.S. spy plane. The film was nominated for six Oscars, winning one for Mark Rylance's turn as Best ing Actor despite having only 28 minutes of screen time.
Captain Phillips (2013): 93%
In yet another film playing a real-life character, Hanks lends great sympathy to the titular Captain Phillips, a tanker ship commander who does all he can to protect those aboard his hijacked vessel.
Based on the 2009 incident in which Captain Richard Phillips' US MV Maersk Alabama was overrun by Somali pirates, the Paul Greengrass film has been hailed for its gritty realism. The film was nominated for six Oscars, including the unlikely nod for Somali newcomer Barkhad Abdi as Best ing Actor. Indeed, you're the captain now, Barkhad!
That Thing You Do! (1996): 93%
In his first time writing and directing, Tom Hanks struck a resonant chord with critics and casual moviegoers alike with the poppy hit That Thing You Do!
Set in the 1960s era of Beetlemania, the film follows a quartet of unassuming musicians who suddenly hit it big with their breakout pop ditty, "That Thing You Do!" The song launches the foursome into superstardom during the height of rock-n'-roll popularity. Hanks also costars in the film as Mr. White, a record exec who guides the band through the treacherous terrain of the music biz.
Saving Private Ryan (1998): 93%
Although Matt Damon plays the titular private in Steven Spielberg's award-winning WWII drama, Tom Hanks' character is the undoubted heart and soul of the film.
The sprawling war epic features Hanks as Captain Miller, a former English teacher in charge of a platoon of young soldiers stationed in . The mission sounds simple enough: to locate Private Ryan in the field of battle and return him home safely. But war is hell, and Miller sacrifices his life to save another. The movie won Spielberg his second Oscar for Best Director following Schindler's List.
Apollo 13 (1995): 95%
Whether it's a splash underwater or a mission to the cosmos, Hanks and Howard can do no wrong!
In their second collaboration following Splash, Hanks lead an all-star cast on en route to the lunar surface in Apollo 13. However, once the spacecraft begins to deteriorate, getting back home safely proves to be just as harrowing. The real-life tale of NASA's ingenious plan to harness gravity to slingshot the spacecraft back toward Earth is as riveting as anything we've seen on screen. The film was nominated for nine Oscars, winning two for Best Sound and Film Editing.
Catch Me If You Can (2002): 96%
In yet another incredible true story brought to the big screen by Hanks and Spielberg, Catch Me If You Can also was the first time either worked with Leo DiCaprio. Wise idea!
Speaking of wise, the film follows the criminal exploits of Frank Abagnale (DiCaprio), a precocious young conman wise beyond his years. When Abagnale lands on the FBI radar for financial fraud after forging checks, the 19-year-old millionaire is hunted down by agent Carl Hanratty (Hanks) for nearly a decade. Strangely, for as beloved as the movie is, it received zero Oscar nominations.
A Beautiful Day In The Neighborhood (2019): 97%
Hanks has the unenviable task of playing one of the most beloved personas in the history of television when A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood opens in theaters this month. But hey, if anyone can pull it off, it's Hanks!
Playing yet another real-life character, Hanks stars as Fred Rogers, the lovable warmhearted host of Mister Rogers' Neighborhood. The biopic will primarily focus on the meaningful relationship forged between Rogers and American journalist Tom Junod. The film marks the eighth time Hanks has portrayed a real-life person on screen.
Big (1988): 97%
Although it's been over 30 years since it came out, Big is still such a force in American pop culture that its wish-granting genie Zoltar is featured in a damn insurance commercial!
The hit body-swapping comedy, directed by Penny Marshall, solidified Hanks' status as a bona fide box-office star. The tale about a 13-year-old boy who wishes he was big, only to wake the following morning with the wish granted, is full of iconic scenes. Whether Josh is nibbling on mini-corn or playing chopsticks with his boss on a large floor piano, Big is a towering comedy classic.
Toy Story Franchise (1995-2019): 99%
Believe it or not, all four Toy Story films rank among Hanks' top-rated movies, according to Rotten Tomatoes. However, in the name of variety, we compiled them all into one. And yet, with an aggregated 99% over four films, the Toy Story franchise still reigns supreme!
As you know, Hanks voices the iconic role of Woody in the Toy Story franchise. The first two films in the series have both amassed 100% ratings from Rotten Tomatoes. Toy Story 3 currently has a 98% rating, while Toy Story 4 currently boasts 97%.
