THN’s Top Ten Tom Hanks Performances

Last Friday saw the big screen return of the Academy’s favourite actor, Tom Hanks (if only for 20 minutes) in EXTREMELY LOUD AND INCREDIBLY CLOSE. Though he’s best known these days for his dramatic roles, Hanks has eclectic career, proving himself as serious thesp, comedian, and even voice actor over the years. To celebrate Hanks’ return, THN has decided to take a look back at his the greatest roles…

10. APOLLO 13 (dir. Ron Howard, 1995)

As Jim Lovell, one of the astronauts aboard Apollo 13, Hanks recreates the near tragic events in 1970 with gusto alongside an all-star-cast featuring Kevin Bacon, Ed Harris, Bill Paxton and Gary Sinise. And not the last time he’d find himself up the proverbial creek without a paddle…

9. CAST AWAY (dir. Robert Zemeckis, 2000)

One of two collaborations with Robert Zemeckis on our list, CAST AWAY sees Hanks star as Chuck Noland, a man stranded on an island following a plane crash. Acting alone on screen for long periods is a true marker for any actor. As you’d expect, this proves no problem for Hanks, who excels with his on-screen companion Wilson the volleyball. Anyone who can keep a dry eye when they part is a better man than me!

8. BIG (dir. Penny Marshall, 1988)

It’s easy to forget that Tom Hanks started as predominantly a comedic actor. His early work is never better than BIG. As the adult side of Josh Baskin, Hanks is a revelation. Tinged with an emotional atmosphere for much of its running time the film is essential viewing.

7. ROAD TO PERDITION (dir. Sam Mendes, 2002)

A true father-son film with a mob twist, Michael Sullivan is the hit man whose son inadvertently sees him ‘doing the job’. The most delicate performance of Hanks’ career is also one of his most rewarding for the viewer. Along with Jude Law and Paul Newman, Hanks helps raise Sam Mendes otherwise plodding film above mediocrity.

6. CATCH ME IF YOU CAN (dir. Steven Spielberg, 2002)

It’s not often Mr Hanks swears on screen. He does exactly that to great effect in Steven Spielberg’s excellent chase movie based on the life of Frank Abignale Jr. Hanks is Carl Hanratty, the tenacious agent on his trail.

5. FORREST GUMP (dir. Robert Zemeckis, 1994)

Probably his most famous role, the low IQ’d Forrest Gump gives Hanks plenty of opportunity for over acting. As Robert Downey Jr put it in Tropic Thunder though ‘You never go full retard’ and Hanks fortunately doesn’t. He delivers a restrained but magnetic performance all the while managing to break your heart.

4. A LEAGUE OF THEIR OWN (dir. Penny Marshall, 1992)

Yes it has Madonna in it but don’t let that put you off! When the Second World War threatens to stop baseball, a businessman decides to make a women’s league. As Jimmy Dugan, a chauvinist coach of male baseball Hanks is tremendous in this feel-good film.

3. SAVING PRIVATE RYAN (dir. Steven Spielberg, 1998)

Steven Spielberg could make me a great actor. He lets his actors act. Given world-class stars like Hanks, Matt Damon and many more, Spielberg makes gold. SAVING PRIVATE RYAN is exactly that and amongst all the great actors it is Hanks who stands tall as Capt. John H Miller on a mission to save Private Ryan. That title doesn’t lie.

2. TOY STORY (1995-2010)

‘There’s a snake in my boots’. No there isn’t Woody you’re a toy. But what a toy! To credit just Hanks for his vocal performance in these films is wrong the chemistry with Tim Allen in particular is dynamite every time they’re on screen. These films made animation great again and the cast have taken voice acting to another level.

1. PHILADELPHIA (dir. Jonathan Demme, 1993)

It won him his first Oscar and remains his most complete performance. Hanks sparkles as Andrew Beckett, a man dismissed from his job for having AIDS. Given the tough and polarising subject matter it’s a credit to the actor that we have nothing but empathy for Beckett and will him all the way, special mention to Antonio Banderas playing against type as Beckett’s partner.

EXTREMELY LOUD AND INCREDIBLY CLOSE is in UK cinemas now