Looking back at Tom Hanks' best and worst movies

Tom Hanks is one of the most iconic actors of our generation. With a career spanning some 40 years, Hanks has starred in a large variety of genres, from classic romantic comedies to big-budget dramas. With two back-to-back Oscars, could anyone really doubt his talent?

But what are the films that made him the star he is today? In this gallery, we take a look back at some of Hanks' most well-known movies, for better or worse. Click on!

'That Thing You Do!'

Tom Hanks directed and starred in this musical comedy about the rise and fall of a pop band.

'Bridge of Spies'

This movie takes place during the Cold War, and tells the story of a lawyer (played by Tom Hanks) who has to negotiate the release of a US Air Force pilot taken hostage in exchange for a captured Russian spy.

'Saving Mr. Banks'

Tom Hank played Walt Disney in this real-life story of the development of the 1964 movie, 'Mary Poppins.'

'Angels and Demons'

In the sequel to 'The Da Vinci Code,' Hanks is back as Robert Langdon, a Harvard symbologist who tries to warn the Vatican after he discovers that the Illuminati plan to destroy the Catholic Church.

'Sully'

Hanks plays Chesley Sullenberger ("Sully") in the true story about an airplane pilot who successfully lands his plane in the Hudson River after both engines fail.

'The Money Pit'

In this movie about a couple who attempts to renovate their new house, Hanks plays the husband, Walter Fielding Jr.

'Charlie Wilson's War'

Hanks plays U.S. Rep. Charlie Wilson, who forms an alliance to help Afghan freedom fighters in their resistance against the Soviets. The group's efforts contribute to the end of the Cold War.

'Turner and Hooch'

The detective comedy stars Detective Scott Turner (played by Hanks) who inherits a dog after the owner is killed. His unlikely partner helps him solve the mystery.

'Toy Story 2'

The gang returns in the 'Toy Story' sequel! When Woody (voiced by Tom Hanks) is stolen from his home, the rest of the characters try to rescue him.

'Captain Phillips'

In the movie about a ship taken over by Somali pirates, Hanks plays Captain Richard Phillips.

'Road to Perdition'

Hanks plays Mike Sullivan, the enforcer for the powerful mobster John Rooney. Rooney's son is jealous of their bond, and murders Sullivan's wife and son. Sullivan sets out for revenge with his oldest son.

'A League of Their Own'

Tom Hanks plays Peaches' manager Jimmy Dugan, who helps the team achieve fame after America's athletic young men are depleted during World War II.

'Toy Story'

The actor played Woody in the famous Pixar-Disney animated film about a group of toys who are thrown away and go on an adventure to find their way back home.

'Big'

The 1988 comedy stars Tom Hanks as Josh Baskin, a boy who wishes to be "big" and is turned into an adult overnight.

'Cast Away'

Tom Hanks plays a FedEx employee who gets stranded on an island after his plane crashes in the South Pacific Ocean.

'Saving Private Ryan'

Tom Hanks plays Captain John Miller, who leads a mission to find Private James Ryan during World War II.

'Forrest Gump'

Hanks plays Forrest Gump in the famous movie about the life of a slow-witted yet kind-hearted man, whose optimism and determination allows him to do anything he puts his mind to.

'Toy Story 4'

He reprised his role as Woody once again in 2019 for the fourth installment of the beloved 'Toy Story' series. 

'A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood'

Later in 2019, he played Mister Rogers in this biographical film, which earned him his first nomination for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. The heartwarming film was praised by critics. 

'Pinocchio'

The year 2022 was a big one for Hanks! Due to delays caused by the pandemic, several major films he appeared in were released in the same year. He starred as Geppetto in this critically acclaimed live-action remake of the Disney classic. 

'Elvis'

Also in 2022, he played Tom Parker in Baz Luhrmann's Oscar-nominated biopic 'Elvis.' Hanks was completely transformed and unrecognizable as the nefarious and complicated Parker.