Who can forget little Josh Baskin who grew into an adult overnight? Tom Hanks indulged our wildest fantasies in the movie, “Big,” making adults remember years past and giving children a sense of what it would be like to be a grown-up.
Actor Tom Hanks did what Hanks does – he brought life to the big screen and made the story line believable. The childish antics, the uncoordinated body movements a young boy has, the innocence personified, all in one hour and four minutes. But Hanks doesn’t stop there.
Tom Hanks has a wide variety of big screen hits, without a direct association of one genre or another. He has perfected his passion of acting. Delivering movies is his job, his love and his gift and what a gift he has. From comedy to tear-jerkers, the man has a bonafide skill. If his name appears on the marquee, you can bet the box office will have an overload of ticket buyers.
It is difficult to have chosen a Top Ten listing of the greatest of Hanks’ films. It’s almost as torturous as asking an avid Beatles fan to select a top ten song list. The list goes on and on, while the selections available are all worthy for so many reasons. The Top 10 Tom Hank Movie list here is chosen on the emotional roller coaster he takes us on during the film. Whether it be laughter or tears, sadness or happiness, Hanks puts his soul out there for us to connect to and most of us connect very well. This connection between actor and audience is the reason movies are unforgettable and the reason the films are chosen for this list.
- Big: Big was chosen due to the creative acting abilities Hanks displayed in this film. Becoming Josh Baskin is a difficult task for an adult actor but proving it is so effortless when Hanks does it. Definite Top 10 material..
- Saving Private Ryan: This Hanks film ranks at the top of most lists when discussing Hanks film career. Amazing film, acting and a topic that hits home for many of us.
- In a League of Their Own: Among the one-liners we saw Hanks hit a home run with the character Jimmy Dugan. Hanks portrayed the character flawlessly. The softer, emotional side of Dugan came out through the confines of the hard-hitting alcoholic coach he started as and who hasn’t heard the line, “Are you crying? Are you crying? There’s no crying in baseball!” Great lines come from memorable films.
- The Money Pit: Why The Money Pit? There are many Hanks films that may boast better acting or serious, heartfelt moments but there are none that determine the genius in Hanks comical side. The expressions, slapstick and delivery of lines is what made this movie reach the Top 10 list of Tom Hanks best movies. Who can forget the turkey flying around the house, right after the bathtub falls through the floor? Anyone who has endured the adventure of having a home remodeled would agree.
- The Terminal: Viktor Navorski. The name in itself sums it all up. The movie is a sad tale of an immigrant that is stranded in a JFK airport terminal who has to survive. It is unique and what better actor to portray Navorski? Hanks accomplishes it without a flaw. His talent shows through the body movements, accent and personality he gives the character.
- Forrest Gump: There are so many lines that came from this film, it would be difficult to name them all. They are merely a part of the lexicon in America since the film was released. There are just as many reasons why this movie is listed in the Top 10. Tom Hanks as Forrest Gump. Need I say more?
- Cast Away: Brilliant acting and unforgettable film. One of Tom Hanks best movies of all time. Definitely belongs in the Top 10 Tom Hanks films list. Besides Hanks, we were introduced to Wilson, who was a great in the long line of balls that have made it to Hollywood’s best.
- Toy Story 1, 2 & 3: Tom Hanks voice made Woody come to life. It was pixelated perfection.
- The Green Mile: Paul Edgecomb was sculpted with Hanks at the pottery wheel. Hanks molded his talents to bring us Edgecomb, the main character in this film. A must-see movie for any Hanks fan, although the majority of film fans have already placed this title in their “great movies” category.
- Cloud Atlas: The last of the Top 10 Tom Hanks Movies includes the film that is currently showing in theaters. Dr. Henry Goose is a Hanks character that will also go down in the list of roles he has played with attention to every last detail. Cloud Atlas is a film that takes a look at the interaction between people; how one action or act of kindness will flow through time and change everything. Brilliance.
