Tom Hanks has built one of the most celebrated careers in modern cinema, spanning more than four decades and over 80 film credits. This guide offers a complete walkthrough of his filmography in chronological order, highlights his most acclaimed performances, covers the latest releases through 2025, and provides practical information on streaming availability.
From his early comedic turns in the 1980s to his dramatic Oscar-winning performances and recent work as a producer and character actor, Hanks has consistently delivered work that resonates with audiences and critics alike. Understanding the full scope of his career offers insight into not just one man’s work, but the evolution of Hollywood storytelling itself.
Tom Hanks Movies in Order by Year
Total Films
Breakout Year (Splash)
Oscar Wins
Latest Releases
Tom Hanks began his screen career in 1980 with a small role in the horror film He Knows You’re Alone. From there, a mix of television work and feature roles led to his major breakthrough in 1984 with Ron Howard’s romantic comedy Splash. That film established him as a leading man and set the stage for one of the most consistent and commercially successful runs in film history.
- Early television work: Hanks starred in the ABC sitcom Bosom Buddies (1980–1982) before transitioning fully to film.
- First major hit: Splash (1984) grossed over $69 million domestically and made Hanks a household name.
- Comedy to drama shift: The early 1990s marked a deliberate move toward dramatic roles, culminating in back-to-back Oscars.
- Frequent collaborators: Hanks has worked repeatedly with directors Steven Spielberg, Robert Zemeckis, and Nora Ephron.
- Box office dominance: Several of his films, including Forrest Gump and Toy Story 3, rank among the highest-grossing of their respective years.
- Producing career: Through his company Playtone, Hanks has produced acclaimed miniseries such as Band of Brothers and John Adams.
| Year Range | Key Films | Notable Awards | Primary Genre Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1980s | Splash, Big, Turner & Hooch | First Oscar nomination (Big) | Comedy / Family |
| 1990s | Philadelphia, Forrest Gump, Saving Private Ryan | 2 Academy Awards (Best Actor) | Drama / Historical |
| 2000s | Cast Away, Catch Me If You Can, The Da Vinci Code | Multiple Oscar nominations | Drama / Thriller / Adventure |
| 2010s | Toy Story 3, Captain Phillips, The Post | Golden Globe nominations | Biographical / Animation / War |
| 2020s | Greyhound, A Man Called Otto, Here | Producer credits | Drama / War |
For a broader look at how Hanks’ work compares with other major stars, see this comprehensive guide to Ryan Reynolds Movies – Full List in Order, Latest and Netflix Hits.
Best Tom Hanks Movies
Identifying the best Tom Hanks films depends largely on whether you measure critical acclaim, box office performance, cultural impact, or personal preference. A few titles consistently appear at the top of most lists, regardless of the metric used.
The Critical Darlings
Philadelphia (1993) and Forrest Gump (1994) remain his most decorated performances, each earning him the Academy Award for Best Actor. Philadelphia was a landmark film for its depiction of the AIDS crisis, while Forrest Gump became a cultural phenomenon. Saving Private Ryan (1998), though Hanks did not win an Oscar for it, is widely regarded as one of the most powerful war films ever made.
Fan Favourites and Box Office Titans
The Toy Story franchise, beginning in 1995, features Hanks as the voice of Woody and remains one of the most beloved animated series of all time. Apollo 13 (1995) and Cast Away (2000) showcased his ability to lead ensemble dramas and one-man shows alike. Catch Me If You Can (2002) paired him with Leonardo DiCaprio in a stylish crime drama that continues to attract new viewers on streaming platforms.
Underrated Gems
Some of Hanks’ finest work appears in films that received less awards attention. The Terminal (2004), directed by Steven Spielberg, offers a warm, comedic turn. A Beautiful Day in the Neighbourhood (2019) earned him an Oscar nomination for his portrayal of Fred Rogers. Sully (2016) and Captain Phillips (2013) demonstrate his skill in playing real-life figures under extreme pressure.
Rankings of Tom Hanks films differ noticeably between critics and general audiences. Rotten Tomatoes and Metacritic tend to favour his dramatic work, while audience scores often elevate his comedies and family films. There is no single authoritative ranking, though Forrest Gump consistently holds the top spot across multiple aggregators.
Latest Tom Hanks Movies
Hanks remains prolific in the 2020s, balancing leading roles with supporting turns and producing commitments. His most recent releases reflect a continued interest in ensemble casts and period stories.
Here (2024)
Directed by Robert Zemeckis, Here reunites Hanks with his Forrest Gump co-star Robin Wright. Hanks plays Richard in this experimental drama that takes place in a single room across multiple decades. The film uses de-ageing technology and a fixed camera perspective to tell its story.
The Phoenician Scheme (2025)
Directed by Wes Anderson, The Phoenician Scheme features Hanks in the role of Leland. The film marks his continued collaboration with Anderson, following his appearance in Asteroid City (2023).
Freaky Tales (2025)
Hanks appears in this anthology film as Hank, a Video Store Owner. The project is set in 1980s Oakland and weaves together multiple interconnected stories.
Looking ahead, Hanks is confirmed to return as the voice of Woody in Toy Story 5, currently listed as a 2026 release.
Tom Hanks Movies on Netflix
Streaming availability for Tom Hanks films changes frequently and varies significantly by country. No single platform holds a permanent catalogue of his work, which means viewers often need to check multiple services to find specific titles.
Older catalogue titles such as Forrest Gump and Sleepless in Seattle rotate across Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+ and Paramount+ depending on the licensing agreements in each territory. Greyhound (2020), a naval war drama that Hanks also wrote, was released directly on Apple TV+ and remains exclusive to that service in most regions. The 2024 release Here is a theatrical and major studio title, not currently tied to any specific streaming platform.
Streaming rights expire and move between platforms without warning. A title available on Netflix in one country may be absent in another. Checking a dedicated streaming aggregator or the Netflix catalogue directly is the most reliable way to confirm what is currently available.
Use services such as JustWatch or Reelgood to search for a specific Tom Hanks film. These tools show which streaming platforms currently hold the rights in your country, including rental and purchase options.
Iconic Tom Hanks Films: Forrest Gump, Greyhound and More
Certain films define the arc of Hanks’ career more clearly than others. The following timeline marks key milestones from his debut to his most recent projects.
- 1980: Film debut in He Knows You’re Alone.
- 1984: Breakout starring role in Splash.
- 1988: First major comedy hit with Big, earning his first Oscar nomination.
- 1993–1994: Back-to-back Oscar wins for Philadelphia and Forrest Gump.
- 1995: Starred in Apollo 13 and voiced Woody in Toy Story.
- 1998: Lead role in Steven Spielberg’s Saving Private Ryan.
- 2000: Acclaimed survival drama Cast Away.
- 2013: Intense thriller Captain Phillips, praised as one of his finest performances.
- 2020: Released Greyhound on Apple TV+.
- 2025: Upcoming projects include The Phoenician Scheme and Freaky Tales.
Regarding the search term “Tom Hanks movies Airport”, there is no major Tom Hanks film titled Airport. The film most commonly associated with that phrase is The Terminal (2004), in which Hanks plays an Eastern European traveller stranded in a New York airport terminal.
How Certain Are Tom Hanks’ Film Credits and Streaming Details?
When researching a filmography as extensive as Hanks’, it is important to distinguish between verified information and areas that remain subject to change. The table below summarises what is well established and what is less certain.
Established Information
- Full chronological list of theatrical film credits from 1980 onward.
- Academy Award wins for Philadelphia (1993) and Forrest Gump (1994).
- Major box office grosses tracked by Box Office Mojo.
- Credits for producing and directing.
- Confirmed upcoming projects such as Toy Story 5 (2026).
Information That Remains Unclear
- Exact streaming availability on Netflix at any given moment.
- Minor stage appearances and early uncredited film roles.
- Future projects that have not entered production.
- Specific details on films in development without release dates.
Tom Hanks Career Overview
Tom Hanks’ career can be divided into several distinct phases. In the 1980s, he was primarily known as a comedic actor, starring in films such as Splash, Big and Turner & Hooch. These roles established his everyman persona and made him one of the most bankable stars of the decade.
The 1990s marked a deliberate shift toward dramatic work. Philadelphia and Forrest Gump earned him consecutive Best Actor Oscars, a feat accomplished by only a handful of actors in history. He followed this with major war dramas, romantic comedies, and the beginning of his long collaboration with Steven Spielberg.
In the 2000s and 2010s, Hanks expanded into producing and ensemble work. He took on roles in prestige television, voiced beloved animated characters, and continued to deliver acclaimed performances in films like Captain Phillips and Sully. His recent work shows a preference for character-driven stories and collaborations with directors such as Wes Anderson.
For a broader perspective on the greatest films ever made, see Best Movies – Top Rankings from IMDb, Critics and AFI.
Sources on Tom Hanks’ Film Career
The most comprehensive and reliable source for Tom Hanks’ complete filmography is the list of Tom Hanks performances and credits maintained on Wikipedia. This page includes his film, television, producing and directing credits in full chronological order, with citations for each entry.
IMDb’s Tom Hanks page offers a frequently updated filmography that includes upcoming projects and lesser-known credits. Box Office Mojo tracks his box office performance across all theatrical releases, providing a useful metric for commercial impact.
For awards history, the Academy Awards database confirms his two wins and multiple nominations. These sources together provide a well-rounded, verifiable foundation for understanding the full scope of Hanks’ work.
“With over 80 films across four decades, Tom Hanks’ filmography is one of the most thoroughly documented and publicly verified in the entertainment industry. Major awards bodies and entertainment databases maintain consistent, citation-backed records of his work.”
— Based on information from Wikipedia and IMDb filmographies
What Is the Best Way to Explore Tom Hanks’ Filmography?
The most effective approach is to start with the chronological list of his films, which provides context for his evolution as an actor, and then focus on the films that align with your preferred genre. For streaming, using a dedicated aggregator ensures you find current availability rather than relying on outdated lists. The combination of a complete filmography, critical rankings, and real-time streaming data offers the most comprehensive way to navigate his extensive body of work.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tom Hanks’ first movie?
Tom Hanks made his film debut in 1980 with the horror film He Knows You’re Alone.
What is considered Tom Hanks’ best movie?
Forrest Gump (1994) is widely considered his best film, earning him an Academy Award for Best Actor and remaining a cultural landmark.
How many Oscars has Tom Hanks won?
Tom Hanks has won two Academy Awards for Best Actor, for Philadelphia (1993) and Forrest Gump (1994).
Is Greyhound on Netflix?
No, Greyhound (2020) is an Apple TV+ original film and is not available on Netflix in most regions.
Does Tom Hanks star in a movie called Airport?
No. The airport-related film you may be thinking of is The Terminal (2004), in which Hanks plays a man stranded at John F. Kennedy Airport.
What is the latest Tom Hanks movie?
Here was released in 2024. Upcoming 2025 releases include The Phoenician Scheme and Freaky Tales.
Is Tom Hanks in Toy Story 5?
Yes, Tom Hanks is confirmed to return as the voice of Woody in Toy Story 5, which is currently listed as a 2026 release.
What was Tom Hanks’ breakthrough role?
His breakthrough role was in Splash (1984), a romantic comedy that established him as a leading man in Hollywood.
Which Tom Hanks movies are on Netflix right now?
Streaming availability changes frequently. Checking a dedicated aggregator like JustWatch is the most reliable way to find current titles.
How many movies has Tom Hanks made?
Tom Hanks has appeared in over 80 films across his career, including voice work and producing credits.











