All 13 Tom Hanks Movies From the 1990s, Ranked

Tom Hanks He had nothing short of one of the most celebrated and incredible acting careers of all time, with some particularly notable films of his being released in the 1990s. He is an actor capable of playing any role in a multitude of genresfrom serious dramas to fun romantic comedies; his range and skill are seemingly endless. Hanks has a natural, universal appeal with his youthful good looks and natural charisma that have helped him cement his status as one of the best acting talents to ever grace the screen.

Whether portraying the naïve but brilliant titular character in Forest Gump or the commander Captain Miller in Saving Private RyaNo, he has an incredible way of bringing authenticity to each role. With a career spanning many decades with several Oscar wins, his work in the 1990s would be enough in itself to have a memorable work. Iconic performances like his role in Philadelphia and the lively Toy story franchise led Hanks to bring joy to millions and captivate generations of film lovers.

13

The Bonfire of the Vanities (1990)

As Sherman McCoy

An adaptation of Tom Wolfe’s 1987 novel of the same name The Bonfire of the Vanitiesis a satire-filled black comedy about the hedonistic downfall of Wall Street bond trader Sherman McCoy (Hanks).. McCoy and his lover, Maria (Melanie Griffith), are changing a tire when they are approached by two young men. When trying to escape, they accidentally run over one of the teenagers and their lives become intertwined with the tabloid scandal.

In one of his lesser-known roles of the 1990s, Hanks delivers a quality performance as McCoyportraying the Wall Street trader with a dignified and arrogant air. Although the film failed to resonate with audiences and enter popular culture, Hank’s performance was one of the film’s highlights., showing a rich man on the verge of losing everything and portraying the mounting problems in a convincing way. He added some subtle and memorable humanizing elements to a role that could have been one-dimensional and displayed another range in his repertoire.

12

Joe Against the Volcano (1990)

As Joe Banks

John Patrick Shanley’s 1990 romantic comedy Joe Verses about the Volcano sees Hanks star in the titular role of Joe Banks. Banks is diagnosed with an incurable terminal illness and accepts a large financial offer to travel to an island in the South Pacific in order to sacrifice himself. jumping into a volcano to appease superstitious natives. On the way to the island, he meets and falls in love with the woman (Meg Ryan) in charge of taking him to the volcano.

The film is a unique blend of romance and surreal comedy that sees Hanks undergo a captivating transformation from a man who has lost everything to someone who finds something worth living for. While the premise is a little bizarre, Hanks and Ryan share some electric chemistry throughout their scenes.. Hanks’ ability to move through serious medical elements as well as more fantastical scenes truly sums up his abilities as an actor.

11

Sleepless in Seattle (1993)

As Sam Baldwin

Sleepless in Seattle is another romantic comedy in Hanks’ 1990 filmographythis time starring as Sam Baldwin. Baldwin is a widowed architect who intrigues a journalist (Meg Ryan) after her son calls into a radio show to discuss his father’s grief and expresses interest in him finding a new partner. Hanks and Ryan rekindle their chemistry and team up again in another romantic comedy released just a few months apart.

Hanks plays the role of Baldwin, showing the vulnerable side of a widower who misses his former life but is also optimistic about what the future may hold. Hanks and Ryan’s connection flows freely from the last film to this one, and Despite the lack of screen time physically together, the way the film forms their relationship is a masterstroke. Its gentle approach to Baldwin’s journey through grief and a new love interest is delicately done, and Hanks’ role played a large part in its success, being one of the highest-grossing films of 1993 and one of the highest-grossing romantic comedies. success of all time. .

10

You Got Mail (1998)

As Joe Fox

Hanks and Ryan reunite for the third time in romantic comedy You’ve got mailwhich sees Hanks starring as Joe Fox. Joe owns a large book chain called Fox Bookswho doesn’t know that your His new love interest in an online chat room is his main competitor, bookstore Kathleen Kelly (Ryan). Fox and Kelly begin to develop feelings for each other in a thrilling twist in which two people fall in love without knowing they are business competitors in the same industry.

The third film between the two protagonists is also the most electricwhile Hanks and Ryan share a genuine connection in this mysterious love story. The two share a history of natural charm and easy-to-like personalities that, even playing two self-centered characters, makes it impossible not to root for them to end up together. Once again, they show their star power by doing You’ve got mail a huge box office success and further cementing Hanks as one of the most credible and successful stars of his era.

9

A League of Their Own (1992)

As Jimmy Dugan

Penny Marshall A league of its own is a sports comedy-drama that tells the fictional story of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League (AAGPBL). Hanks plays Jimmy Dugan, a retired baseball player who played for the Cubs, who reluctantly agrees to coach the women’s team, believing it is all a joke. before seeing the commitment and dedication that women demonstrate. The film features a cast that includes stars such as Geena Davis, Madonna, Jon Lovitz and Bill Pullman.

Despite the star-studded cast, Hanks once again shows he’s a cut above with a compelling portrayal of a former baseball slugger turned motivational coach and women’s group mentor. Hanks shows a depressed, alcohol-addicted man who changes his life and finds meaning in his new role. He also shows off his comedic timing with the infamous line after doing one of the female introductions: “There is no crying in baseball!”His mix of vulnerability, humor and self-discovery make him a character and a film worth revisiting.

8

What you do! (1996)

As Mr. Amos White

In Hanks’ feature film directorial and screenwriting debut What you do! is a musical comedy-drama set in the 1960s during the rock and roll boom. It focuses on the story of a fictional one-hit pop band, the Wonders, from their early years to their journey to fame, fortune and success. Hanks plays Mr. Amos White, a supporting role for a man who later becomes the band’s manager, becoming involved in their affairs both on and off stage.

At this stage in his career, Hanks was choosing his roles, usually guaranteed to be the main star, so it’s interesting to see him take a step back to focus on writing and directing this film. That’s not to say his role isn’t integral to the story, his portrayal of Mr. White provides maturity and guidance to the band when they need it most and helps drive the Wonders’ success. It’s a subdued performance that allows other cast members to shine, and he delivers a perfectly paced and excellently shot film that is easy and charming to watch.

7

Apollo 13 (1995)

As Jim Lovell

In Apollo 13Directed by Ron Howard, Hanks stars as Commander Jim Lovell in a tense story reminiscent of the Apollo 13 lunar mission of the 1970s. The astronauts aboard the spacecraft intend to be part of the fifth manned mission to the Moon, but after an explosion the board damages the spacecraft, oxygen supply and electrical power, NASA controllers need to find creative solutions. ways to successfully bring them all back to earth.

Apollo 13 It received widespread critical acclaim upon its release and was nominated for an incredible nine Academy Awards. Hanks’ portrayal of Lovell is one of the best of his career, providing a realistic and down-to-earth portrayal one of the most tense and difficult situations any astronaut could face. His steely leadership and determination in the face of potential catastrophe help solidify the narrative, and he masterfully plays his two co-stars to create a truly iconic space film.

6

Toy Story 2 (1999)

Like Woody’s voice

Returning to his beloved role of Woody, Hanks once again stars in the second installment of Toy story franchise, Toy Story 2. In this film, Woody is stolen from a garage sale by a greedy toy collector who wants to return him to his former glory and reunite him with his toy collection. Woody Summary toys from where it originated. With Buzz Lightyear and the gang on a mission to save Woody, he must make a difficult choice between returning home and staying with his new friends at the museum.

Toy Story 2 It’s one of the rare moments where, almost universally, everyone believes the sequel is better than the original. Hank’s voice work shows he is a man of countless talents as he perfectly shapes Woody’s character and personality and adds a touch of wonder, realism and emotion to the cowboy figure. In a story about friendship and loyalty, Woody provides much of the heart and humor that makes it one of the best animated films ever made.

5

Philadelphia (1993)

As Andrew Beckett

Philadelphia is a moving legal drama about the life story of Andrew Beckett (Hanks)senior associate at Philadelphia’s largest corporate law firm. Beckett is hiding his sexuality and AIDS diagnosis from his company and when he is unfairly fired for a trivial reason he sues his law firm for discrimination. He seeks out personal injury expert Joe Miller (Denzel Washington) to help him with the case, but is initially rebuffed due to Miller’s own prejudices before agreeing and befriending Beckett as his life and the case become intertwined.

Hanks won Best Actor at the 66th Academy Awards for his exceptional and honest portrayal of Beckett. The narrative and themes throughout the film are deeply moving and at times difficult to watch as you see a man being destroyed on every level. Hanks shows he can command the screen in a serious role, and although the 1990s saw him in many romantic comedies and animated films, it’s roles like this that show just how talented he really is and mark a pivotal step in his career. .

4

Toy Story (1995)

Like Woody’s voice

Toy story is a 1995 animated comedy that became a global sensation shortly after its initial release. It tells the story of Woody (voiced by Hanks), a cowboy toy owned by a child named Andy, who is the leader of all of Andy’s toys.that come to life when humans are not present. When Andy receives a new action figure named Buzz Lightyear (voiced by Tim Allen) for his birthday, Woody’s life is turned upside down in a series of misadventures and dangerous situations.

Although not on screen, Hank’s voice work in one of the best and most popular animated films of all time cannot be understated. He gives Woody a unique personality and natural charm that brings the toy to life in so many ways. His comedic timing, his authenticity, and his commitment to every line of dialogue make this one of Hanks’ most inspiring and impactful performances. always, presenting a constantly evolving range of versatility.

3

The Green Mile (1999)

As Paul Edgecomb

Based on Stephen King’s 1996 novel of the same name The green mile sees Hanks portray Hanks playing death row prison guard Paul Edgecomb. Edgecomb is introduced to his newest death row inmate, John Coffey (Michael Clarke Duncan), a gentle and physically imposing giant wrongfully accused of raping and murdering two girls. Paul soon discovers that Coffey has magical healing powers through a supernatural gift, and is torn between his prison duty and knowingly harming a miracle from God.

In another of Hanks’ most iconic roles, He portrays the role of Edgecomb as he does many others, with a subtlety and heart that can often be underestimated.. Hanks’ power and talent don’t necessarily come from great moments of bravado and explosions, but through introspective glimpses into the mind of a man haunted by his choices. His restrained performance adds an emotional anchor to the fantasy film that firmly grounds the narrative in something believable and a jewel in Hanks’ career.

2

Saving Private Ryan (1998)

As John Miller

Steven Spielberg’s epic war film Saving Private Ryan sees Hanks cast as the bold and confident Captain John Miller. Miller was given a special mission to locate and rescue Private James Francis Ryan (Matt Damon) behind enemy lines after three of his brothers were killed in the line of duty. Hanks delivers, to any other actor, the performance of a lifetime in an iconic role in one of the most impactful films ever created.

Widely considered one of the greatest films ever made, the battle sequences and action depictions have been described as the most realistic of any war film made by World War II veterans. Hanks’ portrayal of Miller, a man bound by duty and sacrifice, brings determination and authenticity to the role this sums up the quality and attention to detail of the film overall. He commands the screen every time he appears and gives an exceptional portrayal of a leader who must go through hell and back to fulfill his mission. An unforgettable performance in a truly remarkable film.

1

Forrest Gump (1994)

Like Forrest Gump

An adaptation of Winston Groom’s 1986 novel of the same name Forest Gump sees Hanks star as the title character, an Alabama man with a below-average IQ. Despite his lack of formal intelligence and his strange social attitude, Forrest continues to live his most exciting and remarkable life, witnessing dozens of iconic historical and cultural events, often without realizing how close he is to some of the world’s most important moments. your life. .

In a decade full of remarkable performances, your portrait of Forest Gump can be considered the best of his career, not just from the 1990s. It’s a piece of cinema that could define not only a career, but the man himself. Tom Hanks The iconic portrayal captures the innocence and determination of a man thrown into moments greater than himself, and his slow, drawn-out delivery and captivating perspective created one of the most impactful characters to ever appear on film and in one of the best films of all time. times.