15 Tom Hanks Movies Ranked By Rewatch Value
Some actors make movies people enjoy once, and others make movies people return to for years.
Tom Hanks has a rare track record of films that stay comforting, engaging, and easy to revisit, even when the plot is already familiar.
His performances tend to feel warm, grounded, and endlessly watchable, which makes repeat viewings feel less like repetition and more like revisiting something you genuinely like spending time with.
Disclaimer: This ranking reflects editorial opinion and personal viewing habits, not definitive fact or universal consensus about Tom Hanks’s most rewatchable films.
1. Forrest Gump (1994)
Life is like a box of chocolates, and this movie never gets old.
Hanks delivers an Oscar-winning performance as a simple man who accidentally shapes American history while chasing his childhood sweetheart.
From meeting presidents to running across the country, every scene offers something quotable and memorable.
2. Toy Story (1995)
Woody the cowboy doll jumped off the screen and straight into our hearts. Hanks voices the loyal toy who learns that friendship means making room for others, even when a flashy space ranger shows up.
Kids love the adventure, while adults catch all the clever jokes they missed as children, making it perfect family viewing no matter how many times you press play.
3. Cast Away (2000)
Imagine being stuck on a deserted island with only a volleyball for company. Hanks carries this entire film almost solo, transforming from a time-obsessed FedEx executive into a survival expert with a serious beard.
Wilson the volleyball becomes surprisingly emotional, and you’ll find yourself invested in every fishing attempt and fire-starting struggle.
4. Saving Private Ryan (1998)
War movies don’t get more intense than this D-Day masterpiece. Captain Miller leads a squad deep into enemy territory during World War II to bring home one soldier whose brothers have all been killed.
Steven Spielberg’s brutal opening battle sequence changed cinema forever. Though heavy and emotional, the powerful performances and gripping story make you want to experience this heroic journey again, honoring the sacrifice of the Greatest Generation through unforgettable filmmaking.
5. Big (1988)
What if your wish to be big actually came true? A twelve-year-old boy wakes up in an adult body and has to navigate grown-up life with a kid’s wonder and innocence.
Hanks earned his first Oscar nomination for this charming performance, especially during the famous piano scene at FAO Schwarz.
His childlike energy feels genuine and hilarious, creating pure joy that never diminishes no matter how many viewings you rack up.
6. Catch Me If You Can (2002)
Based on true events, this cat-and-mouse thriller follows teenage con artist Frank Abagnale Jr. as he impersonates pilots, doctors, and lawyers while cashing millions in fake checks.
Hanks plays the persistent FBI agent determined to catch him, bringing warmth to what could’ve been a typical detective role.
Leonardo DiCaprio and Hanks create electric chemistry, and the stylish 1960s setting plus jazzy soundtrack make repeat viewings feel like visiting old friends.
7. Apollo 13 (1995)
Houston, we have a problem – and an incredibly rewatchable space drama. Commander Jim Lovell and his crew face disaster when their moon mission goes horribly wrong 200,000 miles from Earth.
Even though everyone knows how it ends, the tension never lets up.
Ron Howard directs this nail-biter with precision, while Hanks anchors the film with calm leadership under impossible pressure, reminding us why true stories sometimes beat fiction.
8. The Green Mile (1999)
Set on death row during the Great Depression, this supernatural drama introduces John Coffey, a gentle giant with miraculous healing powers convicted of a terrible crime.
Hanks plays Paul Edgecomb, the head guard who discovers there’s more to Coffey than meets the eye.
Adapted from Stephen King’s novel, the three-hour runtime flies by thanks to powerful performances and emotional depth that hits harder with each viewing, especially that heartbreaking ending.
9. You’ve Got Mail (1998)
Before dating apps existed, there was anonymous email romance. Two bookstore rivals unknowingly fall for each other online while feuding in real life, creating delightful dramatic irony throughout.
Hanks reunites with Meg Ryan for this cozy rom-com that feels like a warm hug.
The late ’90s internet nostalgia, autumn New York City vibes, and charming chemistry make it perfect comfort viewing whenever you need something sweet and predictable.
10. A League of Their Own (1992)
There’s no crying in baseball – but there might be when you watch this inspiring story about the first female professional baseball league during World War II.
Hanks plays washed-up player Jimmy Dugan, who reluctantly coaches the Rockford Peaches and learns to respect his talented team.
Packed with humor, heart, and incredible ensemble performances, this crowd-pleaser celebrates women athletes while delivering laugh-out-loud moments that stay fresh viewing after viewing.
11. That Thing You Do! (1996)
One-hit wonders get the spotlight in this feel-good story about a small-town band that rockets to fame in 1964 after their catchy song climbs the charts.
Hanks not only stars as the band’s manager but also wrote and directed this love letter to early rock and roll.
The infectious title track will be stuck in your head for days, and the nostalgic ’60s atmosphere creates such pure entertainment that you’ll happily revisit this underrated gem.
12. Road to Perdition (2002)
Hanks plays against type as Michael Sullivan, a Depression-era mob enforcer seeking revenge after his family is targeted by his boss’s unstable son.
This gorgeous crime drama from Sam Mendes features stunning cinematography and a father-son story wrapped in violence and redemption.
Watching Hanks in a darker role reveals his impressive range, while the slow-burn pacing and artistic visuals reward viewers who appreciate thoughtful, melancholy crime sagas.
13. Captain Phillips (2013)
Somali pirates hijack a cargo ship off the coast of Africa, taking Captain Richard Phillips hostage in this white-knuckle true story from 2009.
Hanks delivers one of his most intense performances, especially during the devastating final scene that showcases his raw emotional power.
Director Paul Greengrass creates relentless tension that somehow maintains its grip even when you know the outcome, proving that great filmmaking transcends predictability.
14. The Burbs (1989)
Suburban paranoia reaches hilarious heights when Ray Peterson and his nosy neighbors become convinced their mysterious new neighbors are actually murderers.
This dark comedy from director Joe Dante offers Hanks in full comedic mode, rocking some seriously ’80s fashion while investigating increasingly bizarre clues.
15. Sully (2016)
Captain Chesley Sullenberger made an impossible decision in 2009, landing US Airways Flight 1549 on the Hudson River and saving all 155 passengers aboard.
Hanks portrays the humble hero who then faced intense scrutiny questioning whether his split-second choice was necessary.
Clint Eastwood directs this taut drama that examines heroism and doubt, creating a surprisingly rewatchable experience from a story where everyone already knows the miraculous outcome before pressing play.
