The Friday Five: Tom Hanks

The Friday Five: 

Tom Hanks

To limit the undeniable career of the illustrious Tom Hanks to just five films is no easy task, as there can be countless top five lists of his most amazing films.  With the release of his biopic "A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood," I take a look at my (likely first of many) five favorite Tom Hanks films.

**THERE WILL BE NO SPOILERS**

#5

 Sleepless in Seattle

In one of Nora Ephron's most iconic directorial films, Tom Hanks plays a recently widowed single father who tells his story over the airwaves and draws the attention of countless female suitors in the process, including Meg Ryan's Annie Reed, who's engaged to another man.  In their first romantic comedy pairing, Hanks and Ryan's chemistry is undeniable, and the film itself raised the bar for typical romcoms by earning two Academy Award nominations including Best Screenplay.

#4

 Big

In the annals of cinematic history, there's several moments that've become iconic, and the scene in "Big" that's become memorable is when Tom Hanks dances across the large piano keys on the ground, but there's so much more to this lovable comedy.  Hanks plays a grown-up version of a kid who wishes he was big, and next thing he knows he's an adult and has to deal with adult situations.  Hanks perfectly plays the part with youthful innocence and vigor and remains one of his most iconic performances.

#3

 Philadelphia

Earning his historic back-to-back Academy Award wins for Best Actor, Tom Hanks plays Andy Beckett, who gets fired from his job after being diagnosed with AIDS, and sues the company.  Fellow heavy-hitter Denzel Washington plays his lawyer, and the film gives an unflinching look at how people were paranoid of the AIDS epidemic and the injustices that occurred during the time, and Hanks more than earned his Oscar statue for his commanding performance.

#2

Saving Private Ryan

In Steven Spielberg's unflinching war epic, Tom Hanks stars as Captain Miller, who is tasked with leading a group of soldiers into enemy territory after the invasion of Normandy to rescue paratrooper Private Ryan.  The film is still hailed for its powerful visuals (especially the Normandy invasion), as well as the stellar performances of Tom Hanks and fellow A-listers including Matt Damon, Edward Burns, Vin Diesel, Tom Sizemore and Paul Giamatti.

#1

 Forrest Gump

In his most memorable performance, Tom Hanks plays Forrest Gump, an Alabama man with subpar intelligence who finds his way into the most memorable events in history, and shows the world what true heart is about.  Hanks earned himself an Academy Award for his performance, and remains as timeless and memorable today as it was back then.