Steamy Streaming: Tom Hanks

Throughout his career, Tom Hanks has become this symbol of hope, kindness and humanity, which is why it wasn’t a stretch for him to don the famous red sweater of Mr. Rogers in A Beautiful Day In The Neighborhood. The film is Hanks’ most-recent project, and it suits him. It’s one icon playing another, and it’s a role we can easily see him in. But Hanks has taken on characters that we normally wouldn’t associate with his likeness. Instead of it being Tom Hanks in a movie, it becomes a complex character who happens to be played by Hanks. Here are some of those films where it’s Tom Hanks but not really:

PHILADELPHIA

Legal dramas don’t sound all that thrilling on paper, but when you pair Tom Hanks with Denzel Washington, it takes on a whole new meaning. Hanks plays Andy, a man who is fired from his firm when he finds out he is living with HIV. He hires a homophobic lawyer, Joe (Washington), to win his legal battle. Hanks is almost unrecognizable in his Oscar-winning performance. And the movie seems all too relevant as LGBTQ workers fight for their workplace rights at the Supreme Court.

You can rent Philadelphia on Amazon Prime.

CLOUD ATLAS

It’s hard to imagine any of Hanks’ roles being overlooked, but some might not realize he starred in an adaptation of David Mitchell’s multi-generational saga Cloud Atlas. Hanks plays a whopping six characters and dons extraordinary outfits. Watch this one when you’re feeling a little adventurous.

You can watch Cloud Atlas on Netflix.

JOE VERSUS THE VOLCANO

Before Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks paired up for their iconic romcoms, Sleepless in Seattle and You’ve Got Mail, they starred in the 1990 film Joe Versus The Volcano. The movie has an overall campy vibe to it that is enhanced when Joe gets blasted out of said volcano. It’s a laugh-inducing film that is the perfect addition to any movie marathon.

You can watch Joe Versus The Volcano on Starz.

FORREST GUMP

Forrest Gump is Hanks’ most well-known performance, but it’s not because he acts like Tom Hanks. His voice and demeanor change as his character documents the many historical moments in U.S. history. Hanks won an Oscar for Forrest Gump, and we can definitely see why.

You can rent Forrest Gump on Amazon Prime.

BRIDGE OF SPIES

This 2015 Steven Spielberg film tells the true story of an American lawyer (Hanks) who is asked to defend a Soviet spy (Mark Rylance) in court. Hanks’ portrayal of James B. Donovan is layered with skepticism and intrigue, making it one of Hanks’ best performances in this decade.

You can rent Bridge of Spies on Amazon Prime.

THE TERMINAL

For most people, getting stuck in an airport sounds like the worst thing imaginable. But for Hanks’ character in The Terminal, he makes due. He has to remain in the airport until the war in his Eastern European homeland cools down and his traveling documents are accepted. It’s a fun, quirky performance in a time when Hanks was doing many serious roles. You won’t regret taking a chance on this film.

You can rent The Terminal on Amazon Prime.