I’ve been a Tom Hanks fan for as long as I can remember. You probably know him as the guy who made us cry in Forrest Gump or had us rooting for him in Cast Away.
He’s got a knack for stealing the show, right? But I’ve always felt some of his best work gets overlooked.
People tend to rave about the big hits—and don’t get me wrong, those are awesome—but I want to shine a light on the roles where he quietly blew me away.
So, I’ve put together my list of his top 10 underrated performances. Let’s chat about them!
1. The Ladykillers (2004) – Goldthwait Higginson Dorr, Ph.D.
Okay, hear me out. The Ladykillers isn’t exactly a fan favorite, and I get it—the Coen Brothers went weird with it. But Tom as this eccentric, Southern-fried professor? Pure gold. He’s all flowery speeches and sly grins, playing this con man who’s way too polite to be trusted.
I laughed every time he opened his mouth—those over-the-top monologues about Edgar Allan Poe while plotting a heist? Genius. He’s having a blast, and I’m here for it. Critics didn’t love the movie, but his performance deserves a standing ovation.
2. Charlie Wilson’s War (2007) – Charlie Wilson
Here’s Tom as a Texas congressman who’s half party animal, half world-changer. I adore how he balances the sleaze with a surprising heart. He’s schmoozing with cocktails one minute, then pushing to arm Afghan rebels the next.
It’s not his flashiest role, but the way he owns every scene with that laid-back charm? I couldn’t look away. Julia Roberts and Philip Seymour Hoffman get a lot of the praise, but Tom’s the glue holding it together.
- Why It’s Underrated: Outshined by the ensemble and a script that didn’t fully soar.
- Favorite Moment: His “I’m a liberal!” rant—equal parts funny and fierce.
3. The Terminal (2004) – Viktor Navorski
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Picture Tom stuck in an airport, playing a guy from a made-up country with broken English and a big heart. The Terminal gets flak for being too sweet, but I think it’s magical.
He makes Viktor so real—funny, lost, hopeful. I teared up watching him befriend the staff, turning a sterile place into a home. It’s not heavy drama, but his warmth carries the whole thing.
- Why It’s Underrated: Too light for some, ignored by awards.
- Favorite Moment: When he builds a fountain for Catherine Zeta-Jones’s character—pure puppy-dog devotion.
4. Captain Phillips (2013) – Richard Phillips
𝗖𝗔𝗣𝗧𝗔𝗜𝗡 𝗣𝗛𝗜𝗟𝗟𝗜𝗣𝗦 (2013)
Captain Phillips (2013), directed by Paul Greengrass and starring Tom Hanks, is an intense, gripping thriller based on the true story of the 2009 hijacking of the Maersk Alabama by Somali pirates. Hanks delivers a standout performance as…
— Caltexism (@Caltexjr) January 10, 2025
Yeah, everyone remembers the “I’m the captain now” line—iconic. But Tom as the real Captain Phillips? Man, he’s a slow burn of tension. I felt his fear and grit at every glance.
The final scene, where he breaks down after the rescue, wrecked me. He doesn’t say much, but you feel everything. People talk about the pirates, yet his steady, human performance anchors it all.
- Why It’s Underrated: The bad guys stole the spotlight.
- Favorite Moment: That shaky, sobbing relief—raw and real.
5. Road to Perdition (2002) – Michael Sullivan
@bugginsouts I’m Glad it’s you……Road to Perdition (2002)#tomhanks #paulnewman #edit #roadtoperdition #film #cinema #movie #movieedits #filmedit ♬ original sound – Landon🦢
Tom as a mob hitman? Yes, please. In Road to Perdition, he’s cold, haunted, and still a dad trying to protect his kid.
I couldn’t take my eyes off him—those quiet stares, the weight of every kill. It’s dark and moody, and he’s phenomenal. The movie’s gorgeous, sure, but his brooding intensity is what sticks with me.
- Why It’s Underrated: Overlooked next to Gangs of New York that year.
- Favorite Moment: The rainy shootout—silent, brutal, all in his eyes.
6. Elvis (2022) – Colonel Tom Parker
Alright, Elvis is all about Austin Butler’s hips, I know. But Tom as the shady Colonel? He’s a sneaky standout.
With that weird accent and greasy charm, he’s the puppet master you love to hate. I caught myself grinning at how slimy he made the guy—a total departure from his usual vibe. It’s a wild swing, and I’m here for it.
- Why It’s Underrated: Butler’s Elvis mania drowned it out.
- Favorite Moment: Smirking through a deal, pure snake oil.
7. A Hologram for the King (2016) – Alan Clay
Ever seen A Hologram for the King? Probably not, and that’s a shame. Tom’s a washed-up salesman in Saudi Arabia, chasing a deal and maybe himself.
I felt for him—lost, funny, a little broken. It’s a small story, but he makes it big with those tired smiles and awkward chats. More people need to give it a shot.
- Why It’s Underrated: Tiny release, no buzz.
- Favorite Moment: His fish-out-of-water panic at the tent city—hilarious and sad.
8. That Thing You Do! (1996) – Mr. White
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He wrote and directed That Thing You Do!, but don’t sleep on his role as the slick record exec, Mr. White.
I love how he’s all business with a dash of heart—pushing the band but caring too. It’s a cameo, really, yet he steals every scene. The movie’s a blast, and he’s the cherry on top.
- Why It’s Underrated: He’s behind the camera, so the acting gets missed.
- Favorite Moment: “You’re gonna be a one-hit wonder”—dry and perfect.
9. News of the World (2020) – Captain Jefferson Kyle Kidd
In News of the World, he’s a Civil War vet reading newspapers across Texas, taking a lost girl home. It’s slow, sure, but I was hooked. He’s weathered, kind, carrying old wounds—I bought every second.
The bond with the kid? Heart-tugging without being sappy.
- Why It’s Underrated: Quiet release during COVID chaos.
- Favorite Moment: Reading the news to a rowdy crowd—calm control.
10. Cloud Atlas (2012) – Multiple Roles
the movie pictured in this tweet is Cloud Atlas. why do film accounts always do this and assume everyone knows like we get it I’m trash for not knowing ~cinema~ but you got me googling tom hanks in knitwear holding child in woods and now I’m annoyed https://t.co/dc1FKPwNaR
— reb (@rebmasel) September 7, 2023
Cloud Atlas is a mess, I’ll admit—a big, bold, confusing mess. But Tom playing six roles across time? I’m in awe. He’s a sleazy doctor, a thug, a writer—each one distinct.
I kept spotting him, grinning at how he morphed. It’s not his best film, but his range shines through the chaos.
- Why It’s Underrated: The movie’s too wild for most.
- Favorite Moment: As Dermot Hoggins, snarling in a pub—unhinged fun.
Wrapping It Up
So, there you go—my top 10 picks for Tom Hanks roles that don’t get enough love. I could watch him in anything, but these? They’ve got a special place in my heart.
He’s funny, raw, and human, and somehow he keeps surprising me. With his long and impressive career, he’s definitely one of the actors with the most film appearances in Hollywood history.
Next time you’re scrolling for a movie night, maybe give one of these a spin.
I’d love to hear what you think. Do you have any hidden Tom faves of your own? Drop them below!