10 Lesser-Known Roles of Tom Hanks You Might Have Overlooked
These movies may not be "Forrest Gump" huge, but they sure pack a punch.
1. "Every Time We Say Goodbye" (1986)
Box Office: $278,623
In war-torn Jerusalem, 1942, American pilot David meets Sarah, a Sephardic Jew. While love sparks between them, societal norms hold them back, creating a tumultuous landscape both outside and within their hearts.
Families intervene, cultural values clash, and the weight of tradition strains their budding relationship. With war as the backdrop, their romance becomes both a refuge and a battleground. Will love conquer or will traditions tear them apart?
This film, though a box office underperformer, showcases Hanks in an early romantic lead. War, love, and tradition come head to head in this poignant tale.
2. "The Man with One Red Shoe" (1985)
Box Office: $8,645,411
Richard, a violinist, unwittingly becomes the CIA's pawn, all because of a red shoe. Mistaken for a spy, he's surveilled, pursued, and hilariously entangled in a web of espionage. As agents swarm and chaos ensues, Richard remains blissfully unaware of his so-called "espionage" antics.
An oddball comedy with Hanks at the center, it dances on the line between slapstick and spy thriller. Who knew the world of spying could be so utterly confusing? Despite its comedic value, the movie didn't quite stride high at the box office. Yet, for Hanks aficionados, it's an amusing detour.
3. "Joe Versus the Volcano" (1990)
Box Office: $39,404,261
Ever thought about throwing yourself into a volcano? Joe did!
Diagnosed with a terminal "brain cloud," Joe Banks is offered a lavish life... if he'll jump into a volcano for a tycoon. Embarking on a journey filled with quirky adventures and strange encounters, Joe reevaluates life's worth. With offbeat humor and whimsical encounters, this film straddles fantasy and comedy.
While it didn't exactly erupt at the box office, it offers a surreal exploration of existential dilemmas. Dive in, if you dare!
4. "The Money Pit" (1986)
Box Office: $54,189,334
What could go wrong buying a dream house? Walter (Hanks) and his girlfriend soon find out! The house, an apparent steal, turns into a never-ending renovation nightmare. From collapsing floors to plumbing disasters, their home sweet home is anything but.
With Hanks' comedic chops on full display, the laughs are foundationally sound, even if the house isn't. Though not a mega hit, it constructed decent numbers at the box office. A comedic lesson in real estate and relationships!
5. "Volunteers" (1985)
Box Office: $19,875,740
Rich playboy Lawrence Bourne III finds himself escaping debt by joining the Peace Corps in Thailand. There, he encounters Tom Tuttle and love interest Beth. Set against a backdrop of cultural misunderstandings, a bridge-building mission, and local resistance, Lawrence must navigate his new, altruistic world.
Hanks' comedic timing shines, playing the narcissistic charmer turned accidental hero. A comical look at service and personal transformation, it's a classic '80s romp. Though its box office collection didn't build a huge bridge to success, it holds its own charm.
6. "Dragnet" (1987)
Box Office: $66,663,606
Polar opposite cops, the by-the-book Joe Friday and laid-back Pep Streebek, hit the streets of LA. Tasked with solving a series of bizarre crimes, they're led into the underbelly of a pagan cult. Amidst goat masks and virgin sacrifices, the duo bumbles through in hilarious fashion.
Drawing from the classic series, this film blends nostalgic detective vibes with '80s humor. As always, Hanks brings a comedic flair, making it a cult-favorite for many. At the box office, it managed to handcuff a decent sum. Cops, cults, and comedy—what more do you need?
7. "Nothing in Common" (1986)
Box Office: $32,324,557
David Basner, a successful ad executive, finds his life flipped when his parents split after 36 years. Navigating between a demanding job and his estranged father's health issues, David's priorities are questioned.
A dramedy that treads the delicate balance of family ties and personal ambition, Hanks' performance is layered and genuine. The narrative dives deep, showing that sometimes, having "nothing in common" is more profound than it appears.
Though not raking in colossal figures, the movie's sentimental core is worth every penny. In life and at the box office, it's the deeper connections that count.
8. "The 'Burbs" (1989)
Box Office: $49,101,993
Suburbia isn't always what it seems. Just ask Ray Peterson! Suspicious of his mysterious new neighbors, Ray spirals down a comedic rabbit hole of paranoia and neighborhood watch gone wild. With a mix of horror, comedy, and a lot of imagination, this satirical tale uncovers the oddities lurking in everyday life.
A slightly darker comedic role for Hanks, it showcases suburbia's quirky underbelly. It didn't quite break the bank, but its cult following knows its true worth. Sometimes, your next-door neighbor is the biggest mystery of all!
9. "Punchline" (1988)
Box Office: $21,032,000
What happens when you mix a med student and a housewife in the world of stand-up comedy?
Hanks plays Steven Gold, a talented yet self-destructive comedian, opposite Sally Field's Lilah Krytsick. Amidst the spotlight's glare, they navigate the comedic scene, competing for laughs, recognition, and personal validation. Offering a behind-the-scenes look at stand-up's highs and lows, the narrative strikes both humorous and poignant chords.
Hanks dives into his character, revealing the tumultuous world behind the mic. It might not have laughed its way to box office gold, but it's a gem in its own right. In comedy, as in life, timing is everything.
10. "Turner & Hooch" (1989)
Box Office: $71,079,915
Meet Scott Turner: a neat-freak detective. Now meet Hooch: a slobbery, massive Dogue de Bordeaux. When they're paired together after Hooch's owner's murder, hilarity ensues. Amidst drool and chaos, the mismatched duo tries to solve the crime, forming an unexpected bond along the way.
A blend of action, comedy, and canine capers, this film is a delightful romp from start to finish. Surprisingly, it sniffed out a pretty impressive box office bounty. A testament that sometimes the best partners are the furriest!