Tom Hanks' 10 Best Pre-Oscar Comedies

From 'Splash' to 'A League of Their Own', these are Tom Hanks' best comedic roles before he achieved Oscar glory.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Ever since his first Oscar win for playing an AIDS patient in Philadelphia, Tom Hanks has become deeply embedded in culture as one of America's finest actors. This list looks back at Hanks' ten best comedic roles before achieving an Oscar win in 1993, including films like Splash, Big, and A League of Their Own.

Why it matters

Tom Hanks' comedic roles in the 1980s and early 1990s showcased his versatility as an actor and helped establish him as a leading man in Hollywood. These films highlighted his ability to balance humor and heart, which would later inform his dramatic work and cement his status as one of the most beloved actors of his generation.

The details

The list covers a range of Hanks' comedic work, from raunchy buddy-cop movies like Dragnet to heartwarming family films like Turner & Hooch. Many of these roles allowed Hanks to demonstrate his skills as a physical comedian, while others showcased his talent for nuanced, character-driven performances. Films like Nothing in Common and A League of Their Own also hinted at Hanks' dramatic potential, paving the way for his later dramatic triumphs.

  • Hanks' first Oscar win for Philadelphia was in 1993.
  • The films on this list were produced in the 1980s and early 1990s, prior to Hanks' Oscar success.

The players

Tom Hanks

One of America's most beloved and acclaimed actors, known for his versatility in both comedic and dramatic roles.

Steven Spielberg

Acclaimed filmmaker who produced the comedy The Money Pit, one of Hanks' early collaborations.

Daryl Hannah

Actress who co-starred with Hanks in the romantic fantasy comedy Splash.

John Candy

Comedic actor who co-starred with Hanks in the comedy Splash.

Geena Davis

Actress who co-starred with Hanks in the sports comedy A League of Their Own.

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What they’re saying

“We had a car on the set that was surrounded by bungee-cams, literally cameras that were hanging from bungee cords. And the whole thing was about whatever this dog does, I react to. We will not ask the dog to do anything specifically; this dog will just do things.”

— Tom Hanks, Actor (Larry King Live)

The takeaway

Tom Hanks' early comedic roles showcased his versatility as an actor and laid the groundwork for his later dramatic success. These films highlighted his ability to balance humor and heart, making him one of the most beloved and acclaimed actors of his generation.