Tom Hanks has long been a beloved figure in Hollywood, and his recent streaming success proves that his appeal shows no signs of fading. Two of his most iconic films, The Green Mile and Forrest Gump, are currently dominating the charts on Tubi, the free ad-supported streaming service. This resurgence not only highlights Hanks' enduring popularity but also offers new audiences a chance to experience why he's often called "America's Dad."
According to a recent report, The Green Mile has surged to the number one spot on Tubi, outpacing modern hits like The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie and Spider-Man: Far From Home. Meanwhile, Forrest Gump has secured its own place in Tubi's Top 10. This double success, combined with the ongoing popularity of Greyhound on Apple TV+, cements Hanks as a true king of streaming.
Two Classics, Two Sides of Hanks' Talent
At first glance, The Green Mile and Forrest Gump might seem to have little in common beyond their star and their source material—both are adaptations of best-selling novels, with The Green Mile based on Stephen King's serialized work and Forrest Gump from Winston Groom's book. Yet they showcase vastly different tones and styles. The Green Mile is a heartbreaking drama about Paul Edgecomb, a prison guard who discovers that death row inmate John Coffey possesses miraculous healing powers and may be innocent of the crime for which he's condemned. Forrest Gump, on the other hand, is a sweeping, bittersweet journey through American history, following its simple-minded but kind-hearted protagonist as he inadvertently influences major events while navigating love and loss.
Both films highlight Hanks' incredible range. As Forrest, he delivers moments of profound emotion, particularly in his scenes with Lieutenant Dan, a Vietnam veteran struggling with the loss of his legs. The Green Mile goes even deeper, with the bond between Hanks and Michael Clarke Duncan creating scenes that can move even the most stoic viewer. The film's climax, where Edgecomb desperately pleads with Coffey to escape his fate, is a masterclass in conveying grief and helplessness. While Forrest Gump earned Hanks an Academy Award, many argue that The Green Mile contains his most Oscar-worthy performance.
Another Hanks Hit Coming to Tubi
Fans of Hanks' work have even more to look forward to. On November 1, Tubi will add Steven Spielberg's Catch Me If You Can to its library. In this stylish cat-and-mouse thriller, Hanks plays FBI agent Carl Hanratty, who relentlessly pursues Frank Abagnale Jr., a young con artist played by Leonardo DiCaprio. Interestingly, Hanks wasn't originally part of the project—he stumbled upon the script and convinced producer Walter Parkes to let him join. "Can I be in this movie? Do you think Steven would let me play the FBI agent? I really know who this guy is," Hanks reportedly said.
The gamble paid off. Hanks' portrayal of Hanratty is a departure from his usual warm, approachable characters, offering a humorless, by-the-book counterpoint to DiCaprio's charming rogue. This dynamic makes Catch Me If You Can one of Spielberg's most entertaining films. With these three classics now available on Tubi, the service is quickly becoming a go-to destination for Hanks fans. Whether you're revisiting old favorites or discovering them for the first time, these movies are a testament to Hanks' lasting legacy in cinema.
For more on Hanks' streaming presence, check out our piece on Forrest Gump's Tubi success. And if you're curious about other titles leaving or arriving on streaming platforms, see our list of Tom Hanks movies leaving Netflix.
