Tom Hanks Is Boyfriend Material In These Romcom Roles, But Which Is The Best?

Jessica Wright
Updated March 6, 2025 26.1K views 8 items

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Vote for the best characters Tom Hanks has played in romantic comedies.

The best Tom Hanks romcom roles all have something in common: they're a true delight. While the actor’s filmography includes key dramatic performances that gained him the recognition he deserves, his romcom appearances showed us his sweet side. Whether he’s playing a damaged widower, an immigrant stranded at JFK, or the owner of a bookstore, Hanks knows how to warm up to the audience and make us release a collective "aww" whenever he’s on screen. He's played so many charming roles, there's even one for every sign of the zodiac!

Philadelphia, The Green Mile, and Forrest Gump may have made Hanks one of Hollywood’s top actors, but his appearances in romantic comedies earned him the praise of women everywhere. The best Tom Hanks romcom characters are quirky, cuddly, warm, flawed, and interesting. You can’t be blamed for wishing they were real and possibly on Tinder.

From his ’90s blockbusters to his more recent endeavors, we’ve gathered all of Tom Hanks's romantic comedy roles below. Vote up the roles you wish were real, the best Tom Hanks romcom characters ever.

  • 1
    173 votes

    Movie: Sleepless in Seattle (1993)

    There are several pros to dating Sam: he is an architect; he cares deeply about his son; he isn’t afraid to talk about his feelings. If you’re looking for magic, he’s the guy you want. He'll steal your heart and never let it go.

  • 2
    195 votes

    Joe Fox

    Movie: You’ve Got Mail (1998)

    Joe’s email game is A+, so you know he’ll be excellent at texting. A successful business man looking for love, he’ll probably never judge you by your Tinder pic, preferring some deep conversation. Moreover, he always puts face-to-face relationships first, so he won’t abandon you for a random Snapchat crush. Ah, to be in love in the digital age.

  • 3
    135 votes

    Movie: Big (1988)

    He’s a child who winds up in the body of an adult, so he will remind you what the world looked like when you were younger. Hint: things were much simpler back then. Plus, Josh is funny, spontaneous, charming, and knows how to entertain. You’ll never get bored with this one!

  • 4
    112 votes

    Movie: The Terminal (2004)

    He may be stranded in an airport due to unforeseen circumstances, but he knows how to make the best of it. Viktor is frugal, makes friends easily, and doesn’t need a lot to be happy. He’ll tell you tales about his home country and charm you with his adorable accent.

  • 5
    110 votes

    Movie: Splash (1984)

    Allen Bauer would make a great boyfriend. He has a successful business. He believes in love at first sight. He understands relationships aren't always perfect and doesn’t mind his better half being… different. These are qualities every woman can appreciate.

  • 6
    88 votes

    Walter Fielding Jr.

    Movie: The Money Pit (1986)

    Sure, Walter Fielding Jr. may make terrible investments, but he isn’t afraid of hard work. He knows how to make you laugh when the times get tough, his facial expressions are great, and his charm is off the charts. Living under the same roof with him doesn't sound that bad, even if said roof collapses.

  • 7
    80 votes

    Joe

    Movie: Joe Versus the Volcano (1990)

    Despite what his name might suggest, this isn’t your average Joe. First off, he’s not afraid to jump into a volcano, showing courage and strength. But since living like a king and dying like a man is worthless without a trusted partner by your side, he’s open to love as well (even if he understands that timing sucks sometimes). He’ll also take you on adventures you only dreamed about, which wins him bonus points.

  • 8
    77 votes

    Larry Crowne

    Movie: Larry Crowne (2011)

    He’s looking to reinvent himself, eager to learn, and excited about making new friends. Going back to school isn’t easy, so he may need some support. However, he’s a born sweet-talker, so he’ll more than make up for his shortcomings.