10 Best Quotes From Tom Hanks Characters

Tom Hanks has an extensive career in film, with an exceptional catalog of movies to his name that is almost unmatched by anyone else. The world has taken to his way of acting, with the film industry entrusting him with roles that range from sensitive to well-known.

Each character Hanks has embodied has been met with a great authenticity and believability, making every piece of work he’s a part of a joy to watch. The prolific actor has been the lead of many memorable scenes, which have produced some truly magnificent quotes.

Chuck Noland

“Wilson I’m Sorry!”

A man shouting at a soccer ball as if it’s human sounds pretty ridiculous. But in the context of Cast Away, the savior Chuck finds in the inanimate object is nothing less than a combination of heartwarming and tear-jerking. Turning the ball into something he could talk to on a deserted island gave Chuck hope, so when it floated out to sea, his bellowing, emotional apology was painfully sad to watch.

The simplicity yet effectiveness of the quote epitomized the skill of both the writing and the acting. It has become a sentence which when read by anyone who has seen the film, can be heard in Tom Hanks’s voice.

Carl Hanratty

“You Have No One Else To Call.”

2002’s Catch Me If You Can is based on a true story, portraying a game of cat and mouse whereby FBI Carl Hanratty (Tom Hanks) chases down Frank Abagnale, one of the most successful conmen in the U.S. Carl spends a lot of time trying to catch up with Frank much to no avail.

However, in the scene where Frank phones Carl on Christmas Eve to supposedly apologize, Carl comes to the realization that Frank is actually very lonely, with no one else to call and uses this revelation as a stick to poke him with. The quote is a great summing up of the fact that Frank may be physically outrunning the FBI agent, but emotionally, Carl is beginning to run him down.

Conductor

“One Thing About Trains: It Doesn’t Matter Where They’re Going. What Matters Is Deciding To Get On.”

One of the beautiful elements of The Polar Express is the subtle lessons it gives. At first, Hanks’ character as The Conductor, appears quite stern, but gradually softens as he divulges his wisdom.

This line he gives about trains is a metaphor for life. Taking the first step on a new path is the most important part because you can then enjoy the journey. One of the best quotes from The Polar Express’ character encompasses the magic, the warmth, and the Christmas spirit of the film.

Captain Phillips

“Stick Together And We’ll Be Alright. Good Luck.”

Tom Hanks has the incredible skill of being able to embody any and every character he is assigned to. So it should come as no surprise that he is entrusted with roles that are true to life and have an intense narrative, as in Captain Phillips. As Captain Richard Phillips was faced with the terrifying sight of pirates hijacking his ship, he radioed instructions to his crew, which is where this quote came into play.

The Captain didn’t know of his fate, but he knew this could be fatal. Still, he remained calm and collected for his crew and gave them a sentence of hope, encapsulating the brilliance of the man and the importance of the script.

Woody

“I Can’t Stop Andy From Growing Up. But I Wouldn’t Miss It For The World.”

The success of Toy Story is undoubtedly partly down to the appeal to both young and adult audiences. The fun and adventure of toys coming to life is a truly exciting concept, whilst being laced with metaphors and deeper meanings that adults can identify with. After discovering that he is a collector’s item, Woody is given the option of being displayed in a museum.

However, he’d rather stay put to see his original owner grow up, even though it may be hard for him. Something that perhaps parents can relate to and children can sympathize with, upon seeing one of the most loved characters of the film in a sad moment, making it one of Woody’s best quotes.

Chesley Sullenberger

“You Are Looking For Human Error. Then Make It Human.”

As the titular biographical character, Hanks took on the role of  Captain Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger, the pilot who landed his plane in the Hudson River, after a flock of birds disrupts one of the plane’s engines. Although initially hailed a hero, his emergency landing was disputed, as it is thought the other engine could’ve given enough power to land on a runway.

Computer simulations were used to prove this, but Sully steps in to explain that you can’t compare a computer’s judgment to a human’s. The quote was vital in the changing of the investigation and therefore extremely important for Sully’s future.

Viktor Narvoski

“I Am Going Home.”

It may be a simple quote, but because of the film’s plot, it is truly meaningful. As one of Tom Hanks’s most likable characters, he plays an Eastern European man stuck at an American airport in The Terminal. The reason for being stranded is due to a war that broke out in his home country, therefore resulting in Viktor not being able to enter nor leave the USA.

After he is released from the airport and during his final scene in the film, Viktor’s taxi driver asks him where he is going. Telling a taxi driver you’re going home, isn’t helpful information but the sentence lets the audience (as well as Viktor) breathe a sigh of relief, as the stress and sadness culminate in happiness.

Captain Miller

“I Just Know That Every Man I Kill, The Farther Away From Home I Feel.”

As one of Tom Hanks’s saddest movies, Saving Private Ryan is known as one of the best War films, with its moving plot and incredible acting. Part of its success is down to the way it looks at soldiers’ true feelings towards war.

Even though they have been enlisted, it doesn’t mean they are comfortable with killing or harming people. What makes Captain Miller’s quote one of the best, is that it conveys how home is his safe place, where his morals and happiness are intact. But for every man he kills, it goes against everything he has ever known, making the distance between him and his home even further apart.

Walt Disney

“There’s No Greater Joy Than That Seen Through The Eyes Of A Child, And There’s A Little Bit Of A Child In All Of Us.”

Saving Mr.Banks is another biopic, starring Tom Hanks as Walt Disney. The story follows Disney’s efforts in convincing P.L Travers to give him the rights to her story of Mary Poppins, which would then allow him to make the film version.

The beautiful quote not only portrays the warmth of the film itself but also Disney’s renowned ethos of magic and happiness, especially through the eyes of a child, which remains in almost everyone even as they grow up.

Joe Fox

“I Would Send You A Bouquet Of Newly Sharpened Pencils.”

You’ve Got Mail is a heartwarming love story, revolving around two people’s anonymous communication through the wonders of technology. The pair get to know each other and with the mystery and safety of not revealing their own identities, inhibitions are dropped, allowing them to truly express themselves.

After describing his love for New York in the fall, which makes him want to purchase new school supplies, Joe says he would send his email pal a bouquet of newly sharpened pencils. The quote gives a uniqueness to the film, cleverly giving a glimpse into the personality of Joe Fox.