Picking a Mount Rushmore of Tom Hanks movies is nearly impossible to do

Tom Hanks is arguably the greatest American actor of the past four decades. He’s iconic – with countless hit movies. So, I was puzzled when I read an interview Hanks did with People.com where he claims to have only four movies that are “pretty good.”

Hanks, a two-time Oscar winner, has starred in more than 80 films. The idea that he has only 4 pretty good movies is crazy. This got me thinking… what is my Mount Rushmore of Tom Hanks movies? I thought this was going to be an easy task. An hour later, I’m still undecided as to which movies make my Mount Rushmore.

Let’s narrow down some of the choices. Hanks’ feel-good movies include the “Toy Story” series, “Big,” “Splash,” and “Apollo 13.”

Hanks’ iconic character roles include the movies “Forrest Gump,” “A League of Their Own,” “Castaway,” and “Elvis.”

Hanks’ gritty, award-winning movies need to be considered, like “Saving Private Ryan,” “Philadelphia,” and “The Green Mile.”

There are literally 20 other Hanks movies that we all know and love (My daughter’s favorite is “Catch Me if You Can”) – not to mention hit Rom-Coms and silly 80’s comedies. Narrowing Tom Hanks movies for a Mount Rushmore is next to impossible. I’m going to try anyway!

My favorite Tom Hanks character is Jimmy Dugan from “A League of their Own.” I don’t want to say it, but I have to go with “Forrest Gump.” That is the Tom Hanks movie I’ve seen the most. “Philadelphia” is a heart wrenching movie that makes me tear up.

What do you think? What is your favorite Tom Hanks movie? Let Michael know on Twitter @MikeESPNSA. You can listen to Michael Jimenez on “Halftime” weekdays from Noon to 2 p.m.