3. Forrest Gump - Forrest Gump
Forrest Gump is easily one of the most memorable and loveable film characters ever, and this is all due to the brilliant performance by Tom Hanks. Gump is a simple southern gentleman with an IQ of 75 and who loves nothing more in life than his Mamma, his girl Jenny and a good box of chocolates. He also has a penchant for telling strangers his life story, which is quite a fable. Hanks narrates the film and brings us into Gump's world, and his performance compliments the epic storytelling ability of director Robert Zemeckis. Hanks creates Forrest Gump in every aspect of his being, his voice, his posture, his facial expressions, and yes even that haircut. It is a tour de force of acting from Hanks, who breathes life into Gump with absolute bravura. Forrest Gump, an epic tale that spans over 30 years in American culture, would not have worked without Hanks' charming portrayal. His entire outlook on life is filtered through his love and devotion for his Mamma (Sally Field) and Jenny (Robin Wright), who are the catalysts for everything he does and ultimately achieves in his life, despite his handicap. For his work in Forrest Gump, Hanks won his 2nd consecutive Best Actor Oscar, and more importantly established himself in a class all his own, as the biggest and most sought after actor in Hollywood. He would dominate the next decade of American cinema.