The Sci-Fi Classic Tom Hanks Claims To Have Seen Nearly 40 Times

Tom Hanks is one of the most well-known and accomplished actors working today — if not of all time. His list of iconic roles seems to go on and on. He's known for playing the titular Forrest Gump, Andrew Beckett in "Philadelphia," and Chuck Noland in "Castaway," as well as voicing Sheriff Woody in the "Toy Story" series. Further, his roles are generally highly praised, often resulting in award nominations. Hanks has won twice off his six Academy Award nominations for "Philadelphia" and "Forrest Gump." His most recent nomination was for portraying Mr. Rogers in 2019's "A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood."

It's safe to say that several of Hanks' films are easily some people's favorite films — the movies listed above only scratch the surface of the actor's ling filmography of well-known films, after all. But, fans of the actor may wonder, what is Hanks' favorite film? In 2008, at a special panel, the actor gave us an answer.

Stanley Kubrick's 1968 science fiction film, "2001: A Space Odyssey," is widely considered one of the best movies of all time and one of the most influential. As it turns out, Tom Hanks is one of the individuals who was impacted by the now-iconic film. In 2008, the Academy hosted a forum celebrating the film's 40th anniversary (per Entertainment Weekly). Hanks was present and enthusiastically spoke of what the film has meant to him.

Hanks said, "You can look at it over and over and ponder its meaning. And it's a singular meaning for each person. Thank God Kubrick never laid it all out for us." Further, the actor has apparently, true to his word, watched the film over and over again. According to Mental Floss, a fansite for Hanks noted that the actor has seen the movie about 40 times.

Hanks himself has yet to comment on how many times he has seen the landmark film. Still, his enthusiasm is undeniable. He marveled at how the film even got made at the panel, stating, "I can hardly imagine the studio notes Kubrick would have gotten today. Um, could we have a face on the monolith that tells the apes to pick up the bone?"