There have been many incredible actors in the history of dramatics. From old school (Paul Newman, James Dean, etc.) to new school (Edward Norton, Johnny Depp, etc.), there is only one that deserves this honor.

There is only one that transcends genres, generations, and styles. There is only one world’s greatest actor: Tom Hanks.

Over the past 20 years, Hanks has dominated headlines, the red carpet, and our hearts. He has played main roles in some of the most dramatic and moving films. In fact, he may be the most beloved person in the United States. Hanks has played some of the most recognizable characters (Woody in Toy Story and Forrest Gump) and roles in some of the most patriotic films (Apollo 13 and Saving Private Ryan.)

Hanks brings home the money and the hardware, too. In his career, Hanks has played characters in nineteen $100,000,000+ dollar gross films. NINETEEN! The Da Vinci Code tops that list, with $758.2 million dollars gross worldwide. Hell, even The Terminal brought in $219.4 million and that movie sucked.

Hanks has personally been nominated for five Academy Awards and has won two (in 1993 for Philadelphia and in 1994 for Forrest Gump.) He has been nominated for seven Golden Globes (three wins) and four Screen Actor’s Guild awards (two wins.) The man has even won four Emmy’s and he is barely on TV.

Everyone, and I mean everyone, likes at least one of Tom Hank’s movies. Cast Away? Saving Private Ryan?? The Green Mile?! Come on! If that isn’t enough, then you should know that Tom Hanks has been in every good movie. Ever. Yes, ever. He was an Ewok in Star Wars, an orc in Lord of the Rings, and one of the little girls in the Shining. He is the real Godfather, Heath Ledger in the Dark Knight, and Morgan Freeman in March of the Penguins. So, bow down to the World’s Greatest Actor: Tom Hanks.