Tom Hanks' Sci-Fi Cult Classic Becomes Global Streaming Sensation!
Tom Hanks had a busy 2026 with "Toy Story 5," a WWII docuseries, and filming the "Greyhound" sequel. Meanwhile, his 2021 Apple TV+ sci-fi film "Finch" continues to gain popularity, re-entering global top 10 lists five years after its premiere for its poignant story of survival and companionship.
Tom Hanks experienced a highly productive year in 2026, marked by returns to beloved roles and significant new projects. He reprised his iconic voice role as Woody in "Toy Story 5," a film anticipated to be one of the year's blockbusters, expected to gross over $1 billion at the box office. Additionally, Hanks re-engaged with the World War II genre, lending his narration to a compelling new docuseries titled "World War II with Tom Hanks," which premiered on the History Channel with more episodes scheduled for release. Throughout 2026, he was also actively involved in filming the sequel to "Greyhound," his critically acclaimed WWII naval thriller that debuted on Apple TV+ in 2020. While a specific release date for the sequel has not been announced, production timelines suggest it will likely be available before the close of 2027.
Beyond his 2026 ventures, one of Hanks' more underrated yet enduringly popular films, "Finch," continues to resonate with audiences. This sci-fi thriller, released on Apple TV+ in 2021—just a year after "Greyhound"—explores themes reminiscent of "The Last of Us" but is set in a distinctively more futuristic and less overtly horrifying world. "Finch," similar to "Greyhound," was launched directly onto the Apple TV+ platform without a theatrical release. Despite this, it has consistently remained one of the platform's most popular movies. Remarkably, five years after its initial premiere, "Finch" has seen a resurgence, climbing back into the Apple TV top 10 in over ten countries worldwide, highlighting its sustained global appeal.
The official synopsis for "Finch" outlines the journey of a lone survivor, Finch (portrayed by Tom Hanks), as he navigates a desolate, post-apocalyptic America with only his faithful dog for companionship. Aware of his dwindling time, Finch constructs a robot companion to ensure the future care of his beloved pet after his passing. This unlikely trio embarks on a perilous cross-country journey, forming unexpected bonds and exploring the profound meaning of protecting those we cherish. The film also features Caleb Landry Jones and received a commendable 74% from critics on Rotten Tomatoes, alongside a 68% audience score on Popcornmeter. "Finch" was written by Ivor Powell and Craig Luck, directed by Miguel Sapochnik, a veteran producer from "Game of Thrones," and its score was composed by Gustavo Santaolalla, renowned for his work on "The Last of Us" games and television series. "Finch" is available for streaming on Apple TV+.