The Evolution of Tom Hanks' Hair

He's fallen in love with a mermaid, gone to space and battled Nazis. But arguably Tom Hanks' greatest on-screen feat was rockin' a 'Da Vinci Code' mullet. As 'Forrest Gump' returns to theaters for its 20th anniversary -- featuring one of the Oscar-winner's more memorable 'dos -- let's look back at the actor's evolving head of hair. 

At 27, Hanks' big-screen debut showcased him in all of his puffy, '80s glory. Other '80's 'fro-pearances include 'Bachelor Party,' 'The Man with One Red Shoe' and 'Volunteers.'

More ‘big’ hair was in store for Hanks in this 1988 fantasy comedy classic, where he plays a 12-year-old boy trapped in a 30-something’s body. Scientists consider this to be the hair equivalent of Derek Zoolander’s Blue Steel.  

It's fitting that Hanks' most iconic character has such a memorable haircut. His second Oscar came for playing Greenbow, Alabama's premier shrimp boat captain, who had several hairstyles in this Best Picture winner. 

As astronaut Jim Lovell, Hanks keeps the cut short and clean as he leads his crew on their ill-fated mission that's nothing short of harrowing. 

Even though Hanks only provides the voice for Woody, attention must be paid to this cowboy's perfectly styled -- and plastic -- hair. 

Hanks dons an army captain's 'do in this WWII epic. While it doesn't go full military buzz cut, it gets the job done of depicting Hanks as the best man for the job when it comes to storming the beaches of Normandy.

This is what happens to your hair when your only friend is a volleyball. There's no one to keep your locks in check. But bonus points, though, for that sweet deserted-island beard.

Hanks goes full Colonel Sanders for this Coen brothers remake, sporting the hair, goatee and bow tie of the KFC icon. 

Buisness in the front, Codex murder mystery party in the back. Watch this scholarly mullet flop around heroically as Hanks' Robert Langdon must solve the Da Vinci Code. (And then get a haircut. Please.)  

Hanks features yet another '80s hairstyle, this time going the conservative route to play politician Charlie Wilson in this comedy-drama written by Aaron Sorkin. 

Hanks sports many haircuts -- and faces -- in this ambitious, time-bending sci-fi epic based on the popular novel. Our favorite is pictured here, where Hanks looks equal parts Russian thug, Vin Diesel and Joey Fatone.