Tom Hanks classic climbs Netflix's movie chart – 30 years after landmark Oscar win

The Netflix top 10 movie chart has been hammering out sequels of classics of late: we've seen Jurassic World Dominion hit the top spot, as one example, and with Star Wars Day incoming you might think that sci-fi is set to dominate.

But it's not all futuristic mayhem, as the classic Oscar-winning Tom Hanks movie, Forrest Gump, is currently climbing the Netflix chart at pace – which, given it was released 30 years ago back in 1994, might seem like a surprise.

Well, it shouldn't come as any shock, as this one's an all-time classic that warrants its 'landmark' badge – as it was the highest-grossing non-animated cinematic release back in 1994. Fortunately it never spawned a sequel – and long may it remain an untouched iconic classic that all should see.

Fans agree too: Forrest Gump has a super-high 95% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, placing it as Hank's second-ranked movie behind only A Man Called Otto. You only need look over Hank's resume to grasp just how many classics he's been in though: from Toy Story to Catch Me If You Can, Saving Private Ryan to Cast Away – few actors have such peppered and incredible careers.

What's perhaps baffling about Forrest Gump, however, is how the story manages to see Hanks, playing the titular character, manoeuvre through such a vast range of life-affirming events. The film has an essence of fantasy about its sometimes absurdity, yet really grabs hold and won't let go when those relatable tear-jerker moments are at the fore.

Oh, and the reason that Forrest Gump wasn't the highest-grossing movie of 1994? That's because Disney's The Lion King took top spot. Another absolutely stellar (albeit entirely different) movie that fully deserves its ongoing success.

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As we're now in the month of May there are plenty of shows and movies from the best streaming services to look forward to, too. Netflix's current no.1 is a gritty 1970s Irish drama starring Liam Neeson. Or sink your retinas into the beautifully shot black-and-white Ripley.

Or, if you're a Disney+ fan, then the full suite of Planet of the Apes movies, right across its 50 years of success is available to watch. Other long-standing successes on Disney include Star Wars, but of course, with a new animated show releasing on the all-important 'May The 4th' date.

Despite all that goodness, however, I think I'll have to re-watch Forrest Gump again tonight to catch Gump and co throughout their American football, Vietnam War, ping pong championships, never-ending running and other bizarre escapades. It might be 30 years old, but even three decades after its landmark cinematic release it remains a Hanks classic and well-deserved Oscar-winner.