Forrest Gump (1994)

Last updated:
September 4, 2025

Forrest Gump (1994), directed by Robert Zemeckis and starring Tom Hanks, is a heartfelt drama that blends romance, history, and a dash of comedy. It follows one man’s extraordinary journey through life, showing how innocence and decency can leave a lasting mark on the world.

Table of Contents

Detailed Summary

Childhood in Greenbow, Alabama

Forrest Gump, born with a low IQ and leg braces, grows up in Alabama with his devoted mother (Sally Field), who constantly tells him that he is “no different” from anyone else. Bullied as a child, Forrest discovers he can run incredibly fast, which becomes his defining trait. He meets Jenny Curran (Robin Wright), who becomes the love of his life and a constant presence in his story.

High School and College Years

Forrest earns a college football scholarship thanks to his running ability. His innocence and simplicity set him apart, but he manages to become a football star. During this time, he continues to pine for Jenny, who struggles with her own dark life path shaped by trauma and a desire for freedom.

Vietnam War

Forrest joins the U.S. Army and is sent to Vietnam. There, he befriends Bubba (Mykelti Williamson), who dreams of starting a shrimping business. Tragedy strikes when Bubba dies in combat, while Forrest saves several men from his unit, including Lieutenant Dan (Gary Sinise), who loses his legs and resents Forrest for saving him. Forrest’s heroism earns him the Medal of Honor.

Ping Pong Fame and Shrimping Business

After the war, Forrest becomes a ping pong champion, gaining fame and traveling internationally. Later, honoring his promise to Bubba, he invests in a shrimp boat. With help from Lieutenant Dan, who eventually finds purpose in life again, Forrest creates a successful shrimp company, Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.

Love and Loss

Forrest and Jenny’s paths cross many times. She leads a turbulent life of drugs and counterculture, contrasting sharply with Forrest’s innocence. Eventually, she returns to him, and they share a brief period of happiness. Forrest proposes, but Jenny initially declines. Later, she reveals that she is sick and has a young son—Forrest Jr.—who is also Forrest’s child.

Movie Ending

In the final act, Jenny and Forrest marry. Their happiness is short-lived as Jenny’s illness worsens, and she passes away. Forrest is left to raise their son. The film ends with Forrest taking his son to his first day of school, mirroring his own childhood but with a hopeful difference—Forrest Jr. is bright and capable, symbolizing hope for the future. The very last image shows a feather floating away on the wind, echoing the film’s theme of destiny versus chance, and how life often takes us places we never planned.

Are There Post-Credits Scenes?

No, Forrest Gump does not have a post-credits scene. The feather at the end serves as the final poetic closure.

Type of Movie

The film is a drama/romance with historical and comedic elements. It’s also often described as an epic, given how it spans decades of American history.

Cast

Tom Hanks as Forrest Gump
Robin Wright as Jenny Curran
Gary Sinise as Lieutenant Dan Taylor
Mykelti Williamson as Bubba Blue
Sally Field as Mrs. Gump
Haley Joel Osment as Forrest Jr.

Film Music and Composer

The score was composed by Alan Silvestri, whose main theme has become iconic. The soundtrack also features a collection of classic American songs from the 1950s through the 1980s, perfectly matching each era of Forrest’s life.

Filming Locations

The movie was shot across multiple U.S. locations, including:

Savannah, Georgia – the famous bench scenes were filmed here in Chippewa Square.
South Carolina – much of Vietnam was recreated here using swampy landscapes.
Alabama – Greenbow is fictional, but many Southern locations doubled for Forrest’s hometown.

The real locations give the film a grounded, authentic American feel despite its epic storytelling.

Awards and Nominations

Won 6 Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actor for Tom Hanks.
Golden Globe Awards for Best Actor and Best Motion Picture.
Numerous other accolades, especially for its innovative visual effects (like inserting Forrest into historical footage).

Behind the Scenes Insights

Tom Hanks did not take a salary; instead, he accepted a share of the film’s profits, which earned him tens of millions.
The young actor who played Forrest Jr. (Haley Joel Osment) got the role after charming the casting team by asking about snacks.
The bench used in the Savannah scenes is now in a museum.
Gary Sinise wore blue stockings on set to digitally remove his legs later.

Inspirations and References

The film is based on the 1986 novel Forrest Gump by Winston Groom. The book is much darker and more satirical, with Forrest being more cynical. The movie softens his character and leans heavily into optimism and heart.

Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes

No alternate ending was filmed, but deleted scenes exist, including extended football sequences and more moments of Forrest interacting with historical figures.

Book Adaptations and Differences

In the book, Forrest is more rough-edged and less innocent.
The novel includes wild scenarios—Forrest becomes an astronaut and even meets cannibals.
The film chose to focus on the love story and inspirational aspects instead of satirical humor.

Memorable Scenes and Quotes

Key Scenes

Forrest running out of his leg braces as a child.
“Run, Forrest, run!” chase sequence.
Forrest carrying soldiers during the Vietnam battle.
The ping pong diplomacy scenes.
The emotional farewell to Jenny’s grave.

Iconic Quotes

“Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get.”
“Stupid is as stupid does.”
“Run, Forrest, run!”
“My mama always said you’ve got to put the past behind you before you can move on.”
“I’m not a smart man, but I know what love is.”

Easter Eggs and Hidden Details

The feather at the beginning and end represents fate and chance.
Each phase of Forrest’s life mirrors an important American historical moment.
In every scene where Forrest is about to sit on a bench, his shirt changes to plaid.

Trivia

Tom Hanks improvised the line: “My name’s Forrest Gump. People call me Forrest Gump.”
The running scenes were filmed with Hanks’ younger brother Jim as his double for wide shots.
It was the second film to win Best Picture and earn over $600 million worldwide.

Why Watch?

Forrest Gump is a unique blend of personal storytelling and sweeping American history. It’s a movie that can make you laugh, cry, and reflect on life’s unpredictability. Whether you’re drawn to romance, history, or just a great performance, this film has it all.

Forrest Gump (1994)