'Forrest Gump' Facts

Since its release in 1994, 'Forrest Gump' has become one of the most beloved and quotable films in cinematic history.

Starring Oscar-winning classic that even die-hard fans might not know.

Forrest Gump

"The world will never be the same once you've seen it through the eyes of Forrest Gump."

PG-132 hr 22 min Jul 6th, 1994

1. Tom Hanks Wasn’t Paid Up Front

Tom Hanks believed so strongly in the film that he took a percentage of the box office earnings instead of a salary. This gamble paid off—he reportedly earned over $60 million.

2. The Iconic Bench Scenes Were Filmed in Georgia

Although much of the movie takes place in Alabama, the famous bench scenes were filmed in Chippewa Square, Savannah, Georgia. The bench itself now resides in the Savannah History Museum.

3. The Running Scenes Were Filmed Across the U.S.

Forrest’s coast-to-coast run was shot in over 20 locations, including Utah, Montana, Arizona, and the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina.

4. Hanks’ Brother Helped With the Running Scenes

Tom Hanks’ younger brother, Jim Hanks, served as a body double for many of Forrest’s long-distance running scenes.

5. “Life Is Like a Box of Chocolates” Was Voted Top Movie Quote

The American Film Institute ranked the quote “Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re gonna get” as the 40th greatest movie quote of all time.

6. The Feather Was CGI

The opening feather that floats through the air was a combination of real footage and digital effects—cutting-edge for its time.

7. Haley Joel Osment Made His Film Debut

Before 'The Sixth Sense', Osment made his film debut as Forrest’s son, Forrest Jr., at just six years old.

8. Gary Sinise’s Leg Effects Were Revolutionary

To portray Lt. Dan without legs, Gary Sinise wore blue fabric over his lower legs, allowing the visual effects team to digitally erase them in post-production.

9. The Vietnam Scenes Were Shot in South Carolina

The lush Vietnam jungle wasn’t in Southeast Asia—it was actually filmed on Fripp Island and Hunting Island in South Carolina.

10. The Script Took Years to Develop

The screenplay, based on Winston Groom’s novel, underwent several rewrites and initially faced skepticism due to its unconventional mix of history and fiction.

11. Hanks Modeled his Character's Voice After the Actor that Played Young Forrest

Michael Conner Humphreys, who played young Forrest, had a distinctive Southern accent. Hanks chose to mimic Humphreys’ speech rather than the other way around.

12. It Beat Out Heavy Competition to Win Best Picture

'Forrest Gump' won six Academy Awards, including Best Picture, in a year that also saw 'The Shawshank Redemption' nominated.

13. Elvis Presley Was Voiced by Kurt Russell

Though uncredited, John Carpenter.

14. The Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. Became a Real Restaurant

The fictional company inspired a real-life seafood restaurant chain. The first location opened in 1996 and now has multiple locations worldwide including Universal CityWalk in Los Angeles.