Hercules

The man. The myth. The movie.

1997 • 93 min • Animation · Family · Fantasy · Adventure · Comedy · Romance

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Synopsis

Bestowed with superhuman strength, a young mortal named Hercules sets out to prove himself a hero in the eyes of his father, the great god Zeus. Along with his friends Pegasus, a flying horse, and Phil, a personal trainer, Hercules is tricked by the hilarious, hotheaded villain Hades, who's plotting to take over Mount Olympus!

Our family guide

Best from age 5

Movie Knight Score

8030 reviews

100 Reviewers · 2 · 51%
75 Audience · 8028 · 49%

Young Hercules, born with godlike strength, must prove himself a true hero to his father, Zeus. Alongside his friends Pegasus and Phil, he battles the villainous Hades, who plans to overthrow Olympus. This animated musical adventure is filled with humor and heart.

Violence & peril: 3/10
Language: 1/10
Drinking, drugs & smoking: 1/10
Romance & sensuality: 2/10
Scary moments: 3/10

Heads up

Some animated battles with mythical creatures
Hades has fiery temper and menacing demeanor
Jokes about Hercules's strength causing accidental damage

What it models well

Courage and heroism
Finding your true strength
The importance of family and friends
Self-sacrifice

Talk about it after

What makes someone a "true hero"?
The difference between fame and heroism
Dealing with temptation and setbacks

Written by the Movie Knight editorial team for Hercules. Our own words, our own scoring — always double-check against your family's standards.

Where to watch

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Top billed cast

Director: Ron Clements, John Musker • Crew: Bob Shaw, Ron Clements, John Musker, Don McEnery, Irene Mecchi

Trailers & clips

Hercules - 1997 Theatrical Trailer #1 (35mm 4K)

Hercules - Sneak Peek #3 (April 15, 1997)

Hercules - Sneak Peek #2 (February 4, 1997)

Hercules - 1998 VHS Trailer

Hercules - Sneak Peek #1 (October 29, 1996)

Reviewer notes

Recommended
Undoubtedly one of the better 1990s Disney films. The story and animation are very much centre stage with the music much less important - no big power ballads! It is a fun take on the Herculean mythology of ancient Greece. Beginning with a suitably grand opening narrative from Charlton Heston, no less, we learn that Hades is desperate to avenge himself on Zeus - who tricked him into ruling the underworld after he ...
Geronimo1967, TMDB Community

Recommended
The definition of a meh film, at least for me. <em>'Hercules'</em> doesn't stick a connection, I felt very unfulfilled throughout. I have little negatives, yet there isn't much the other way either. I like the cast, but that's honestly about it. James Woods, Danny DeVito and Rip Torn all give noteworthy performances in the roles of Hades, Phil and Zeus. However, Tate Donovan as the titular character is forge...
r96sk, TMDB Community