Hercules
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Synopsis
Stripped of his immortality as an infant by the scheming lord of the underworld, the superstrong son of Zeus embarks on a quest to become a true hero on Earth and reclaim his rightful place on Mount Olympus.
Our Review
Growing up as an awkward outcast whose immense strength causes accidental devastation, teenage Hercules visits the temple of Zeus to discover his origins. Zeus’s statue comes alive, explaining that while Hercules cannot return to Olympus as a mortal, he can regain his godhood by proving himself a “true hero” on Earth. Guided by his winged horse Pegasus, Hercules seeks out Philoctetes (“Phil”), a cynical veteran satyr trainer of legendary heroes. Phil reluctantly trains Hercules into peak fighting form before bringing him to the crime-ridden, disaster-prone city of Thebes.
En route to Thebes, Hercules rescues a sarcastic, cynical young woman named Megara (“Meg”) from the centaur Nessus, unaware that Meg previously traded her soul to Hades to save an unfaithful lover and is now indebted to the underworld lord. In Thebes, Hades summons ferocious monsters—including the multi-headed Hydra—to assassinate Hercules, but the young hero vanquishes them all, becoming a celebrated cultural phenomenon, celebrity endorsement superstar, and idol across Greece. Yet, Zeus reminds him that fame and physical victories alone do not make a true hero. For more animated movie reviews and recommendations, explore MovieToWatch.
Ending Explained
Realizing Hercules’ deep emotional affection for Meg, Hades offers him a bargain: surrender his superhuman strength for twenty-four hours in exchange for Meg’s guaranteed safety, provided she remains completely unharmed. Hercules agrees to the deal, only for Hades to immediately reveal Meg’s role as his undercover pawn. With Hercules temporarily powerless, Hades unleashes the towering Titans from their volcanic prison beneath the sea, laying siege to Mount Olympus and capturing Zeus.
Hades dispatches the Cyclops to destroy Thebes and crush the powerless Hercules. Aided by Phil’s encouragement, Hercules uses tactical cunning to blind the Cyclops and send him tumbling over a cliff. As the monster falls, a stone pillar collapses toward Hercules; Meg heroically throws herself beneath the column to shove him out of danger, taking the crushing impact. Because Meg was harmed, Hades’ contract is instantly broken, returning Hercules’ divine strength in full. Leaving Phil to comfort the mortally injured Meg, Hercules races to Olympus, slays the Titans, and rescues the gods.
Hercules returns to Earth just as Meg succumbs to her injuries. Refusing to accept her death, Hercules storms the Underworld and confronts Hades at the River Styx, offering his own life in the soul-draining whirlpool in exchange for Meg’s soul. As he dives into the mystical waters, his life force begins draining rapidly, turning his hair gray. However, his willing self-sacrifice for love proves his absolute moral nobility, triggering his complete transformation into a true, immortal god. The vortex can no longer destroy him; radiant with golden divine energy, Hercules pulls Meg’s soul from the depths and punches Hades into the swirling souls of the Styx.
Reviving Meg on Earth, Hercules is welcomed back to Mount Olympus in celestial glory, embraced by Zeus and Hera among the pantheon of gods. However, realizing an eternal life without Meg would be hollow, Hercules chooses to give up his immortality to live a full, happy mortal life on Earth alongside her. Zeus accepts his son’s wish, memorializing Hercules’ heroism by painting his constellation brightly across the night sky for the ages.
What We Think About This Movie
What We Liked
James Woods' rapid-fire, improvisational, and hysterically cynical comedic voice work as Hades.
The Muses providing an infectious, showstopping gospel-pop soundtrack that energizes the entire narrative.
Susan Egan's nuanced, dryly witty vocal performance as the complex, street-smart Megara.
The ambitious hybrid hand-drawn and early CGI animation featured in the multi-headed Hydra sequence.
Clever satirical barbs aimed at modern celebrity culture, sports endorsements, and merchandising mania.
What We Didn't Like
A fairly generic, earnest protagonist who lacks the depth or internal conflict of other Disney Renaissance leads.
The visual character designs lean somewhat flat and geometric compared to the rich artistry of The Hunchback of Notre Dame.
A couple of the traditional showtunes, notably Phil's training number, feel musically pedestrian.
Who Should Watch
Fans of lighthearted, energetic animated musicals and 1990s Disney Renaissance classics.
Viewers who appreciate fast-talking, sarcastic comedy villains and clever pop-culture humor.
Families looking for an inspiring, feel-good mythic adventure packed with memorable action and laughs.
Who Should Skip
Purists seeking a faithful, historically accurate adaptation of classical Greek mythology.
Audiences looking for darker, dramatic animated storytelling in line with The Lion King or The Hunchback of Notre Dame.
Movie Details
Where to Watch Hercules in the USA
Frequently Asked Questions About Hercules
Is Hercules (1997) worth watching?
Holding a 7.4/10 rating on Movie To Watch, Hercules is widely regarded as one of Disney's most entertaining and rewatchable late-Renaissance features, famous for its gospel soundtrack, James Woods' comedic villainy, and high-energy slapstick.
Who voiced Hades in Disney's Hercules?
Hades was voiced by actor James Woods, who delivered a fast-talking, Hollywood agent-inspired performance that became one of Disney's most iconic and quotable animated villains.
What songs were written for Disney's Hercules?
The music was composed by Alan Menken with lyrics by David Zippel, featuring memorable tracks including "The Gospel Truth," "Go the Distance," "Zero to Hero," and "I Won't Say (I'm in Love)."
How long is Hercules?
The film has an official theatrical runtime of 93 minutes (1 hour and 33 minutes).
What is the age rating for Hercules?
It is rated G by the MPAA, suitable for general audiences with mild fantasy action and comedic cartoon violence.
