Hercules
Movie, 1997, The Disney Renaissance, Set in Ancient Greece
Hercules is #10 of 20 in release order and #3 of 20 in chronological order in the Disney Animated Classics.
The story
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!
Hercules recap
Hercules is the infant son of Zeus and Hera on Mount Olympus. Hades, ruler of the underworld, learns from the Fates that in 18 years he can overthrow Zeus with the Titans unless Hercules interferes. His minions Pain and Panic give the baby a potion to make him mortal, but they miss one drop, so he stays strong. Raised by human parents, Hercules learns his true father is Zeus and that he can return to Olympus only by proving himself a true hero. He trains with the satyr Philoctetes, Phil, with his flying horse Pegasus, and becomes a celebrity by defeating monsters, many sent by Hades. He falls for Meg, who works for Hades, having sold her soul to save a man who later left her. Hades offers Hercules a deal: give up his strength for a day, and Meg will be safe.
Hercules ending explained
Hercules becomes a god by dying to save Meg, then chooses to stay on Earth with her. The Titans storm Olympus, and when Meg is hurt saving him, Hercules' strength returns. He beats the Titans, then dives into the river of souls in the underworld to save Meg; his willingness to die makes him a god. He knocks Hades into the river and gives up immortality to live with Meg.
Post-credits scenes
No. There is no post-credits scene.
Where to watch Hercules
Hercules is streaming on Disney+ in the US. You can rent or buy it on Amazon, Apple TV, and Google Play.
Ratings
IMDb 7.3/10, Rotten Tomatoes 83%
Where it fits
- Release order: after The Hunchback of Notre Dame, before Mulan.
- Chronological order: after Brother Bear, before Mulan.
What to watch before Hercules
In release order, 9 Disney Animated Classics essentials come before Hercules (1997), from The Little Mermaid (1989) to The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1996).
Cast
- Tate Donovan as Hercules (voice)
- Josh Keaton as Young Hercules (voice)
- Roger Bart as Young Hercules (singing voice)
- Danny DeVito as Philoctetes (voice)
- James Woods as Hades (voice)
- Susan Egan as Meg (voice)
- Bobcat Goldthwait as Pain (voice)
- Matt Frewer as Panic (voice)
- Rip Torn as Zeus (voice)
- Samantha Eggar as Hera (voice)
- Barbara Barrie as Alcmene (voice)
- Hal Holbrook as Amphitryon (voice)
Directed by Ron Clements, John Musker.