Hercules (1997) User Reviews

Disney's funniest

[ntadema · 8/10 · 12 December 2000]

I'm shocked to see this movie with a rating below 7. As a big Disney fan, I'll go out on a limb and say this is one Disney's top 5. There isn't a Disney movie out there with wit as sharp as this one's with much of it probably lost on the audience guessing by the rating given to this movie.

"Meg" definitely emerges as my all-time favorite female Disney role. Breaking from tradition, her character is not all that lady-like in her biting wit and sarcasm, but it works, serving to make the movie funny and her character lovable despite working with questionable motives.

The set-up and plot is typical for the movie but the script, animation, and music are most original AND good. IF I had to register a complaint, I would say that it's perpetual humor kept the movie from being emotionally wrenching. However, this movie remains one of the most entertaining I've seen. 8.5/10

Hey mythology lovers, get a grip!

[rapier7 · 8/10 · 29 June 2004]

I have seen many Disney movies, animated and not, and this one has more action than most, has no cute animals and is more humorous (ala Aladdin) than a typical Disney movie--Pixar films not included. This one also has a male lead (no princesses). If you are looking for typical Disney fare, then you may not appreciate this one. We enjoyed it thoroughly--from 4 to 40 years of age, male and female.

As for all the criticism regarding the liberties Disney took with Greek mythology, get a grip. I love Greek mythology too but hey, IT'S FICTION! It's not historical fact. Even the ancient tales themselves are not consistent, containing contradictions. There were many authors. But the characters are interesting, and Disney used some of them to create a good story for kids about an outcast looking for his place in life. It also explores what makes a hero a true hero (perhaps the more useful lesson of the movie). Yes, it's a shame they took so many liberties with this picture but it still encourages interest in Greek myth. Don't believe me? The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles were not historically accurate either but they got kids interested in the Old Masters!

8 / 10

One of the best Disney movies, for sure

[funnycommentor · 8/10 · 18 May 2022]

The plot of the movie was very interesting, a very innovative Disney movie. The storyline was well-written, so interesting. The characters were very interesting and well-developed. The location of the movie was amazing, they portrayed ancient Greece, really well. Also, the theme of the movie, "Ancient Greek mythology" was very interesting and it was portrayed really well. There were some funny and iconic scenes. It was an enjoyable movie, that I would definitely watch again and again. In my opinion, it's one of the most innovative and most interesting films, by Disney. Moreover, the design of the movie and the effects were very well edited. Last but not least, I can't wait for the live adaption of the movie!

Hilarious, great fun for kids and adults.

[crazy_child_of_the_south · 17 June 2004]

I think this film is wonderful. It is sheer entertainment for kids and hilarious for adults.

I first watched this movie age 7, and i loved it...now i watch it again age 14 and I'm howling with laughter. The 'You wanna buy a sundial?' sequence renders me unable to breathe for laughter, whilst when i was younger it got not so much as a giggle.

As with all Disney films, the jokes are for the 'big kids' and the entertainment value is for the little ones.

This film has been criticized for not staying true to Greek Mythology. My response is, it doesn't matter. This a witty, sarcastic and enjoyable film. Accuracies play no purpose.

The characters are wonderful, particularly Phil and Hades. Also, Megara provides a feisty, totally non 'princessy' female character, which is wonderful!

Overall - 8/10

Enjoyable, but not Disney's best!

[TheLittleSongbird · 7/10 · 26 February 2009]

First of all, there are a lot of things I like about this movie. The animation, in general, is very nice to look at, and Charlton Heston's narration is very satisfying. And it is one of the funnier Disney movies with a witty and funny script. More pluses are a genius turn from Danny DeVito as the hilarious Phil, and a wonderfully sleazy James Woods as the hot-headed villain Hades( a great villain, might I add?)Rip Torn also has fun as Zeus, especially when his statue came to life. The incidental music is lovely as well. However, there are a few negatives. Hercules himself, both child and adult, is a little bland, but Meg manages to establish herself as one of the best female Disney characters. Also, there isn't much of a story. The prove-you're- a-hero formula was a little unoriginal for me. The biggest minus was the rather dull songs by Alan Menken. The songs, especially "Zero to Hero" were a real disappointment, as Menken had so much better work before this, namely Beauty and the Beast. However, Michael Bolton's rendition of Go the Distance(the only song I had no problem with)was a joy to behold, as was "I won't say I'm in love". It wasn't a good idea turning gospel, should've stayed with the classical. However, despite the flaws, I did enjoy Hercules, which is a 7/10. Bethany Cox

An Olympian achievement

[LeonStyloroy · 10/10 · 10 January 2008]

This is possibly my favorite Disney movie ever. With a razor-sharp wit, perfect comic timing and a fresh plot that transcends most other Disney fairy tales, this one's definitely a keeper.

You'll be enchanted right from the first number, in which the five Muses (from Greek mythology) set the stage of ancient Greece in a powerhouse gospel number which gives a whole new meaning to a Greek chorus. Recalling the three ladies in Little Shop of Horrors or Motown groups like the Supremes, the Muses appear randomly throughout the movie to narrate the story of Hercules with jazzy musical numbers that you'll be humming for days. The songs (by Alan Menken) are certainly a twist from the classic Disney musical, but there's enough variety to create a great, well-rounded musical. The writing is the wittiest in any Disney movie ever, with constant in-jokes and hilarious references to Greek mythology to reward the amateur scholar. The lyrics, too, are witty and full of tricky rhyme schemes that must have been a doozy to write but play out perfectly on screen. (You'll be flat-out awed by how many things rhyme with the phrase "gospel truth".)

Another of the highlights is the heroine, Megara or Meg. She's in no way a typical Disney princess. She's sassy, sexy, cynical and dangerous - and more winning by far than any warbling Cinderella or whiny little mermaid. The villain, Hades, is also a fun, witty character, although plenty dangerous in his own right.

Of course liberties have been taken with Greek mythology. The dysfunctional Olympian family has been cleaned up (No more Zeus having affairs or Hera trying to kill people) and the story has little in it of the original Greek legend. Instead, it's really an archetype, a modern retelling of all the Greek legends at once. Appearances are made by the Muses, the Hydra, satyrs, the Fates, Pegasus, the Titans, Narcissus, and of course all of the Olympian gods. Scholars may take offense, but since legends evolve and are to be taken with a grain of salt anyway, I didn't have a problem with it.

Yes, it's cheesy, just like other Disneys. But when nobody else is around, there's no resisting the corn. The third act is absolutely heart-wrenching, and even if it's over-the-top, it never truly goes over the top, and the constant bombarding of wit keeps things from getting too touchy-feely. Besides, tied together with a golden Disney score, who couldn't resist a dose of adventure, heartache, redeeming love, and most of all, heroism? Just let yourself be carried away to ancient Greece and you'll forget the movie's problems in a Pelyponnesian minute. As the Muses would say, that's the gospel truth.

Zeus! Your son has returned.

[Pjtaylor-96-138044 · 7/10 · 30 December 2020]

Though 'Hercules (1997)' struggles to provide even one truly great song, the film is a colourful and enjoyable adaptation of Greek mythology. Its highlight is probably Hades, the easily enraged god of the underworld who's brilliantly voiced by a fast-talking and scene-chewing James Woods. The movie is mostly light-hearted entertainment; it has an underlying message, but it isn't as focused upon as in some of Disney's other fare. That isn't necessarily a bad thing, though. Sometimes, you just want your animated musicals to be fun. After a somewhat slow start, the movie picks up the pace and is engaging right until its finish. It also features a few well-achieved and, even, exciting set-pieces. It's a solid entry in the Disney archives. 7/10

God-like

[Polar Bear · 9/10 · 17 July 2000]

"Hercules" is a cracking Disney film and for once it's not just for the kids. The animation is more like the "old-school" Disney, before the cute, big-eye syndrome and the characters are hugely entertaining. It has sly humour and in-jokes, but what sets it apart are the songs; soul, RNB, jazz and not a drippy sugar-song in sight. Quality entertainment!

A watered down Aladdin set in ancient Greece

[MissSimonetta · 6/10 · 15 May 2014]

No, it's not accurate to the original Greek myth of Heracles, but that isn't what keeps this film from being much good.

Hercules (1997) is a part of the second half of the oft-praised Disney Renaissance, a second golden age which ran from the release of The Little Mermaid in 1989 roughly until the release of Tarzan in 1999. Fans usually split this period into two parts: we have the Big Four from 1989 to 1994 (The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, and The Lion King), called such because they not only innovated and revitalized Disney animation after the roughly two decade dark age following Walt Disney's death in 1966, but they were also major hits at the box office. The second half starts with the artistic misfire that was Pocahontas, a visually stunning but soulless film obviously made with the Academy Awards in mind. It was at this point that the "renaissance formula" began to become more obvious and stale. Yes, a few of the films were good (The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Mulan), but most were bland and safe wastes of time.

Hercules is as safe as these films got. I think only Fantasia 2000 (1999) was more of a disappointment in taking chances. The main character, his "I Want" song, and the supporting characters are all dull. The color scheme is wretched, just a potpourri of clashing neon colors competing for your attention. The whole movie feels like a less entertaining version of Aladdin (1992) honestly. The only redeeming elements are the hilarious villain Hades and the love interest Meg's song, "I Won't Say I'm in Love."

I'm glad others find merit in it, but for me, it's only a mildly pleasant mess.

An amazing movie if we don't count historical inaccuracies

[John94 · 9/10 · 5 July 2022]

The movie was ahead of it's time in terms of production values for an animated movie (visual effects, art direction, action and most importantly humor and heart). The characters were also very interesting especially the amazing performance of Hades. My only grip was that we never saw Hades use his powers in a fight vs Hercules. He is in the top 3 Greek Gods along with Zeus and Poseidon. I remove one star for this and also because even though the film is its own creation the historical inaccuracies were so damn many (I am Greek btw). Nevertheless the movie is one of the best Disney animated movies for sure.

Its not as good if you didnt watched it as a kid

[D4V1D2411 · 6/10 · 5 July 2022]

This was one of the few disney classics which I hadnt watched so I couldnt be more excited to see it for the first time, but.... I wasnt really excited watching it, the story is good but very simple, the characters are also good but they arent even close to being my favourites, the jokes are also good but none standed out, and I think I could say that about all the movie, its definitely good, but it lacks something. Same, with the songs, they were mostly good but none of them were memorable for me. My favourite part was abiously Megara because.... reasons. But besides that I dont think I have more insentives to watch it again.

The BEST Disney movie I have ever seen!!

[black_white_clouds_r_pre · 10/10 · 18 July 2006]

Oh my gosh I can't believe that people are complaining about this movie. It is amazing with great art, jazzy music and awesome characters. I am 14 and first saw this movie at 5. I liked the movie then and absolutely love it now.

I love the songs and even though it is not true to mythology, so what?? It's a movie so get over it!! Shesh!! This movie has got heaps of bad reviews but has anybody looked at the good ones?? The characters in this movie are great. Hercules is great and Phil adds some laughs. The villains in this story add soo much humor. Hades, Pain and Panic add soo many laughs and James Woods is perfect for Hades who is one of the best villains yet!! Megara (or Meg) has to be the best heroine from all the Disney movies. For one she is not looking for love, is independent (she can tie her own sandals and everything) and can stand up to her boss. She doesn't let anyone push her around. I think that Susan Egan did Meg's voice perfectly.

Honestly I just want to say that this movie is great for both adults and children and the songs are unforgettable.If you haven't seen go to the video shop and rent it! You wont be sorry!!

Entertaining but problematic movie

[Harlekwin_UK · 7/10 · 29 December 2021]

It's only an animated movie, I keep telling myself.

It isn't supposed to be accurate.

And that is ultimately what prevents me from offering a higher rating. The movie deviates from the source material so very, very much it's too hard to ignore.

On the positive side, the movie is okay extremely enjoyable, fun, and humorous. The songs are well done and, even better, well placed. James Wood absolutely steals the show in places as Hades, far more than the great Danny DeVito's little satyr. The story is entertaining and well paced.

But it doesn't sit right if you know the stories of Heracles (the Greek) and Greek mythology generally.

There are nice touches - including Megara, five of the nine muses, and so forth. But in the end the divergent elements are just annoying.

Lots of others have created lists of these elsewhere but it's a good exercise to try and pick them out yourself. For example, I'm guessing an opening to a story that revolves around seduction and adulatory isn't very "Disney"?

I'd still recommend this movie, just take it at face value.

It's only an animated movie.

It's only an animated movie.

It's only an animated movie.

OK Disney animated feature...

[dwpollar · 4/10 · 2 April 2009]

1st watched 3/28/2009 – 4 out of 10 (Dir-John Musker & Ron Clements): OK Disney animated feature about the son of the great Zeus and his silly adventures. This a kind of wannabe A-list Disney movie with it's attempts at songs, sidekicks and silly romances but it just doesn't quite hit the mark despite James Woods doing a good job with the Hades role. The movie is about the birth of the young boy to Zeus and his wife, his loss of his godly position at the hands of Hades, and his attempt to become a mortal hero to win back his spot with the other Gods at Olympus. His road to hero-dom isn't easy as he's a pretty clumsy goof at first, but he's given a hero trainer voiced by Danny Devito who's kind of a short devil-like character(why he trained hero's I don't know??). He becomes a hero but supposedly still misses the heart necessary to get back to Olympia. This is gained, of course, because he goes googly-eyed over a women who is one of Hades's helpers and does stuff to get her out of his clutches(yeah I know, this doesn't make sense but it's Disney not Shakespeare). The movie is narrated by a 60's like Gospel group, who end every song with "the gospel truth." I'm sure this didn't make the religious right very happy about this movie(but they never really made movies for them anyway—but don't tell 'em). All in all, the movie is watchable but not the kind of Disney fare that we've come to expect from them. The same formula just not executed as well as some of their other movies.

The last of the new classics

[Lady Jasmine · 14 June 2002]

Although I know I have heaped praise on several other Disney films...Hercules stands out as my favourite among them all. After this movie the Disney features once again seemed to slip downhill. However I can watch this movie again and again, it has a spectacular Greek chorus, gospel type score, which will ring in your head for days (and you will like it!). The characters are all likeable, even the villain and it is absolutely hilarious!

I have never understood the panning this film got from Disney fans, as I have never comprehended what there is to dislike. The animation is beautifully done, although it is done in the style of Greek art, which may not be to everyone's taste (very similar situation to Sleeping Beauty which was disliked by some because it was animated in the style of a medieval tapestry), but it works wonderfully for the film.

Take a chance and watch it...and when you're done watching it for the sixteenth time, go out and buy the soundtrack!

Not one of the best Disney movies, but...

[eleonoraz · 6/10 · 9 January 2010]

Far form being one of my favorites Disney movies (and one of the best ones at all), I believe it's a nice movie, where humor, serious moments and Disney's main themes (friendship, love, loyalty,) are mixed up well, even if it has nothing to do with the original myth (but this doesn't ruin the film at all). However, the real reason I like this movie is Hades, a perfect villain in my own opinion: evil but also very funny, especially when he argues with Pain and Panic, his two followers. As for the soundtrack (which is really an important part of Disney productions), I have to say that it's not the best one I know: if you take other movies, such as "Aladdin" or "The Lion King" you will find better songs. However, it's not so bad: some songs are very nice!

the best since Aladdin!

[Indy-52 · 9/10 · 11 September 1999]

wow! This movie was really a pleasant surprise! I went to the theater expecting another below-par Disney film (like Pocahontas and Hunchback), but it turned out to be the most funny and enjoyable one since Aladdin (The Lion King was good, but there's just no contest between Timon & Pumbaa and the Genie )! And a good laugh from a Disney cartoon is just what i needed. You just must see this movie!

I was fun!

[diamondarrow · 7/10 · 3 August 2021]

It was a fun adventure that I enjoyed. I loved the specific animation style that was similar to Greek art around that time. I had a few chuckles but I was expecting it to be a little more funny than it actually was. But I did have fun watching it!

One person's myth is another person's miracle...

[AnnieLola · 8/10 · 15 September 2021]

In the grand Disney tradition of making free with literature and history to create an irresistibly entertaining movie experience, we have the lively "Hercules". Rendering the Olympian pantheon in rainbow hues is certain to please children, where austere white draperies and beige complexions have long been the norm onscreen. The whole is set in modern terms easily absorbed by the contemporary American audience-- it's fun!

One hopes that the younger set might be inspired to investigate the real mythology as recorded, and not assume they'd been adequately instructed in the subject by this highly revised version. Of course 'real' is relative, since any mythology deals with miraculous events that are not supported by the historic record. A good deal of Judeo-Christian biblical text falls under this designation; it must be taken on faith. But Judeo-Christian scriptures belong to active religions, and thus the events described are literally sacred. The religion of the ancient Greeks cannot be described as active, and thus is fair game for irreverent revisions that will offend very few beside Hellenist scholars.

Animated and live-action films that illustrate current religions, however, must adhere to tradition. Only look at the wealth of Hindu devotional films, visualized scriptures that provide ample evidence of the present-day believer's faith in the miraculous. Animated versions make these treasured tales of the gods more accessible to children. This is a living religion, with about a billion followers worldwide, and the third largest faith today.

But a 'dead' religion has virtually no one to protect its integrity, and so its miracles become myths, and its myths become infinitely flexible.

I suppose it's best for the tender sensibilities of children to present Zeus as a nice monogamous papa-god, whose only son was borne by his wife Hera. Later on his many outrageous infidelities, committed in various interesting disguises, can be revealed. They're certainly entertaining! And so is the Disney "Hercules".

Very fun

[kikiboo_8 · 7/10 · 22 November 2020]

Very fun, warm, engaging. Maybe there were too many singing bits. Also, Meg is so overrated and I'm not sure what does Hercules see in her. All in all very fun to watch, definitely not bad.

A Work of Heart

[jace_the_film_guy · 10/10 · 23 June 2023]

I didn't know if there would be a Disney movie better than "The Lion King" and then we re-watched Hercules. This movie is brilliant and textbook storytelling.

Every single character has clear motivations. What does Herc want? What does Phil want? Hades? Etc. There is no question why each individual acts a certain way because their motives are laid out.

At 93 minutes, this movie is the perfect length for the story being told. The story beats are paced precisely with every twist and turn happening at just the right time.

This is a Top 3 Disney soundtrack, with "Go The Distance" being the best Disney song ever written. I used to think that "A Whole New World" was that song, but I was wrong. "Go the Distance" is the GOAT.

Ultimately, "Hercules" is a work of art and (no joke) should be used in film school to teach how to construct a screenplay.

Best Character: Hercules (specifically young Herc) Best Quote: "A true hero isn't measured by the size of his strength, but by the strength of his heart." - Zeus Best Scene: Herc starting his journey.

Best Song: "Go the Distance"

Note: Rhyming "Impossible" with "Gospel" is so smooth. It was the "Sky's the limit" and "Eliza's in it" of the 90's.

Perfect for kids and big kids too 30+

[frosty-44431 · 7/10 · 7 February 2021]

I like this film, even had the PS1 game back in the day. I like the story in general and for a cartoon it's a really good effort.

Very Good!

[themegster88 · 9/10 · 2 December 2004]

Call me bias against Disney, but I really enjoyed this film.

The main reason I like it? Megra and Hades, the 'villians' are a new type of character, sarcastic, brash and so damn funny the two characters are amazing. I really like the new heroine, Megra is so cool. "I'm a big strong girl, I tie my own sandals and everything." She has one of the best songs in the movie, but all the songs are really brilliant! This is an under-rated movie. I LOVE IT! I would recommend it to anyone, so what if it's not quite representative of the 'real' story, it's Disney! Hope you enjoy it too!

Really Great!

[brookenichole-98054 · 7/10 · 15 January 2021]

Hercules may not be as amazing as many other Disney movies, but it's definitely a winner! It's funny, has charm, and adds cute romance. Hercules and Meg are adorable together and are one of my all time favorite Disney couples! I loved how sassy Meg was compared to other Disney Princesses. It was refreshing. Hercules was sweet and made me smile. The voice acting was terrific and the plot was great! And the music was fantastic! Overall, a wonderful Disney film.

Pathetic

[leon-husock · 4/10 · 3 April 2008]

Now, I'll admit that the music is not half bad. But as for the people who say that it's not important that it be true to the mythology, that's not what us myth-lovers are complaining about. At least for me. I don't know about the rest of them. I am complaining that with this movie Disney took a great story and Christianized it. They corrupted it, they took all of the decency out of it. This movie is to the myth what saccharine is to sugar. And I say that not only because artificial sweetener will never be better than the real thing, but because this movie is in fact nauseatingly saccharine in its "adaptation". Just a few ways in which this movie was Christianized and had all of the punch taken out of the real story: for one, Hera is NOT Hercules' mother, she is the one trying to kill him. But of course, in a Disney movie we have to have the happy family, right? And since we need a new villain, hm, let's see...why not just pin it on the lord of the underworld? Who, I might add, has no demonic connotations in Greek myth and whose only appearance in the Hercules story is when Hercules is tasked to bring Cerberus from Hades and back to the king alive. In the end of the real story, Hercules is driven mad by Hera and kills his wife, "Meg", and his entire family. This kind of interpretation makes me sick because it's just another example of society thinking that children can't handle anything remotely serious. But, to end on an up note, the music was catchy.