Hercules (1997)
Kernel Score: 85% · 7,839 ratings · Rated G
Genres: Animation, Family, Fantasy, Adventure, Comedy, Romance
Released: 1997-06-13
Runtime: 93 minutes
Is Hercules worth watching?
Worth watching. A bright, fast and funny Disney take on the Greek hero, with a gospel-flavoured soundtrack and a lively villain. It's not Disney's deepest, but it's quick, charming and endlessly watchable.
Watch it if you
- like fast, jokey animation
- enjoy Disney musicals
- want something the family will enjoy
Skip it if you
- want a faithful retelling of the myths
- dislike musicals
Best for: Family movie night
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch Hercules
- Stream: Disney+
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
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 parents' guide: all ages
Parents need to know that this Disney animated musical has cartoon action violence and a menacing villain but is family-friendly overall.
- Violence & scariness: Some — Cartoonish battles with monsters and the villain Hades, mild by Disney standards.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official G rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Hercules
If you liked Hercules, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Aladdin (1992) — 92%: Same directors, with a lively genie and big songs.
- The Little Mermaid (1989) — 89%: Same directors, a classic Disney musical adventure.
- The Princess and the Frog (2009) — 82%: Same directors, hand-drawn musical with humour.
- The Emperor's New Groove (2000) — 87%: Fast, silly Disney comedy adventure.
- Moana (2016) — 85%: Same directors, an adventure with great songs.
- Treasure Planet (2002) — 84%: Same directors' space-pirate adventure.
Director
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)
Hercules FAQ
Is Hercules worth watching?
Worth watching. A bright, fast and funny Disney take on the Greek hero, with a gospel-flavoured soundtrack and a lively villain. It's not Disney's deepest, but it's quick, charming and endlessly watchable.
Where can I watch Hercules?
In the US you can stream Hercules on Disney+ and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is Hercules OK for kids?
Hercules is rated G. Fresh Kernels suggests all ages. Parents need to know that this Disney animated musical has cartoon action violence and a menacing villain but is family-friendly overall.
What movies are like Hercules?
If you liked Hercules, try Aladdin, The Little Mermaid, The Princess and the Frog and The Emperor's New Groove.