The son of Zeus and Hera is stripped of his immortality as an infant and must become a true hero in order to reclaim it.The son of Zeus and Hera is stripped of his immortality as an infant and must become a true hero in order to reclaim it.The son of Zeus and Hera is stripped of his immortality as an infant and must become a true hero in order to reclaim it.
- Nominated for 1 Oscar
- 9 wins & 16 nominations total
Tate Donovan
- Hercules
- (voice)
Susan Egan
- Meg
- (voice)
James Woods
- Hades
- (voice)
Barbara Barrie
- Alcmene
- (voice)
Roger Bart
- Young Hercules
- (singing voice)
Mary Kay Bergman
- Earthquake Lady
- (voice)
- …
Corey Burton
- Titans
- (voice)
- …
Danny DeVito
- Phil
- (voice)
Paddi Edwards
- Atropos
- (voice)
Samantha Eggar
- Hera
- (voice)
Cheryl Freeman
- Melpomene
- (voice)
Matt Frewer
- Panic
- (voice)
Amanda Plummer
- Clotho
- (voice)
Bobcat Goldthwait
- Pain
- (voice)
Bug Hall
- Little Boy
- (voice)
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Featured reviews
One of the best Disney movies, for sure
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!
Hey mythology lovers, get a grip!
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
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
Good, but not well-researched
I'm a huge fan of Greek mythology, so even though I really liked this movie, I couldn't stop knit-picking all the little details that Disney screwed up. Here's just a short list:
1) Hercules wasn't Hera's son. In fact, she hated him!
2) Amphitryon, Hercules's foster dad, wasn't alive. Zeus came to Alcmene in the form of her dead husband's spirit.
3) Hercules wasn't a god. He was the son of a god (Zeus) and a mortal (Alcmene), making him a demigod. However, he did gain access to Mt. Olympus following his death.
4) The titans were not the monsters depicted in the movie. They were the Gods before the Greek Gods came on the scene, though it was after Zeus came along that they lost most of their power and got smaller jobs.
5) Hades was never `sentenced' to be the God of the Underworld; he asked for the job. Zeus even tried to persuade him not to do it.
6) Hercules never rode Pegasus; that's a totally different legend.
OK, I'll admit that I'm anal-retentive about the facts, but honestly, I really did like the movie. James Woods was hilarious as Hades (I couldn't stop laughing, he obviously had a lot of fun doing his lines), and Megara has got to be my favorite Disney heroine ever. This is definitely a movie for all ages; as long as you can get the Greek mythology fans to shut up for five seconds, you'll enjoy it.
1) Hercules wasn't Hera's son. In fact, she hated him!
2) Amphitryon, Hercules's foster dad, wasn't alive. Zeus came to Alcmene in the form of her dead husband's spirit.
3) Hercules wasn't a god. He was the son of a god (Zeus) and a mortal (Alcmene), making him a demigod. However, he did gain access to Mt. Olympus following his death.
4) The titans were not the monsters depicted in the movie. They were the Gods before the Greek Gods came on the scene, though it was after Zeus came along that they lost most of their power and got smaller jobs.
5) Hades was never `sentenced' to be the God of the Underworld; he asked for the job. Zeus even tried to persuade him not to do it.
6) Hercules never rode Pegasus; that's a totally different legend.
OK, I'll admit that I'm anal-retentive about the facts, but honestly, I really did like the movie. James Woods was hilarious as Hades (I couldn't stop laughing, he obviously had a lot of fun doing his lines), and Megara has got to be my favorite Disney heroine ever. This is definitely a movie for all ages; as long as you can get the Greek mythology fans to shut up for five seconds, you'll enjoy it.
100U
the best animation film of disney
One of, if not, the best Disney films ever made. The vocal talents of James Woods, Danny DeVito, Tate Donovan, and Rip Torn are all spot on. The music isn't the best work Disney has put out, but the movie itself is downright amazing. The tale of a son trying to regain his heroism to return home is one that has been told before. However, the way this one is told just feels fresh and new. James Woods as Hades is perfect casting. It is on the level as James Earl Jones as Darth Vader. I can't imagine anyone else playing the role of Hades. Great job Disney on this perfection. If anyone likes Greek mythology then this is a great, kid friendly, version of it.
Hilarious, great fun for kids and adults.
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
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
Soundtrack
Preview the soundtrack here and continue listening on Amazon Music.
Did you know
- TriviaThe role of Hades is one of James Woods's all-time favorite characters. So much so, any time Disney needs him to reprise the character for any cartoon show and video game, such as Hercules (1998) or Kingdom Hearts, he has agreed to do so. When this film was about to go over-budget, he offered to refund his salary and finish the film for free. Disney decided against this, and finished the film anyway.
- GoofsAll of the characters are referred to by their Greek mythological names except for Hercules. Hercules is the Roman equivalent to the Greek Herakles.
- Crazy creditsAt the end of the closing credits, Hades is heard complaining.
- Alternate versionsInstead of a reprise of "A Star is Born," a pop-rock rendition of "I Won't Say (I'm In Love)" by American singer Belinda Carlisle is heard during the end credits of some non-English-language versions of this movie.
- ConnectionsEdited from The Little Mermaid (1989)
- How long is Hercules?Powered by Alexa
Details
- Release date
- Country of origin
- Official site
- Languages
- Also known as
- Hércules
- Filming locations
- Walt Disney Feature Animation - 500 S. Buena Vista Street, Burbank, California, USA(Walt Disney's house)
- Production companies
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
Box office
- Budget
- $85,000,000 (estimated)
- Gross US & Canada
- $99,112,101
- Opening weekend US & Canada
- $249,567
- Jun 15, 1997
- Gross worldwide
- $252,712,101
- Runtime
- 1h 33m(93 min)
- Color
- Sound mix
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