Release: 1997-06-13
Runtime: 1h 33m (93 minutes)
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!
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Genres: Adventure, Fantasy, Animation, Comedy, Romance, Family
Cast: James Woods, Charlton Heston, Danny DeVito, more
James Woods
as Hades (voice)
Charlton Heston
as Narrator (voice)
Danny DeVito
as Philoctetes (voice)
Rip Torn
as Zeus (voice)
Wayne Knight
as Demetrius the Pot Maker (voice)
Keith David
as Apollo the Sun God (voice)
Amanda Plummer
as Clotho (voice)
Jim Cummings
as Nessus the River Centaur / Tall Thebian / Elderly Thebian (voice)
Hal Holbrook
as Amphitryon (voice)
Kathleen Freeman
as Heavyset Woman (voice)
Matt Frewer
as Panic (voice)
Josh Keaton
as Young Hercules (voice)
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!
The man. The myth. The movie.
Hercules is a 1997 animated musical film produced by Walt Disney Feature Animation and released by Walt Disney Pictures. Loosely based on the mythical Greek hero Heracles, the story follows Hercules, the son of Zeus, who is raised among mortals and must prove himself to regain his place among the gods on Mount Olympus. The film features voice performances from Tate Donovan, Danny DeVito, James Woods, and Susan Egan.
The film was directed by John Musker and Ron Clements, who also produced it along with Alice Dewey Goldstone. The screenplay was crafted by Clements, Musker, Donald McEnery, Bob Shaw, and Irene Mecchi. With a production budget of $85 million, Hercules grossed an impressive $252.7 million worldwide.
Hercules was released on June 13, 1997, and although it received generally positive reviews, it underperformed at the box office compared to earlier Disney hits. James Woods's portrayal of Hades was particularly praised, as was the film's engaging humor and lively musical numbers.
The plot unfolds in ancient Greece, where Zeus and Hera celebrate the birth of their son, Hercules. However, Hercules's uncle Hades, the ruler of the Underworld, plots to overthrow Zeus. Hades learns that a planetary alignment in eighteen years will allow him to free the Titans if Hercules does not interfere. He sends his minions, Pain and Panic, to eliminate Hercules as a baby, but they fail when he is adopted by a mortal couple. As a result, Hercules grows up unaware of his divine heritage, possessing immense strength but feeling like an outcast.
Upon discovering his origins, Hercules sets out to prove himself as a true hero, seeking guidance from the satyr Phil, who trains him. Along the way, Hercules falls for Megara, who is secretly working for Hades due to a past deal. As Hades's plans unfold, he captures Meg, and Hercules is faced with a choice that tests his heroism.
In a climactic showdown, Hercules defeats the Titans and saves Meg, ultimately proving himself worthy of his godhood. The film concludes with Hercules choosing to remain on Earth with Meg, rather than returning to Olympus.
The voice cast brought life to the characters, with notable performances by:
The film's musical score was composed by Alan Menken, with lyrics by David Zippel. The soundtrack featured a blend of gospel, Broadway, and R&B influences, enhancing the film’s lively spirit.
Hercules has since inspired several adaptations, including a television series and a direct-to-video sequel. A stage adaptation debuted in 2019, showcasing the film's enduring legacy and appeal. Additionally, a live-action remake is currently in development at Disney, promising to bring a fresh take on this classic tale.
