Common Sense Media Review
Lighthearted, but scary stuff is too much for littlest kids.
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Hercules
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 17 parent reviews
Based on 53 kid reviews
Kids say this movie provides an entertaining and humorous take on Greek mythology, but many reviews express disappointment over its significant departures from the original myths. While the animation is praised and the characters are often likable, the film contains elements that may be too scary for younger viewers, such as intense scenes featuring Hades and various monsters, leading to mixed recommendations for child audiences.
- - entertaining adaptation
- - inaccurate myth
- - scary for kids
- - humorous characters
- - mixed audience recommendations
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
According to Disney, HERCULES was the adored son of gods Zeus and Hera, stolen by Hades, ruler of the underworld, and made mortal. He must become a true hero to become a god again so he can live with his parents on Mount Olympus. To do this, Hercules (voiced by Tate Donovan) seeks out a grouchy satyr (Danny DeVito), who trains him in fighting techniques and strategy. When he saves some children (so he thinks) and defeats the hydra (its many heads masterfully provided by computer animation), he becomes an instant celebrity, with action figures and "Air Hercules" sandals. He goes on to his other labors but finds that it's not enough to be a real hero -- that comes from the heart, not the muscles. Meanwhile, Meg (Susan Egan), who sold her soul to Hades to save the life of her boyfriend, must now try to find Hercules' weakness so that Hades can take over Olympus.
Is It Any Good?
Kids will need some preparation for this movie; scant exposition is provided by the movie's Spice Girl-style "muses" (a sort of gospel Greek chorus that's fun to watch, but hard to follow). The role of the three fates, who share one eye between them and cut a thread when a human's life is ended, is particularly confusing. Meg is tougher and braver than the traditional damsel in distress, but still very much on the sidelines. The movie's other weakness is its lackluster score.
Hercules' teenage protagonist may not be Disney's most memorable hero, but the movie's bad guy turns in a performance of astonishing verve -- as Hades, James Woods will join Cruella DeVille in the pantheon of unforgettable Disney villains. Sidekicks Pain and Panic (Bobcat Goldthwait and Matt "Max Headroom" Frewer) are wickedly funny as well.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about real-life heroes. What makes someone a hero? How does society treat its heroes? Why do we buy products endorsed by athletes (or movie tie-ins)? How do real-life heroes compare to the heroes in Hercules?
Is wanting to be a god a good reason to want to be a hero? Do we see any evidence that Hercules (or anyone else in the movie) has much concern for the well-being of the community?
Does this movie seem scarier than other animated kids' movies? Why or why not?
Movie Details
- In theaters : June 27, 1997
- On DVD or streaming : August 1, 2000
- Cast : Danny DeVito , James Woods , Tate Donovan
- Directors : John Musker , Ron Clements
- Studio : Walt Disney Pictures
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Adventures , Arts ( Music and Sing-Along )
- Run time : 92 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : some scary scenes
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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