Hercules

Movie review by Nell Minow, Common Sense Media
Hercules Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 7+

Lighthearted, but scary stuff is too much for littlest kids.

G 1997 92 minutes
Rate movie

Parents say

age 7+

Based on 18 reviews

Kids say

age 6+

Based on 53 reviews

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.
Rate movie

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this movie.

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that Hercules about what it really means to be a hero is a shade darker than many other Disney blockbusters. There's a lot of gore and intense, scary stuff for a G-rated movie, including gruesome monsters and end-of-the-world images (floods, fires, ice storms, mass destruction) that might overshadow the more lighthearted musical components. Some kids may also be confused or even upset about the underworld and what happens when people die.

Community Reviews

CollegeGirl_Kids Film Major
CollegeGirl_Kids Film Major Adult
October 13, 2016
age 5+

Back in Disney's Glory Days

This is a great movie. I see a lot of reviews about how the movie is "too scary" or "inappropriate" for small children, but I seriously cannot see how. In typical Disney fashion, the movie is not just targeted for children but family members of all ages (sometimes including the child at heart). However, for any of the slightly more mature references, they are done in a way that goes over a small child's head. There is nothing inappropriate, and the movie has strong messages about the difference between a idealized / public "hero" and what makes someone a "true hero." It also explores the story of our awkward hero's believed need to fit in--but then his realization that it's his individuality that makes him special. Plus, I always love to see a main character that realizes he or she can't do it alone. Individuality is great, but it's good to realize that one person can't take all the credit for one's success--that they need to rely on others to also make them stronger. (Plus, I love the references to other movies, plays, artworks, and various spoofs the movie makes) As far as being "scary," I really don't think that's a problem. On some level, anything could scare a little kid. I mean, I had a nightmare about Peter Pan and My Little Ponies when I was little. My. Little. Ponies... (I'm weird, I know). As far as the scenes in Hercules, I would rate it "great" for 5+ and a "maybe" for anyone under 5 (depending on the kid). None of the scenes ever scared me or my siblings when we were little (or anyone I knew for that fact--or at least none who would admit it)--but it depends on the kid. Everyone's different.

This title has:

Great messages
1 person found this helpful.
tasha-nicolas
tasha-nicolas Adult
November 15, 2022
age 4+

Great movie….overly sexualized girls but still good

Hercules is one of my favorite Disney movies! 5 stars. Here’s some stuff you should know……………. well, Hercules and Meg are in love sooooooooo there are a couple of kisses. Also she is freaking skinny!!! Like a model. One time she is cuddling Hercules and puts her leg in his face and kind of sits on him and the sleeve of her dress falls down but Hercules puts it back up before anything…weird happens. The girls are all supermodel skinny actually and I kinda feel like maybe they are a little overly sexualized but hey, great movie. There’s not that much violence, except for when Hercules fights the hydra. My 5 and 7yo brothers didn’t think it was scary and neither did I as a kid. There’s a little alcohol and stuff when hades smokes once and drinks alcohol. SUCH A GOOD MOVIE THOUGH!!! Please watch

This title has:

Great messages
Great role models
Too much sex
Too much drinking/drugs/smoking
See all 18 parent reviews

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

Our Editors Recommend

Themes & Topics

Browse titles with similar subject matter.

  • Cartoon magic wand on orange background
    Magic and Fantasy
    See all
  • Cartoon picture of luggage and a map
    Adventures
    See all
  • Cartoon image of a microphone
    Music and Sing-Along
    See all

Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.

See how we rate