Hercules, the son of Zeus and the mortal queen Alceme, has a tumultuous beginning. His existence is not well-received by Hera, Zeus's queen, who views him as a constant reminder of Zeus's infidelity. As a child, Hercules faced numerous attempts on his life due to her relentless vendetta. Upon reaching adulthood, Hera struck a deal with Zeus: she would cease her attacks on him if he completed the Twelve Labors, featuring perilous tasks that tested his strength and resilience, including battling the Lyncean Hydra, the Erymanthean Boar, and the Nemean Lion.
In this gripping tale, Hercules (Dwayne Johnson) leads a diverse group of mercenaries, including Amphiaraus (Ian McShane), a spear-wielding prophet; Autolycus (Rufus Sewell), a sly thief skilled in knife-throwing; Tydeus (Aksel Hennie), a fierce warrior; Atalanta (Ingrid Bolsø Berdal), an Amazon archer; and his nephew Iolaus (Reece Ritchie), a talented storyteller. Despite Hercules’s divinity and heroic past, he grapples with the haunting memories of his wife, Megara (Irina Shayk), and their children's tragic deaths, manipulated by Hera which led him to insanity.
Following a successful mission, the mercenaries celebrate at a local tavern when they encounter Ergenia (Rebecca Ferguson), who seeks Hercules's aid on behalf of her father, Lord Cotys (John Hurt). Cotys commissions Hercules to train the Thracian armies against the brutal warlord Rheseus (Tobias Santelmann), a promise sweetened by a fortune lined with gold. Upon their arrival in Thrace, Hercules and his crew are welcomed by King Cotys and General Sitacles (Peter Mullan), where they start to forge a mighty force to combat impending threats.
After the mercenaries lead the newly trained troops against local barbarians, they triumph, but the interactions with Rheseus bring unforeseen complications. Following Rheseus's capture, Hercules learns of a deeper conspiracy involving Cotys and Ergenia, with revelations that expose the wrongful nature of his previous battles. Faced with the cruelty of King Cotys, who poisoned Ergenia’s husband to seize power, and Rheseus's claim of self-defense, Hercules must decide whether to uphold loyalty to a lord whose actions betray his own people.
In a riveting twist, after enduring betrayal and confinement, Hercules is visited by an unexpected enemy, King Eurystheus (Joseph Fiennes). He unveils dark truths, including how Hercules was drugged and misled into believing his loved ones perished due to his actions. Encouraged by Amphiaraus to tap into his true potential, Hercules breaks free from his chains and unleashes his pent-up rage, taking down the vicious wolves that embody his nightmares.
The climactic battle unfolds as Hercules confronts Eurystheus and Cotys, showing immense valor and unyielding strength. Sacrifice marks the battlefield as his comrades fight heroically. In a powerful moment, Hercules uses the statue of Hera, significant to his tribulations, to vanquish Cotys and assert his power. The conflict culminates with Arius, Cotys's heir, ascending to the throne with Ergenia by his side, while Hercules and his enduring friends set off to engage in further adventures.
In the end credits, an imaginative animated sequence illustrates the legendary Twelve Labors, depicting how Hercules’ strength and cunning, supported by his loyal companions, led to his numerous victories.
