Hercules

Hercules

Year: 2014

Runtime: 98 min

Language: English

Director: Brett Ratner

Budget: $100M

ActionAdventure

A mercenary selling his skills for profit, Hercules is haunted by a difficult past. When a king and his daughter seek his help to combat a ruthless warlord threatening their kingdom, he reluctantly agrees. To save them, Hercules must face his inner turmoil and embrace the heroic legacy he has tried to leave behind.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Hercules (2014)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Hercules (2014). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Ancient Greece

The movie takes place in a time where mythical heroes and gods actively shaped human affairs. This era is characterized by epic battles, moral dilemmas, and the strong influence of divine beings on mortal lives. Ancient Greece was marked by its rich mythology, where stories of gods and heroes were passed down through generations.

Location

Thrace

Thrace is known as a historical region that played a crucial role in ancient warfare and kingdoms. In the movie, it serves as the backdrop for Hercules's training of the Thracian armies. The land is depicted as rugged and fiercely contested, reflecting the tension and martial spirit of its people.

🏰 Kingdom ⚔️ Battle

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:17

Main Characters – Hercules (2014)

Meet the key characters of Hercules (2014), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Hercules (Dwayne Johnson)

Hercules is a demi-god with extraordinary strength, burdened by his tragic past and the loss of his family. He leads a group of mercenaries seeking redemption and purpose. His character evolves from a brash warrior to a figure of moral integrity, ultimately learning the importance of true leadership.

💪 Strong 👑 Leader 😞 Tragic

Amphiaraus (Ian McShane)

Amphiaraus is a wise and skilled seer who provides crucial guidance to Hercules. As a veteran warrior, he combines wisdom with martial prowess, serving as a mentor figure. His role emphasizes the importance of knowledge and foresight in overcoming challenges.

🔮 Wise ⚔️ Mentor 🤝 Loyal

Autolycus (Rufus Sewell)

Autolycus is a cunning thief with a talent for deception, bringing both humor and unpredictability to the group. His skills with weapons and agility make him a key player in their adventures. He embodies the archetype of a rogue, proving that cleverness can be as effective as brute strength.

🕵️‍♂️ Cunning 🎭 Rogue 🎯 Agile

Iolaus (Reece Ritchie)

Iolaus is Hercules’s devoted nephew, known for his storytelling and loyalty. He adds a lighter tone to the story while also being an unwavering supporter of Hercules. His character shows the importance of friendship and the bonds that can withstand turmoil in harsh times.

📖 Storyteller 🤗 Loyal 🧙‍♂️ Supportive

Lord Cotys (John Hurt)

Lord Cotys is initially portrayed as a noble leader who becomes an antagonist through his ruthless ambition. His betrayal serves as a pivotal point in Hercules’s journey, emphasizing how power can corrupt even the most honorable figures. Cotys embodies the complexities of leadership and the consequences of moral decay.

👑 Noble ⚔️ Ambitious 😈 Corrupt

King Eurystheus (Joseph Fiennes)

King Eurystheus is a cunning and manipulative figure who represents the adversities Hercules must overcome. His character reveals dark secrets about Hercules's past, challenging the hero’s resolve. Eurystheus embodies the machinations of power and the personal struggles that accompany hidden truths.

🤴 Manipulative 😈 Antagonist 💔 Deceitful

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:17

Major Themes – Hercules (2014)

Explore the central themes of Hercules (2014), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🏅 Heroism

Heroism is central to the story of Hercules, who embodies strength and bravery despite his tragic past. The film explores what it truly means to be a hero, not just through physical might but also through resilience in the face of betrayal and hardship. Hercules’s journey is one of self-discovery, where he learns to confront his fears and strive for justice.

⚖️ Betrayal

Betrayal weaves through the narrative, as Hercules faces treachery from those he trusts, including King Cotys. The theme highlights the complexities of loyalty and the harsh realities of power struggles. Hercules’s realization of betrayal prompts him to reassess his values and the true meaning of loyalty in a world rife with deception.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:17

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Explore Movie Threads

Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

Redemptive hero journeys like in Hercules

Skilled warriors confront a traumatic past to fight for a greater cause.This collection features action-packed films where characters grapple with a traumatic past while embarking on a heroic quest. If you liked Hercules' struggle for redemption, you'll find similar stories of skilled warriors facing their inner turmoil to fight for justice in movies like this.

heroictragicredemptivegrippingaction-packedvengefulemotional

Narrative Summary

The narrative follows a skilled but emotionally scarred protagonist who is initially motivated by self-interest. A new threat or request pulls them into a larger conflict, serving as a catalyst for them to confront the trauma or tragedy that haunts them. Their external battle against a villain is intrinsically linked to their internal battle for peace and redemption.

Why These Movies?

Movies in this thread share a core pattern of a hero's physical prowess being matched by their psychological burden. They blend high-stakes action with a deeply personal, emotional journey toward healing and self-acceptance, creating a satisfying arc where external victory mirrors internal growth.

Gritty mythological action movies like Hercules

Large-scale battles and legendary heroes grounded in human struggle and betrayal.Explore films that blend ancient legends with intense, action-packed storytelling. If you enjoyed the epic battles and grounded take on a mythic hero in Hercules, this list features similar movies with large-scale combat, themes of deception, and a focus on the human side of legendary figures.

epicintenseaction-packedmythologicalgrittybetrayalbattle

Narrative Summary

These narratives are set in ancient or fantastical worlds inspired by folklore and mythology. They focus on a central, often physically imposing hero navigating a world of warring factions, divine machinations, or monstrous threats. The plot is driven by large battles, quests, and revelations of betrayal, challenging the idealized notion of legend with a more brutal and realistic portrayal.

Why These Movies?

These films are grouped by their shared setting in a mythic past and their tonal approach, which prioritizes intense, practical-feeling action and political drama over pure fantasy. They create a cohesive experience of epic spectacle combined with a darker, more grounded exploration of power, legacy, and heroism.

Unlock the Full Story of Hercules

Don't stop at just watching — explore Hercules in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Hercules is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Hercules Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Hercules, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Hercules Summary

Hercules Timeline

Track the full timeline of Hercules with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Hercules Timeline

Hercules Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of Hercules that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

Hercules Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Hercules

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Hercules: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Hercules