What to read, watch, and listen to if you lovedHercules
John Musker · Film · 1997
If you loved Hercules, start with Berserk (1997) — a series on the same thread. Below: 4 books, 4 series and 2 podcasts, each matched to Hercules across media.
What hooked you in Hercules is the way an ordinary soul transforms into a legendary hero through training and friendship.
Books on the same thread
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
J. K. Rowling · Book · 1997
Shares a thread with Hercules: Self-Discovery.
Like Hercules, Harry discovers an extraordinary destiny that pulls him from obscurity, forcing him to navigate a dangerous new world while learning what it truly means to be a hero.
The Hobbit
J. R. R. Tolkien · Book · 1937
Shares a thread with Hercules: Self-Discovery.
Much like the journey of Hercules, this tale follows an unlikely protagonist who grows into his own courage while embarking on a high-stakes quest across a fantastical, treacherous landscape.
Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone
J.K. Rowling · Book · 1997
Explores: Good vs. Evil, Orphanhood, Friendship.
Just as Hercules learns to embrace his unique gifts, Harry discovers his latent magical potential, transitioning from an unwanted boy into a celebrated figure within a vibrant, hidden world.
Percy Jackson & the Olympians
Rick Riordan · Book · 2005
Shares 3 threads with Hercules: Good vs Evil, Self-Discovery, Mythological Fantasy.
If you enjoyed the mythological stakes of Hercules, you will appreciate how this story pulls ancient gods into the modern world, centering on a young hero coming into his power.
Series on the same thread
Berserk
Series · 1997
Explores: Betrayal, Sacrifice, The Cost of Ambition.
This series shares the epic scale and mythological weight of Hercules, though it explores the darker, more visceral consequences of what happens when a warrior tests his own mortal limits.
Pokémon
Series · 1997
Explores: Friendship, Personal Growth, Overcoming Challenges.
Ash and his partner Pikachu mirror the bond between Hercules and his companions, focusing on the rewarding process of training and growth required to reach the top of one's field.
My Hero Academia
Series · 2016
Shares 2 threads with Hercules: Coming of Age, Good vs Evil.
This story mirrors the hero-in-training arc of Hercules, following a young underdog who gains the strength necessary to protect others while attending a specialized academy for burgeoning legendary figures.
Invincible
Series · 2021
Explores: Father-Son Relationship, Superhero Legacy, Brutal Superhero.
Like Hercules dealing with the legacy of Zeus, Mark must balance the immense expectations of his powerful father with the personal struggle of discovering his own identity as a hero.
Podcasts on the same thread
The Adventure Zone
The McElroys · Podcast · 2026
Explores: improvised storytelling, group dynamics, high fantasy satire.
This podcast captures the same sense of camaraderie and high-fantasy adventure found in the travels of Hercules, offering a comedic take on the classic tropes of monster-slaying and heroic quests.
Mahabharat
Fever FM - HT Smartcast · Podcast
Explores: Ancient History, Indian Epic, Moral Lessons.
If the mythological foundation of Hercules captivated you, this deep dive into an epic tale provides a similarly grand look at legendary figures, moral struggles, and the weight of destiny.
Keep exploring
Common questions
Is Hercules a god or a mortal in the 1997 movie?
In the 1997 movie Hercules, the protagonist is a young mortal who possesses superhuman strength. He sets out on a journey to prove himself a hero to his father, the god Zeus, while navigating the challenges posed by the villain Hades.
Who are the main allies that help Hercules on his journey?
Throughout the film Hercules, the hero is accompanied by two primary companions. These are Pegasus, a winged flying horse, and Phil, who serves as his personal trainer to help him prepare for the challenges he faces while trying to become a hero.
What is the primary motivation for the villain Hades in Hercules?
The main objective for the character Hades in the movie Hercules is to seize control of Mount Olympus. To achieve this, he attempts to trick Hercules and interfere with his efforts to prove himself worthy in the eyes of his father, Zeus.
Does Hercules feature characters from Greek mythology?
Yes, the 1997 movie Hercules features several figures from Greek mythology. The plot centers on the interactions between Hercules, his father the god Zeus, and the antagonist Hades, as they struggle for control over Mount Olympus during the course of the film.