When it comes to Disney’s animated movies, there are few that focus heavier on being a likable person than Hercules, which follows the journey of Hercules himself literally going from zero to hero. Starting out being clumsy, and often causing chaos, he sets out on a path of discovery to find out who he truly is, and ends up overcoming adversity along that quest.
Whether it’s battling titans or trying to win the heart of Meg, Hercules has to deal with a lot of obstacles throughout the movie. But there’s plenty of great characters that both try to help and deter him. Whether it’s loyal sidekicks like Phil or Pegasus, or pesky villains like Pain and Panic, the movie has a real range of good and evil, but who is the most likable?
Hades
Even though Hades is the lead villain of this movie, there are certain aspects of his personality that are actually kind of likable. He’s one of the most charismatic Disney villains, and he actually provides tons of humor throughout the movie, which makes him a compelling character.
However, he is ultimately evil at his core and the things he does throughout the movie do end up making him unlikeable. He tries to get Hercules murdered when he is just a baby, he treats Meg terribly and isn’t even nice to his sidekicks Pain and Panic, which is why he’s not really a nice character at all.
Hera
Hera is the mother of Hercules, and while she’s obviously a nice character and someone who wants the best for her son, she’s not really shown in enough detail to truly become one of the most likable people within the movie.
Whenever the Gods are shown, it is typically other characters that take the spotlight, with Hera often just blending into the background. However, she is shown to be a kind character, who is gentle and has a huge amount of love for Hercules, which makes her someone that viewers can relate with.
Pain & Panic
Pain and Panic are a true double act within this movie, with one not being seen without the other. The two of them might technically be evil, as they’re Hades’ sidekicks, but it’s impossible not to find them funny, which in turn ends up making them quite likable.
While they might be given a variety of tasks to carry out by Hades, the fact is that they’re not very good at actually carrying them out. However, while their failed attempts to kill Hercules are quite funny to watch, the fact that is that they’re villains, which does make them quite unlikeable at their core.
Muses
The Muses really provide the soundtrack throughout Hercules, popping up at different points of the movie to sing about what is happening. They really link the movie together, providing all the backstory and explanation for any parts that could’ve been missed by viewers.
Their personalities are fun and sassy, and while they’re not as fleshed out as other characters in the movie, they bring a smile to people’s faces whenever they pop up. They’ve got fantastic voices, with their songs being great gospel tracks that are a lot of fun to listen to.
Zeus
As Hercules’ father, Zeus has a very important role to play in this movie. He might not be around all the time, but it’s very clear that he loves his son with all of his heart and while he does want to be taken seriously by everyone, he’s more than happy to relax and have fun too, especially when Hercules is a young boy.
Zeus is powerful and he is a true protector of his friends, which is a likable trait. He gives Hercules some sound advice throughout the movie as well, really stepping up as a father once they’re reunited.
Phil
Phil is the coach of Hercules and someone who brings a lot of fun to the movie. Without his training, Hercules would never be as capable as he becomes, but it does take some persuading to get Phil involved. He can be a little grouchy at points as well, which does hurt his likability a little.
However, overall he’s a kind character who ends up being a father figure to Hercules. He provides nothing but help to the lead character and the comedy he gives with his loud comments also makes him one of the best characters too.
Hermes
Hermes is the most underrated and overlooked character in the entire movie. He’s the messenger god and he really is like a right-hand man to Zeus. Whenever there are scenes with the gods, it is typically Hermes that steals the spotlight because he’s got such a funny personality.
Hermes comes out with tons of sarcastic one-liners and that certainly makes him a likable and fun character to be part of the story. Disney movies are expected to make people laugh and smile, and few do it better than Hermes, which is why he’s so easy to like.
Pegasus
Pegasus is Hercules’s best friend and loyal companion who never lets him down. He’s constantly by his side and is always there to help whenever possible, which is what makes Pegasus such a fantastic character. He brings some humor with his reactions to things, and his overall excitement to everything brings a lot of energy to the movie as a whole.
He’s there throughout the good and the bad, and the fact he’s so loyal is ultimately what makes Pegasus one of the nicest and most likable characters within the movie, being a very memorable part of the story.
Meg
Meg is one of Dinsey’s best female protagonists and while she can be quite underrated, she’s a terrific character. Meg is sassy and confident, having no problem telling people how she really feels while dealing with a lot of emotional baggage due to the deal she made with Hades.
Meg stands up for what she believes in, and even though she’s been burned by love before, she still commits to Hercules and tries to make their relationship work out. Her quirky remarks and sharp wit all come together to create a fantastic, likable character.
Hercules
The titular character is the real hero of this story and is the most likable character as well, being one of Disney’s greatest ever lead characters. He is someone who is selfless, always looking to put others ahead of himself as he tries to help as many people as possible. Even before he embraces who he truly is and becomes strong and powerful, Hercules still tries to aid others, even if it ends in disaster.
He is charming and kind, and despite the fact he goes through a lot of difficulties of not truly knowing his parents for most of his life, he never whines or complains too much. He provides humor throughout the movie and genuinely tries his best by others, which is what makes him such a likable character.
