Hercules (1997)

The movie begins with an introduction by the narrator, Zeus, who explains how he and his fellow gods defeated the mighty Titans and established Mount Olympus as their home. Zeus also mentions his son Hercules, who was born and brought up by mortal parents, but possesses extraordinary strength due to his divine heritage.

The film then focuses on Hercules as a socially awkward and clumsy teenager living in the rural town of Thebes, where he often accidentally causes chaos due to his immense strength. Hercules feels like an outcast and desperately longs to discover where he truly belongs.

Hercules consults with his satyr companion, Philoctetes, who used to train heroes, about his desire to be a true hero. Phil reluctantly agrees to train him. After intense training, Hercules becomes physically strong and ultimately performs several heroic acts, earning him recognition among the citizens of Thebes and catching the attention of Zeus.

Zeus decides to send his son to the vast city of Thebes to become a true hero and reclaim his place among the gods. Zeus orders Hermes, the messenger of the gods, to bring Hercules to Mount Olympus, but Hades, the ruler of the Underworld, finds out about Zeus' plan and becomes determined to stop Hercules from fulfilling his destiny.

Hades, with the help of his bumbling henchmen Pain and Panic, plots to kidnap Hercules and make him mortal by offering him a potion that will strip him of his godly powers. However, Hercules proves to be strong even without his immortality, foiling Hades' plan. In the process, Hercules falls in love with a woman named Megara, or "Meg," who is secretly working for Hades.

Hades realises that killing Hercules directly will make things worse, so he decides to unleash The Titans - powerful ancient creatures defeated by the gods - to destroy Hercules instead. Hades strikes a deal with Hercules, stating that if he can prevent the Titans from wreaking havoc for the next 24 hours, he will return Meg to him unharmed.

With the help of his friends, including Phil, Pegasus the flying horse, and a host of magical creatures called the Muses, Hercules manages to defeat the Titans and save the city of Thebes. Despite his heroic actions, Hercules learns that Hades had manipulated him and Meg all along, taking away any chance for him to regain his godhood.

Heartbroken, Hercules descends into the Underworld to confront Hades and rescue Meg. In the Underworld, Hercules willingly sacrifices himself to save Meg's life, eradicating Hades' plan. Hercules' act of heroism fulfills the requirements to become a true hero, and Zeus rewards him by returning his godly powers, making him an immortal once again.

Hercules then returns to the world of the living and defeats Hades, freeing all those trapped in the Underworld, including Meg. With the assistance of his restored godly powers, he fights Hades and ultimately sends him back to the Underworld. Hercules realises that true heroism lies not in being a divine being but in the strength of one's heart, love, and selflessness.

In the end, Hercules and Meg reunite and deepen their love for each other. Hercules embraces his newfound role as a hero on Earth, choosing to remain with the people he has come to care for. The people of Thebes celebrate Hercules as their true hero, and Zeus and the rest of the gods welcome him into Mount Olympus, where he finally finds his place among his divine family.