The live-action Hercules movie with the lowest Rotten Tomatoes score is now on Netflix

Zeus' mighty son, Hercules, has flexed his godly muscles in various live-action and animated renditions over the years, but not every portrayal has ascended to Mount Olympus. Nestled within the streaming giant's huge catalog is The Legend of Hercules starring Kellen Lutz, a film that, despite receiving the lowest Rotten Tomatoes score in its genre, has found a new home on Netflix recently.

The official synopsis, as per IMDb, promises a tale of betrayal, forbidden love, and a hero's journey fit for a demigod. It reads:

"The origin story of the mythical Greek hero. Betrayed by his stepfather, the King, and exiled and sold into slavery because of a forbidden love, Hercules must use his formidable powers to fight his way back to his rightful kingdom."

- IMDb

While the film's premise seems pretty entertaining, critics have thrown more shade at the film than Zeus in a Thunderstorm, citing a predictable and rushed plot, with the Egyptian angle feeling as underdeveloped as an unfinished myth. So, can a second chance on Netflix breathe new life into this divine misstep? Only time will tell!

But in the spirit of Olympian fairness, we'll be curating our own ranking of live-action Hercules adaptations. So, grab your popcorn, prepare for a Herculean marathon, and join us below as we rate these cinematic feats from the pits of Hades to the heights of Mount Olympus!

Hercules movies ranked from worst to best

Hercules movies have been a cinematic staple, entertaining audiences with the mythical adventures of the Greek demigod in both animated and live-action forms for years!

The films vary widely in style, tone, and interpretation of the Hercules myth, ranging from animated musicals to action-packed epics. Here's our ranking of Hercules movies from worst to best:

Hercules Reborn (2014)

Taking the dubious honor of the worst live-action portrayal of the Greek demigod is Hercules Reborn starring John Morrison. Despite The Legend of Hercules securing the lowest Rotten Tomatoes score, Hercules Reborn (2014) fell even shorter in delivering a cinematic portrayal that left a lasting impression.

Hercules in New York (1969)

Starring a young Arnold Schwarzenegger, Hercules in New York (1969) is a delightful plunge into campiness and silliness. Schwarzenegger's earnest charm shines in this fish-out-of-water comedy, marking a classic debut. While lacking the intense action of other renditions, it's a unique and entertaining take on the Hercules myth.

The Legend of Hercules (2014)

Netflix's recent addition, The Legend of Hercules (2014), lands in third place for us. Despite some apparent plot holes, we appreciated the film's serious and action-oriented approach to the Hercules myth. It might not have soared to the top, but it certainly carved its place in the pantheon.

Hercules (2014)

Directed by Brett Ratner and featuring Dwayne Johnson, Hercules (2014) adopts a grounded approach, delving into the human side of the hero and his mercenary band. This edition's polished presentation and emphasis on character depth and action sequences elevate it in our rankings, showcasing a more engaging take on the Hercules legend.

Hercules (1997)

Claiming the crown as the top Hercules movie on our list is Disney's animated 1997 musical! This rendition stands out as the most endearing depiction of Hercules to date, earning praise for its vibrant animation, memorable characters, and its ability to capture the spirit of the mythic champion. For its heart, humor, and relatable portrayal of Hercules' journey, we deem it the reigning champion of Hercules movies!