We’re back with another Disney+ Battle and two of the strongest films from the Disney Renaissance are set to take center stage. It’s France against Greece as we compare and contrast “Beauty and the Beast” and “Hercules.”

1. PROTAGONIST

“Beauty and the Beast” has two main characters Belle and the Beast. Belle is a beautiful young girl from the village who loves to read. Beast is a vain prince who was cursed and must have a woman fall in love with him before the curse can be lifted. Together, they learn more about each other and themselves. Meanwhile, the main character of “Hercules” is Hercules, the son of Zeus who was turned mortal and not allowed to live on Mount Olympus with the gods. He is seeking a way to return home to his actual family. Both film have strong leads, but I’m going to give the edge to “Beauty and the Beast.”

Beauty and the Beast 1 | Hercules 0

2. ANTAGONIST

The villain of “Beauty and the Beast” is Gaston. He’s a popular hunter from the village that every woman wants to be with, but he only wants to be with Belle. He decides to marry her despite her having no interest in him. He tries to have her father committed and goes to kill the Beast when he learns the Beast exists. Meanwhile, the villain of “Hercules” is Hades, the god of the underworld. He wants to rule Mount Olympus and will stop at nothing to gain control. Both are evil, but Gaston is a villain that we can see in everyday life. Point to “Beauty and the Beast.”

Beauty and the Beast 2 | Hercules 0

3. SUPPORTING CHARACTERS

Both of these films feature some amazing supporting characters. Philoctetes, Pain and Panic all steal the show when they are on screen in “Hercules.” However, they really don’t hold a candle to Lumiere, Cogsworth and Mrs. Potts. Point to “Beauty and the Beast.”

Beauty and the Beast 3 | Hercules 0

4. MUSIC

It’s the battle of films with music composed by Alan Menken. One is the pinnacle for the duo of Ashman and Menken as songwriters. The other features some great songs with lyrics written by David Zippel. Both have songs that are memorable 25 to 30 years later. I’m going to give the edge to “Beauty and the Beast,” because I’m a huge fan of Howard Ashman’s work.

Beauty and the Beast 4 | Hercules 0

5. MEMORABLE MOMENTS

These are two of the most memorable films in the Disney canon. From “Be Our Guest” to “Gaston” to the fight at the castle, it’s hard to find a more memorable film than “Beauty and the Beast.” But, “Hercules” holds its own with Hercules’ journey and his fight to save Meg. “Hercules” would beat most other films in this category, but I think “Beauty and the Beast” takes this one for the sweep.

Beauty and the Beast 5 | Hercules 0

Like I said, it’s a clean sweep for “Beauty and the Beast.” It’s hard to argue about how well made this film is. Still, don’t sleep on “Hercules,” it’s a lot of fun. Which do you prefer?

Jeremy Brown

Jeremy has been a big Disney fan since he was a kid growing up during the Disney Renaissance. One day he hopes to go to every Disney Park in the world.

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