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Hero

Hero

One man's strength will unite an empire.

200294 minPG-13Midcredits score: 97th percentile of all films
Director
Yimou Zhang
Starring
Jet Li, Tony Leung Chiu-wai, Maggie Cheung, Donnie Yen

During China's Warring States period, a district prefect arrives at the palace of Qin Shi Huang, claiming to have killed the three assassins who had made an attempt on the king's life three years ago.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Hero?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove does not list Hero on any major US streaming service.

Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about Hero?

Hero earns 10 badges, led by Modern classic and Top 5% of films.

Show 2 more
  • Rank
  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office

Reception

Is Hero worth watching?

Hero's Midcredits score is the 97th percentile of all films, from 331K ratings across 5 sources. 86% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

97th percentile

Better received than 97% of films

98th percentile among Action97th percentile among 2000s
Acclaim (how much people like it)95th
Approval (how many liked it)96th

79 /100

95th percentile of all films

98th percentile among Action96th percentile among 2000s

Critics 85 · Audience 78

Critics liked it more than audiences did.

Rating distribution

Most people land high, with a thin tail of low scores from those it didn't reach.

86% liked it

96th percentile of all films

97th percentile among Action95th percentile among 2000s
86% rated it 7–1014% rated it 1–6

Critics 94% · Audience 87%

On Rotten Tomatoes, a bigger share of critics approved than audiences.

Awards

0 Oscars won · 1 Oscar noms · 43 wins / 44 noms overall

  • NominatedAcademy Awards· Best Foreign Language Film
  • NominatedGolden Globes· Best Foreign Language Film

98th percentile

331K ratings across platforms

95th percentile among Action96th percentile among 2000s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Up 42% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$31M
Opening weekend$18M
Domestic gross$54M
Worldwide gross$177M

Returned 5.7× its budget — 90th percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

A visually stunning epic with breathtaking action and a provocative political message.

Fans praised

  • stunning cinematography and breathtaking use of color
  • elegant, ballet-like fight choreography
  • thought-provoking message about sacrifice for the greater good

Detractors panned

  • thin, repetitive plot that drags
  • politically disturbing glorification of tyranny
  • over-the-top, gravity-defying wirework that strains credibility

What stands out

Cinematography95

gorgeous color palettes and painterly compositions

Atmosphere90

immersive mythical world-building through color and landscape

Effects and spectacleDivisive85

breathtaking set pieces and arrow barrages, some unconvincing CGI

Sound and music85

haunting score by Tan Dun enhances emotional impact

ActingDivisive75

strong performances by Tony Leung and Maggie Cheung, Jet Li adequate

Emotional impactDivisive65

moved some viewers, others found it cold and distant

Plot and storyDivisive45

Rashomon-style story-within-story that many find thin or confusing

PacingDivisive40

slow and segmented, with overlong fight sequences

Preferred by

No notable difference between any of the groups: each pair ranks it within 10 percentile points.

  • Women vs men 4 points apart
  • Under-30s vs over-30s 7 points apart
  • Critics vs users 1 point apart
  • US vs non-US 2 points apart

Watch experience

What is Hero like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Food for thought: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you are ready for heavy feelings, and you want something to think about afterwards.

It takes its time and leaves you thinking. Skip it when you want an easy night or you want things to move fast.

ToneFeelDemandwhat the answer rests onexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

Room for heavy feelings and patience.

What it feels like

Food for thought.

Moods
ContemplativeMelancholicThrilling
Heaviest: late
Register
Epic · 2% of films: Vast in scale: big landscapes, big stakes, a long span.Solemn: Grave and dignified; treats its subject with weight and respect.
Told as
Frame story · 5% of films: A story told inside another — someone is recounting it.Multiple perspectives · 2% of films: The same events retold from different characters' points of view.
ToneThe film treats its historical and philosophical themes with utter seriousness, delivering a visually operatic wuxia epic without irony.
The rideThe film maintains a meditative, solemn tone throughout, punctuated by breathtaking action, with the heaviest emotional weight in the final sacrifice.
StructureThe story is presented as a framed narrative with conflicting versions of events told by Nameless and the King, revealing layers of deception.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Thinking.

The answer rests on this: Thought-provokingHaunting · 14% of films
Why it leaves you this wayThe film's visual beauty and philosophical questions about personal sacrifice for national unity linger well after viewing.
How it ends · evidence
Tragic ending

Story archetype

where it sits among all films
Monster — 21% of films. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of films. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 10% of films. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 4% of films. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 11% of films. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 9% of films. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 13% of films. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 7% of films. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 22% of filmsPredator — 6% of films. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 6% of films. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of films. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 2% of films. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of films. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of films. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of films. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of films. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of films. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of films. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — under 1% of films. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of films. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of films. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of films. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of films. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 4% of films. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 5% of films. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of films. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — 1% of films. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of films. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 2% of films. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — 1% of films. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of films. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — 1% of films. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 4% of films. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of films. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of films. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of films. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 1% of films. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of films. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — 2% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 2% of films. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 2% of films. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 3% of films. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 3% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 5% of films. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of films. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 2% of films. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of films. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 5% of films. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 2% of films. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).Tragedy
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21%: Predator 6% · Tyrant 6% · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 2% · Corporate villainy 1% · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3%: Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent under 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 10%: Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 4% · Mission 5% · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage 1%
  • Voyage 4%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 2% · Survival ordeal 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent 1%
  • Comedy 11%: Romantic comedy 4% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 1%
  • Tragedy 9% (this title): Hubris 1% · Obsession 2% · Corruption arc 2% · Doomed love 2% · Crushed by fate 3% (this title)
  • Rebirth 13%: Redemption 3% · Healing 5% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Tragedy: A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin. · Crushed by fate: Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.

9% of films fit this archetype

A loose fit — the map only half-holds this one.

Why this archetypeNameless, an orphan from Zhao, infiltrates the Qin court under a false identity to avenge his family by killing the king, but ultimately spares him for the sake of China's unification and is executed, a fate driven by larger historical forces.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 27% of filmsSelf — 22% of filmsPower — 7% of filmsMorality — 16% of filmsSurvival — 15% of filmsSociety — 9% of filmsIdeas — 5% of filmsRomantic love — 15% of filmsMarriage — 2% of filmsFamily bonds — 21% of filmsParenthood — 2% of filmsFriendship — 9% of filmsLoyalty — 4% of filmsIdentity — 14% of filmsComing of age — 5% of filmsAging — under 1% of filmsSelf-worth — 7% of filmsAmbition — 7% of filmsPurpose — 9% of filmsMemory — 3% of filmsObsession — 3% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 2% of filmsCorruption — 3% of filmsGreed — 3% of filmsClass — 3% of filmsOppression — 4% of filmsFreedom — 5% of filmsJustice — 13% of filmsDuty — 2% of filmsRevenge — 4% of filmsGuilt — 3% of filmsRedemption — 6% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — 1% of filmsSacrifice — 4% of filmsBetrayal — 5% of filmsDeception — 9% of filmsSurvival — 17% of filmsWar — 1% of filmsViolence — 4% of filmsMortality — 2% of filmsGrief — 6% of filmsTrauma — 7% of filmsMental illness — 1% of filmsAddiction — 1% of filmsIllness and disability — under 1% of filmsCommunity — 14% of films. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 5% of filmsPrejudice — 3% of filmsDisplacement — 1% of filmsFaith — 3% of filmsTradition vs change — 2% of filmsFame — 3% of filmsLegacy — 4% of filmsFate — 1% of filmsFree will — under 1% of filmsTruth — 4% of filmsHope — 5% of filmsNature — 2% of filmsArt — 4% of filmsTechnology — 1% of filmsSelfSacrificeMorality
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27%: Romantic love 15% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% · Loyalty 4%
  • Self 22%: Identity 14% · Coming of age 5% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 7% · Purpose 9% · Memory 3% · Obsession 3%
  • Power 7%: Power 2% · Corruption 3% · Greed 3% · Class 3% · Oppression 4% · Freedom 5%
  • Morality 16% (this title): Justice 13% · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% (this title) · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% (this title) · Betrayal 5% · Deception 9%
  • Survival 15%: Survival 17% · War 1% · Violence 4% · Mortality 2% · Grief 6% · Trauma 7% · Mental illness 1% · Addiction 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 9%: Community 14% · Isolation 5% · Prejudice 3% · Displacement 1% · Faith 3% · Tradition vs change 2% · Fame 3% · Legacy 4%
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 4% · Hope 5% · Nature 2% · Art 4% · Technology 1%

Morality

Sacrifice · 4% of filmsRedemption · 6% of films: Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).
Interrogates its theme: Questions its theme without settling the answer.Societal stakes: Consequences reach a whole social order.Single lead
How it treats its themeThe film explores the moral choice between personal vengeance and the greater good, culminating in a sacrificial act for national unity.
StanceThe film interrogates whether personal vengeance should yield to the greater good of national unity, leaving the question open.

The world

AncientUrbanWildernessStylized realism
Orchestral classicalWorldForeground music · original score · Dun Tan
SettingAncient China during the Warring States period, centered on the Qin palace and the Zhao calligraphy school
MusicTan Dun's score blends Western orchestral and traditional Chinese elements, notably a haunting violin solo.

Content guide

Is Hero okay for kids?

PG-13

Hero is rated PG-13: “Rated PG-13 for stylized martial arts violence and a scene of sensuality” (MPAA). As of October 2, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at moderate (55/100), sexual content at moderate (45/100), language at minimal (5/100), drug and alcohol content at minimal (6/100) and frightening material at mild (30/100). Overall it is heavier than 32% of PG-13-rated films.

Ratings in 11 other countries
  • UK12
  • AustraliaM
  • Germany12
  • South Korea12
  • Czechia12+
  • GreecePG
  • Hong KongIIA
  • Netherlands6
  • PortugalM/12
  • Spain12
  • Sweden11
Overall
Moderate · all five categories
Heavier than 23% of all filmsHeavier than 32% of PG-13-rated films
Violence & Gore
Moderate
typical for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 60%
Sex & Nudity
Moderate · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
heavy for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 83%
Profanity
None / Minimal
light for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 1%
Alcohol & Drugs
None / Minimal
light for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 5%
Frightening / Intense
Mild
typical for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 27%

Point along a line to see a well-known title at that level.

Nothing here is extreme. The strongest element is violence, heavier than 60% of PG-13-rated films.

Source: Midcredits content scores, 0 (none) to 100 (severe) per category, with each standing ranked against other films that have them.

What content warnings does Hero have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in Hero?

Cast

Jet Li
as Nameless
Tony Leung Chiu-wai
as Broken Sword
Maggie Cheung
as Flying Snow
Donnie Yen
as Sky
Ziyi Zhang
as Moon
Daoming Chen
as King
Yakun Zhang
as Commander
Heizi
as Seven Qin Guards
Hua Cao
as Seven Qin Guards
Lei Li
as Seven Qin Guards

Crew

More like this

What are movies like Hero?

Movies like Hero include Shadow (2018), House of Flying Daggers (2004) and Mulan (2020). Of the 12 closest matches, several are films by Yimou Zhang, and most are martial-arts films.

Balanced: every group counts the same, and production only breaks ties.

5 of these 12 share its world: ancient. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with Hero?

1.4K other films share the rarest tag below, kind of film: martial arts. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.