7.9
Where can I stream Hero legally?
You can watch it free with ads on Kanopy. You can also rent or buy it from Apple TV, Amazon Video, Google Play Movies, and YouTube. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.
Hero
2002·Movie
Hero fingerprint
Relentless energy, masterful craft, no humor.
Energy
Epic and brutally violent
Fast from start to finish.
- Spectacle9
- Violence9
- Tension8
Heart
Wondrous and moving
- Wonder8
- Pathos7
- Catharsis7
Humor
A little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Wit & Wordplay3
- Absurdist Humor2
- Satire & Parody2
World
History, war, and politics
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
- World Immersion10
- Dialogue Centrality7
- Rewatchability7
Craft
Standout direction, performances, and storytelling
Layered plot that rewards full attention.
- Direction9
- Acting9
- Narrative Structure9
Style
Standout cinematography, editing, and score
A distinctive visual signature.
- Cinematography10
- Editing9
- Music Composition9
Energy
Very highEpic and brutally violent
Fast from start to finish.
Hero is epic, brutally violent, and tense.
All energy traits
- Spectacle9Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Violence9Physical conflict and intensity.
- Tension8Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Fast Pace8Quick tempo and momentum.
- Adrenaline7High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Scare3Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Warfare9Battles, strategy, and conflict.
- Bleakness7Grim, stark outlooks.
- Slow Burn6Gradual build with payoff.
Heart
MediumWondrous and moving
Emotionally, it's wondrous, moving, and cathartic.
All heart traits
- Wonder8Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Pathos7Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Catharsis7Emotional release and payoff.
- Melancholy6Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Hopefulness6Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Nostalgia5Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Romance4Love stories and emotional connections.
- Family Dynamics4Relationships and generational ties.
- Wholesome3Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Coming of Age3Personal growth and self-discovery.
Related traits
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Bleakness7Grim, stark outlooks.
- Philosophical6Ideas about life and existence.
- Spiritual5Faith, meaning, and transcendence.
Humor
NoneA little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect a little humor.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay3Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Absurdist Humor2Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Satire & Parody2Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Dark Humor2Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Situational Comedy1Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy1Slapstick and visual gags.
- Cringe Humor1Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
World
HighHistory, war, and politics
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
Its world is built around history, war, and politics. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in. It leaves some questions open.
All world traits
- World Immersion10Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
- Rewatchability7Invites repeat viewing.
- Ambiguity7Open-endedness and uncertainty.
- Novelty7Fresh ideas and invention.
Related traits
- Historical10Period settings and real events.
- Warfare9Battles, strategy, and conflict.
- Politics8Thought-provoking works exploring political themes.
- Social Commentary8Perspectives on society and norms.
- Fantasy7Mythic worlds and magical systems.
- Psychological7Inner worlds and mind games.
Craft
Very highStandout direction, performances, and storytelling
Layered plot that rewards full attention.
The direction, performances, and storytelling stand out. The plot is layered and rewards full attention.
All craft traits
- Direction9Vision and command behind the camera.
- Acting9Performance craft and presence.
- Narrative Structure9Story architecture and form.
- Intrigue9Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Complexity9Layered plots and ideas.
- Dialogue Quality8Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Non-linear Narrative7Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative1Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Fast Pace8Quick tempo and momentum.
- Novelty7Fresh ideas and invention.
- Educational7Informative and instructive.
- Philosophical6Ideas about life and existence.
- Slow Burn6Gradual build with payoff.
- Homage & Reference5Allusions to other works.
Style
Very highStandout cinematography, editing, and score
A distinctive visual signature.
Look and sound: the cinematography, editing, and score stand out.
All style traits
- Cinematography10Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing9Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition9Score and musical identity.
- Visual Stylization9Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Music Centrality8The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Sound Centrality7Sound design as core element.
Related traits
- Spectacle9Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsDate NightFriends NightParty VibePartner WatchSolo WatchTeensPure EscapismThought-Provoking
Skip it if
You want to half-watch while scrollingGraphic violence bothers you
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Based on the GoodWatch fingerprint: our scores for 70+ attributes of every movie. Select a row to see all of them.
About
One man's strength will unite an empire.
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.
WuxiaHistorical EpicVisually StunningPolitical IntrigueMartial ArtsPhilosophical ThemesComplex NarrativeHeroism and SacrificeRevengeCinematic Masterpiece
Actors
Crew
Directed by:
Written by:
Produced by:
Composed by:
Related Movies and Shows
Overall: Similar vibe.
Movies
Shows
Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about Hero
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is Hero worth watching?
84
GreatGoodWatch scoreYes. It's widely acclaimed, with a GoodWatch score of 85/100 (IMDb 7.9, Rotten Tomatoes 94%, and Metacritic 85). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is Hero rated?
PG-13Violence
It's rated PG-13 in the United States. Content advisories: violence.
How long is Hero?
1 h 39 min
Hero runs 1 h 39 min.
Do critics and audiences agree on Hero?
Critics90
Audiences82
Not quite. Critics rate Hero higher (90) than audiences (82). It may be more rewarding than it is crowd-pleasing.
Was Hero a box office hit?
Budget$31 million
Box office$177 million
Yes, a big one. It cost about $31 million to make and earned $177 million worldwide, 5.7 times its budget.
What language is Hero in?
Chinese
It was made in Chinese. Produced in Hong Kong SAR China, China.
In how many countries can I watch Hero?
35
+21
+21GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for Hero in 35 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does Hero use?
Rain of ArrowsProperly ParanoidRule of CoolMaster SwordsmanHeroic SacrificeMartial Arts for Mundane PurposesChastity CoupleHistorical Hero UpgradeThe RevealCool Old GuySignature MoveWire Fuand 94 more
TV Tropes lists 106 storytelling tropes for Hero, including Rain of Arrows, Properly Paranoid, Rule of Cool.