The BEST episodes of The Herculoids

Every episode of The Herculoids ever, ranked from best to worst by thousands of votes from fans of the show. The best episodes of The Herculoids!

The Herculoids are a group of five super-powered creatures lead by King Zandor of Amzot, his wife Tara, and his son, Dorno. They live together on the planet Quasar and fight against the inevitable alien invaders who seem to show up every week. They crossed over with many other Hanna/Barbera characters such as Space Ghost, the genie Shazam, and many more that remain popular to this day. The shows varied between 10 and 15 minutes, and were often mixed with other shows. Characters (The Herculoids) Gloop & Gleep: Two yellow blobs that can change their forms at will, stretch, and are incredibly elastic. Tundro: A rhinoceros-like dinosaur with thick shielding, he can stretch out his ten legs and blast rocks from its one horn that burst open, causing a mess. Zok: A flying dragon that can release laser beams from its tail and eyes, and can survive in outer space. Igoo: A large ape made of rock, compiled of immense power and very hard to bring down. Zandor, Tara

Last Updated: 3/15/2024Network: CBSStatus: Ended
Share:
Return of Sta-Lak / Revenge of the Pirates
star
9.33
3 votes

#1 - Return of Sta-Lak / Revenge of the Pirates

Season 1 - Episode 29 - Aired 12/16/1967

Sta-Lak returns to Amzot seeking vengeance and equipped with robot duplicates of Igoo, Zok, and Tundro. He captures Dorno, Tara and Zandor and the others are forced to go into his volcano lair. The robot duplicates prove no match to the originals, even though the robot Igoo can spin at high speeds and has multiple arms, and the robot Tundro can fly. Sta-Lak enters a bubble and flees into a volcanic lava hole. The pirate captain and his crew from "The Pirates" return. Using an image transmitter, the captain immobilizes Zandor and the Herculoids and takes Dorno and Tara prisoner. Zok uses his neutralizing eye beams to free them, then Gloop finds the real Dorno and Tara from the transmitted images and the Herculoids launch a new assault. The captain tries to escape, but Gloop blocks his escape missile tube, causing the ship to explode.

The Buccaneer
star
9.00
2 votes

#2 - The Buccaneer

Season 2 - Episode 6 - Aired 9/26/1981

The Buccaneer and his pirates arrive on Quasar searching for a buried treasure. They meet the Herculoids and tell them of their plans, then use their hovercraft to search for the treasure. They begin drilling near a fault line that is close to the Sand People's home. The Buccaneer kidnaps Dorno and then Zandor when he attempts a rescue. Tara and Zok rescue Zandor and Dorno and Zok captures the Buccaneer and his pirates - Zandor commands they leave Quasar never to return.

Mekkano, the Machine Master / Tiny World of Terror
star
8.75
4 votes

#3 - Mekkano, the Machine Master / Tiny World of Terror

Season 1 - Episode 13 - Aired 10/21/1967

Trained machines break Mekkano out of an intergalactic prison, where he vows to destroy the ones who put him in prison: Zandor and the Herculoids. Torrak shrinks the Herculoids down to microscopic size for the purpose of destroying them with his super-powered microorganisms and then enslaving the galaxy.

The Crystalites
star
8.75
4 votes

#4 - The Crystalites

Season 1 - Episode 28 - Aired 12/9/1967

A meteor crash lands on Quasar and transforms into a giant crystaline object. Zandor investigates and is attacked by the Crystalites while Tara and Dorno are captured in crystal cells. Zandor, Gloop, and Gleep steal uniforms and sneak into the fortress and free Dorno and Tara. Gloop and Zok destroy Kryton's ship and he is defeated.

Malak and the Metal Apes
star
8.75
4 votes

#5 - Malak and the Metal Apes

Season 1 - Episode 36 - Aired 1/6/1968

Malak sends his Metal Apes to attack the Sea People. Dorno is shot off of Zok by one of the creatures. Zandor and the Herculoids destroy the Metal Apes. A damaged Metal Ape returns to Malak's headquarters and is followed by the Herculoids. The Herculoids destroy the remaining Metal Apes and Zok causes a steel beam to fall on Malak and his assistant.

The Raider Apes
star
8.75
4 votes

#6 - The Raider Apes

Season 1 - Episode 18 - Aired 11/4/1967

Gotron and his Raider Apes attack a nearby village, intent on stealing the people's gold. Summoned by the villagers, the Herculoids arrive nd follow the apes into the cave the gold is hidden in. The villains eventually recover their gold, and load it onto their ship. However, the ship is so weighted down with gold that it can barely move. Zandor sends Zok out with one last bag of loot. The dragon drops it right on Gotron's face, and the ship sinks. The chief of the village reveals that the survivors got away and Zandor suspects that Gotron will one day return.

Mindbender
star
8.67
3 votes

#7 - Mindbender

Season 2 - Episode 11 - Aired 10/10/1981

Dorn, Gloop, and Gleep are playing and discovered an unearthed metal cylinder which contains an alien big-brained alien. When they release him he reveals himself to be a member of race that ruled Quasar thousands of years ago. The Herculoids seem powerless against his powers of telekinesis. Finally Zandor manages to defeat the alien by grabbing his amulet. When the Mindbender threatens to destroy him, Zandor tossed it back into the cylinder. It's a fake and when the alien is in the cylinder they seal it and put him back into stasis.

The Snake Riders
star
8.67
3 votes

#8 - The Snake Riders

Season 2 - Episode 5 - Aired 9/26/1981

Dorno and Gleep spot the Snake Riders, who plan an attack from halfway across the planet, across the Boiling Sea. They warn the others and the Herculoids drive them back to their caverns, but Zara gets captured. Zok disguises himself as one of the Riders' giant snakes and Dorno disguises himself as a Snake Rider and they sneak in, free Zara, and seal off the passageway leading back to the Snake Riders' home.

Invasion of the Electrode Men
star
8.50
4 votes

#9 - Invasion of the Electrode Men

Season 1 - Episode 20 - Aired 11/11/1967

Volton and his Electrode Men launch an attack on Quasar to vaporize all matter on the planet. Gloop, Zandor, Igoo, and Dorno repel an initial attack and then Volton leads a new attack with more of his forces. He takes Darno and Tara hostage and Zandor leads a night-time attack to free them while Zok breaks a dam and floods Volton's crater-base. Volton flees and the Herculoids prove triumphant for the 33rd time in...oh, about 33 episodes.

The Zorbots / Invasion of the Electrode Men
star
8.50
4 votes

#10 - The Zorbots / Invasion of the Electrode Men

Season 1 - Episode 19 - Aired 11/11/1967

A terrible wind storm is raging on Amzot. However, Zandor notices that winds on the left side of a canyon are aiming right, while winds travel in the opposite direction on the right side. Zandor and the Herculoids investigate, and discover Konar is destroying Amzot's atmosphere to replace it with his own. Konar sends his henchmen, who are either killed or injured by the Herculoids. As Zandor confronts Konar, Konar brings out the giant Zorbots to take on the Herculoids. Zandor chooses to surrender in order to destroy the wind machine from within and, when successful, battle the Zorbots. Volton and his Electrode Men fly into a volcanic crater, setting up a dome headquarters to take over Amzot. The Herculoids are easily defeating them until Volton takes Tara and Dorno prisoner. Zandor and the Herculoids have to wait until nightfall, when the Electrode Men's power is weakened.

Attack of the Faceless People
star
8.50
4 votes

#11 - Attack of the Faceless People

Season 1 - Episode 26 - Aired 12/2/1967

The princess Serena of the Sun People arrives on Quasar, being pursued by Darkon of the Faceless People. Darkon wants Serena so he can control her people. The Herculoids successfully drive him off but not before he captures Zara. Zandor agrees to a swap but substitutes a berobed Gleep for Serena and they destroy Darkon's palace from the inside.

Swamp Monster
star
8.50
4 votes

#12 - Swamp Monster

Season 1 - Episode 22 - Aired 11/18/1967

When a meteor crashes into the nearby swamp, the radiation creates a ferocious monster that the Herculoids must take on and defeat.

Watch Now:Amazon
Mission of the Amatons / Queen Skorra
star
8.50
4 votes

#13 - Mission of the Amatons / Queen Skorra

Season 1 - Episode 23 - Aired 11/25/1967

Amak and the Amatons come to the planet and place control collars on some animals. When their efforts to enslave the Herculoids fail, Amak tries to kill them. Gloop and Gleep save the day by turning Amak's stun turret on him, causing his ship to crash. Queen Skorra unleashes a mud/lava creature which they eventually defeat, but Skorra plans to force them into exile by sending her drones to capture Gleep, Gloop, Tara, and Dorno. They defend themselves long enough for Zandor and the others to return and drive off the drones. Skorra launches a mega-shield missile and closes the mega-circle to destroy everyone, but Tundro creates a smokescreen while the others make a tunnel to escape and then send Skorra running.

Destroyer Ants / Swamp Monster
star
8.50
4 votes

#14 - Destroyer Ants / Swamp Monster

Season 1 - Episode 21 - Aired 11/18/1967

A lightning storm causes a nest of giant ant eggs to hatch. The giant ants cause havoc and destruction and Zandor and the Herculoids must put an end to them. A hideous monster emerges from a swamp and goes on a rampage, destroying anything it comes in contact with by its radioactive touch. It eventually traps Dorno and Gleep in a cave, and it is up to Zandor and the rest of the Herculoids to rescue them and defeat the creature.

The Beaked People / The Raiders
star
8.43
7 votes

#15 - The Beaked People / The Raiders

Season 1 - Episode 5 - Aired 9/23/1967

Krokar, leader of the Beaked People, stages an invasion on the Winged Monkeys, purposely letting one escape so he can capture Zandor and rule Amzot. Note: This was the only episode in the 1967 version where Dorno refers to Zandor and Tara as Dad and Mom; even in this episode Dorno reverts to calling Zandor by his name. In the 1981 revival series, Dorno refers to Zandor and Tara as Father and Mother. Sta-Lak (then unnamed) flew over Amzot; upon seeing Zandor and Zok, Sta-Lak turned his ship invisible to avoid detection, with the intent of taking Tara prisoner.

The Android People
star
8.29
7 votes

#16 - The Android People

Season 1 - Episode 10 - Aired 10/7/1967

Zorvak and the Android People have a duplication machine launch an attack on the Herculoids and capture Zandor to make a super-warrior android. Zandor escapes and they defeat the Android People, but the Zandor super-giant android shows up and kicks some butt. The Herculoids distract it long enough for Zandor to destroy the control unit on its chest. It turns agaisnt its creators and they destroy each other.

The Spider Man / The Android People
star
8.25
8 votes

#17 - The Spider Man / The Android People

Season 1 - Episode 9 - Aired 10/7/1967

A group of spider-like creatures kidnap Dorno, then try doing the same with Tara. Gloop saves her while Gleep blows a horn beckoning the Herculoids to action. Zandor briefly frees Dorno with his shield but is soon captured with Dorno. After a stalemate, Zandor calls the Herculoids to action for one concentrated attack. Note: this was the first time that the Herculoids were referred to by name within the episode. Zandor was captured by Gorvac, leader of the Android People, and created a giant evil clone of Zandor with plans to create an army of Zandor clones.

Laser Lancers / Attack of the Faceless People
star
8.25
4 votes

#18 - Laser Lancers / Attack of the Faceless People

Season 1 - Episode 25 - Aired 12/2/1967

The story starts with Zandor knocked out by the Laser Lancers and the Herculoids coming to the rescue. Magoth and the Lancers send a new wave of attackers which the Herculoids repel, but it is a ploy to take Dorno and Tara hostage. With Gleep's help, they seal off the tunnel the Lancers used to sneak up and repel them once and for all. The princess Serena of the Sun People arrives on Amzot, being pursued by Darkon of the Faceless People. Darkon wants Serena so he can control her people. The Herculoids successfully drive him off, but not before he captures Tara. Zandor agrees to a trade but substitutes a berobed Gleep for Serena and they destroy Darkon's palace from the inside.

The Energy Creature
star
8.25
4 votes

#19 - The Energy Creature

Season 2 - Episode 4 - Aired 9/19/1981

An energy creature lands on Quasar via a meteorite. The creatuer can take on the form and properties of any creature it duplicates while imprisoning them in energy coils. It takes on the form of Igoo and proves difficult to defeat. Igoo manages to break free through sheer determination and Zandor defeats the creature by tricking it into taking on the form of a Millennium Plant which will be in suspended animation for the next few centuries.

Watch Now:Amazon
The Island of the Gravites / Malak and the Metal Apes
star
8.20
5 votes

#20 - The Island of the Gravites / Malak and the Metal Apes

Season 1 - Episode 35 - Aired 1/6/1968

Zandor and Dorno rescue a man floating in the river who says he is from Gravite Island and tells them that a villain has taken over the island. The Herculoids go to investigate and are attacked by giant gravite creatures. The creatures are being created by Lotak, who wants the village because of its large deposits of gravite. Zok destroys the machine Lotak uses to make his creatures and Lotak is destroyed when his energy ray backfires. Malak sends his Metal Apes to attack the Sea People. Dorno is shot off of Zok by one of the creatures. Zandor and the Herculoids destroy the Metal Apes. A damaged Metal Ape returns to Malak's headquarters and is followed by the Herculoids. The Herculoids destroy the remaining Metal Apes and Zok causes a steel beam to fall on Malak and his assistant.

Tiny World of Terror
star
8.20
5 votes

#21 - Tiny World of Terror

Season 1 - Episode 14 - Aired 10/21/1967

Torrak shrinks the Herculoids, pitting them against his army of warrior microorganisms.

The Firebird
star
8.20
5 votes

#22 - The Firebird

Season 2 - Episode 3 - Aired 9/19/1981

tara is kipnapped

Sarko the Arkman
star
8.14
21 votes

#23 - Sarko the Arkman

Season 1 - Episode 2 - Aired 9/9/1967

Sarko the Arkman comes to Quasar to capture specimens and grabs Igoo. The others come running and Sarko gasses Zandor then captures Dorno and Tundro but Gleep escapes to warn the remainder. Tara wakes up Zandor and Zok, Gleep, and Zok head off into space to track down Sarko. Zok frees the captives while Zandor draws Sarko's fire. They beat up Sarko and keep him from dropping Dorno to his death.

The Mutoids / The Crystallites
star
8.00
5 votes

#24 - The Mutoids / The Crystallites

Season 1 - Episode 27 - Aired 12/9/1967

A ship crash-lands on Amzot with a sole occupant on board. Zandor offers assistance and the passenger turns out to be a Mutoid, a race who can change their appearance to anything. The Mutoids plan to use Amzot as a launching site for their missiles to fool their enemies. Can Zandor and the Herculoids stop them in time? A meteor crash-lands on Azmot and transforms into a giant crystalline object. Zandor investigates and is attacked by the Crystallites, while Tara and Dorno are captured in crystal cells. Zandor, Gloop, and Gleep steal uniforms sneak into the fortress and free Dorno and Tara. Gloop and Zok destroy Kryton's ship and he is defeated.

The Thunderbolt
star
8.00
3 votes

#25 - The Thunderbolt

Season 2 - Episode 7 - Aired 10/3/1981

A friendly dinosaur-like creature, Surla, accidentally eats some radioactive rocks and becomes electrified. Going on a rampage he attacks the Herculoids, taking down Igoo and Tundro with ease. The Herculoids revive and manage to trick him into draining off his energies and reverting to his friendly self.