Hermippus was an Athenian comic poet active in the late 5th century BCE, during the period known as Old Comedy. He was a younger contemporary of the playwright Cratinus and competed against famous poets like Aristophanes at the City Dionysia festival, winning at least once. Some ancient sources claim he was a student of the philosopher Epicurus, but modern scholars note this is impossible as Epicurus lived later, making the claim a chronological error.

He was a prolific writer, credited in antiquity with around forty plays. Only fragments and about ten titles survive, including The Fates, The Bread-Sellers, The Porters, and The Soldiers. His works are entirely fragmentary.

Hermippus is a significant figure for understanding the development of Old Comedy between Cratinus and Aristophanes. According to modern scholars, his style was vigorous and satirical, often featuring personal attacks on prominent contemporaries like the statesman Pericles and his companion Aspasia. His comedy provides valuable historical insight; for example, a fragment from The Porters lists goods imported into Athens, offering important economic data. His fragments are crucial sources for the political and social history of Athens during the Peloponnesian War.