Hulk has appeared in so many different projects that even the most ardent Hulk fan would have missed some thrilling adventures. The Hulk has been one of Marvel’s most recognizable characters from the Marvel pantheon. While most audiences remember major adaptations like The Incredible Hulk (1978) or the MCU’s Hulk portrayal by Mark Ruffalo, there are many lesser-known cameos and guest spots that have slipped under the radar across both animated and live-action movies and shows,

The Hulk’s history on television and in films extends far beyond his solo projects and has been an entertainment mainstay since long before the MCU timeline. Often appearing in team-ups, guest episodes, and obscure animated series, the Green Goliath has popped up in places even die-hard fans might not expect. From early animated experiments to modern-day reinterpretations, these appearances provide a fascinating glimpse into how different creators have handled the character. Whether it’s a brief fight scene or a supporting role, these moments showcase the range of Bruce Banner’s alter ego in the Marvel universe.

10

Wolverine And The X-Men Season 1, Episode 7 “Wolverine Vs. Hulk”

Hulk Fights Wolverine

While Wolverine and the X-Men primarily focused on Wolverine’s leadership of the mutant team, one episode featured a showdown with the Hulk. In episode 7, “Wolverine vs. Hulk,” Nick Fury as Logan a favor, to deal with a rampaging Hulk – evoking their classic comic book rivalries. The battle showcases their respective strengths, with Wolverine’s claws struggling against the Hulk’s raw power.

Interestingly, the episode also weaves in elements from Ultimate Wolverine vs. Hulk, a comic series where Logan is literally torn in half by the Jade Giant. Instead of this, the pair ultimately end up working together when the Wendigo is introduced. While X-Men ‘97 had a short run, this forgotten Hulk appearance remains a must-watch for fans of Marvel’s animated battles. The episode also hints at Bruce Banner’s internal struggle, adding depth to his character beyond just a mindless brawler.

9

The Marvel Super Heroes (1966)

Hulk’s Early Animated Adventures

One of the earliest animated versions of the Hulk appeared in The Marvel Super Heroes (1966), an anthology-style series featuring five different Marvel characters. The Hulk’s segment adapted early Stan Lee and Jack Kirby stories, complete with minimal animation that relied heavily on comic book panel transitions, serving as a precursor to modern motion comics. Though primitive by modern standards, this series marked the Green Goliath’s first animated foray, giving audiences an early taste of his rage-filled adventures.

These episodes often featured his clashes with General Thunderbolt Ross, Betty Ross, and villains like the Leader and the Gargoyle. Due to its obscure status and dated animation style, many fans have never seen these early Hulk appearances. However, they remain an important part of Marvel’s television history, laying the groundwork for later animated versions of the character.

8

Spider-Man And His Amazing Friends Season 1, Episode 17 “Spidey Goes Hollywood”

Hulk Teams Up With Spidey

In Spider-Man and His Amazing Friends, Hulk made a memorable but often overlooked appearance in the episode “Spidey Goes Hollywood.” The story follows Spider-Man, Iceman, and Firestar as they’re recruited for a superhero-themed movie directed by none other than Mysterio in disguise. The episode takes a surprising turn when Mysterio deploys a robotic Hulk in the movie, only to draw the ire of the real Green Goliath.

While Hulk is initially uncontrollable, his presence adds a thrilling element to the episode. This guest appearance captures the spirit of Marvel’s interconnected universe, showcasing Hulk as both a threat and an eventual ally. Given that Spider-Man and His Amazing Friends primarily focused on lighthearted storytelling, seeing the Hulk in this setting was a fun and unexpected surprise. The episode also led to Hulk receiving his own animated series in The Incredible Hulk.

7

X-Men ’97 Season 1, Episode 9 “Tolerance Is Extinction: Part 2”

Morph Transforms Into The Hulk

In X-Men ’97, the shape-shifting mutant Morph takes on many forms, but in season 1, episode 9, he briefly transforms into the Hulk. This moment pays homage to the shared history between Marvel’s mutants and the green behemoth, flaunting the hero’s formidable strength and power in a gripping battle Mister Sinister and the Sentinels. While Hulk himself does not appear in the series as a primary character, this cameo stands out as a fun Easter egg for longtime Hulk fans.

Morph’s transformation is used strategically during a fight sequence, showcasing the brute strength of the Hulk in animated form. This nod also references the classic X-Men: The Animated Series era, where Hulk had a few indirect connections with the team. While brief, this cameo is another reminder of the interconnected Marvel universe, where even the Hulk can pop up in the most unexpected places.

6

Hulk Vs. Wolverine (2009)

The Pair Clash Once More

Hulk Vs. Wolverine is a brutal animated showdown that highlights the savage side of both iconic Marvel brawlers. Released in 2009 as part of the Hulk Vs. animated feature, this film takes inspiration from Wolverine’s first comic book appearance in The Incredible Hulk #181 (1974). The story follows Wolverine as he is sent by the Canadian government to track down the rampaging Hulk, only to discover that Weapon X has sinister plans for them both.

The film doesn’t shy away from intense action, depicting a relentless battle between the two. It also features other Weapon X characters, like Sabretooth, ᴅᴇᴀᴅpool, and Omega Red. While Hulk Vs. Wolverine is often overshadowed by other Marvel animated films, it remains one of the most faithful adaptations of their iconic rivalry, delivering non-stop action for admirers of both characters.

5

The Trial Of The Incredible Hulk (1989)

Hulk Is Defended By Daredevil

The Trial of the Incredible Hulk was a made-for-TV movie that aired in 1989, continuing the legacy of the Incredible Hulk TV series starring Bill Bixby as Dr. David Banner and Lou Ferrigno as the Hulk. The film is notable for featuring the first live-action appearance of Daredevil, played by Rex Smith. When Banner is falsely accused of ᴀssault, lawyer Matt Murdock takes on his case, leading to a team-up against Wilson Fisk, the Kingpin.

Though the film’s courtroom trial for the Hulk is actually a dream sequence, its тιтle remains iconic. It also features the first Marvel movie cameo by the legendary Stan Lee, seen as a jury member when Banner transforms into Hulk in the dream. Despite mixed reviews, it remains a nostalgic piece of Hulk history and a fascinating insight into Marvel’s early live-action adaptations.

4

Planet Hulk (2010)

Hulk’s History As A Gladiator

Before Thor: Ragnarok borrowed elements from the same storyline, Planet Hulk (2010) was a direct-to-video animated film adapting the famous comic arc by Greg Pak. The story follows Hulk’s exile from Earth by the Illuminati, landing him on the brutal gladiator planet Sakaar. Stripped of his usual allies, Hulk is forced into battle against ᴅᴇᴀᴅly warriors, eventually rising as the planet’s ruler.

The Planet Hulk film captures the raw intensity of the comics, with epic battles, deep character development, and an emotional core that shows Hulk’s evolution beyond a mindless brute. While some wished for a more expansive adaptation, the film remains a solid interpretation of one of Hulk’s most beloved arcs and provides a greater insight into Hulk’s development than most other movies. It stands as a testament to the character’s ability to thrive outside of Earth’s traditional superhero conflicts.

3

Hulk: Where Monsters Dwell (2016)

Hulk Teams Up With Doctor Strange

This lesser-known animated film was released in 2016 as a Marvel Halloween special. Hulk: Where Monsters Dwell sees the green giant teaming up with Doctor Strange and the Howling Commandos to battle against Nightmare, a classic mystical villain. The film leans into the supernatural, featuring characters like Man-Thing, Werewolf by Night, and the vampire-like Nina Price. While marketed primarily towards younger audiences, the film still delivers a fun blend of horror and superhero action.

Though certainly boasting an ensemble line-up, Hulk: Where Monsters Dwell is firmly a Hulk adventure. The movie centers Hulk, and gives the Green Goliath the opportunity to explore working among a new team – a team equally afflicted by their superpower personas. Though it never gained mainstream attention, Hulk: Where Monsters Dwell is a fun, spooky addition to the Marvel animated library.

2

Next Avengers: Heroes of Tomorrow (2008)

Hulk Mentors Young Avengers

Set in a dystopian future where the Avengers have fallen, Next Avengers: Heroes of Tomorrow (2008) introduces a new generation of young heroes – the children of the fallen Avengers. While Hulk is not a central figure in the animated Marvel movie, he plays a crucial role in the story. Now living in isolation, an older, grizzled Hulk is found by the young Avengers and reluctantly joins their battle against Ultron.

His presence serves as both a mentor and a last line of defense, proving that even in a world without the original Avengers, the Hulk remains an unstoppable force. His character design in this film is notably more rugged, showcasing years of battle scars. While the film primarily focuses on the younger heroes, Hulk’s appearance is a highlight that reminds viewers of his enduring strength and significance.

1

Phineas and Ferb: Mission Marvel (2013)

Hulk Appears In A Disney Crossover

Phineas and Ferb: Mission Marvel

Release Date

August 16, 2013

Episode Number

22

Season

Phineas and Ferb – Season 4

Runtime

23 minutes

Marvel characters rarely cross into Disney’s animated series, but Phineas and Ferb: Mission Marvel (2013) was a rare and hilarious exception. In this TV special, Hulk, along with Iron Man, Spider-Man, and Thor, loses his powers due to a mishap caused by Dr. Doofenshmirtz. As a result, the heroes must team up with Phineas, Ferb, and their friends to regain their abilities and defeat Red Skull, MODOK, and other Marvel villains.

While the crossover is played for laughs, Hulk’s interactions with the Phineas and Ferb crew are especially entertaining. His struggle to cope with being powerless adds a unique twist to his usual rampaging persona. The episode blends Marvel’s superhero action with the witty humor of Phineas and Ferb, making it a fun, unexpected appearance for Hulk in animated form.

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