From a tragic green Goliath to a raging symbol of raw power, the Hulk has starred in some thrilling solo movies throughout the decades with varying degrees of success. While the Marvel Cinematic Universe brought Hulk to mainstream stardom, Bruce Banner’s alter ego has been smashing through screens long before the MCU timeline ever existed. From made-for-TV dramas to animated team-ups and blockbuster spectacles, each Hulk movie reflects a different era in comic book filmmaking – and a different version of the character.
The Hulk’s cinematic history is anything but straightforward. Starting with TV movies spun off from the iconic 1978 series, the green behemoth’s journey spans live-action drama, CGI-driven action, and even animated features. Unlike many Marvel heroes, the Hulk’s solo films often stand outside the main continuity – or exist within different continuities altogether. This makes ranking them both tricky and fascinating. From Bill Bixby and Lou Ferrigno’s emotional portrayals to the modern, mo-capped juggernaut seen in today’s blockbusters, the Hulk has starred in a variety of solo movies.
10
The Death Of The Incredible Hulk (1990)
Directed By Bill Bixby
Serving as the somber finale to the live-action Hulk trilogy that spun out of the 1978 TV series, The Death of the Incredible Hulk is a melancholic chapter in Bruce Banner’s long journey. It starred Bill Bixby in his final turn as the tortured scientist and Lou Ferrigno once again as the raging monster. The movie leans heavily into pathos over spectacle.
Here, Banner attempts to cure himself one last time while on the run, forming a bond with a spy who’s hiding secrets of her own. The action is sparse, and the tone is quieter than expected, culminating in a controversial ending that sees the Hulk die in an emotionally charged, if narratively abrupt, fashion. While the budget constraints show and the pacing can lag, the film is buoyed by Bixby’s sincere performance and serves as a touching, if imperfect, farewell to an era.
9
Iron Man & Hulk: Heroes United (2013)
Directed By Leo Riley & Eric Radomski
Aimed squarely at younger audiences, Iron Man & Hulk: Heroes United is a direct-to-video animated feature pairing two of Marvel’s most iconic Avengers. The film uses a hybrid animation style that blends 2D and 3D, creating a unique – though occasionally awkward – visual aesthetic. The story follows Iron Man and Hulk as they battle a newly created energy-based villain, Zzzax, who threatens to destroy the planet.
While the plot is thin and the humor often skews juvenile, the movie offers some fun action sequences and light character interplay between the leads. Hulk fanatics might find it lacking in emotional depth, but the film does capture the brute strength and volatile nature of the green hero in a way that’s kid-friendly. It’s far from essential viewing, but for younger Marvel audiences or completists, it’s a decent slice of animated action.
8
The Trial Of The Incredible Hulk (1989)
Directed By Bill Bixby
A curious blend of courtroom drama and superhero origin tale, The Trial of the Incredible Hulk is less about Hulk and more about introducing another Marvel hero: Daredevil. In this follow-up to The Incredible Hulk Returns, Bill Bixby reprises his role as Dr. David Banner, who finds himself wrongly accused of a crime in a gritty urban setting. Enter Matt Murdock (Rex Smith), a blind attorney with a vigilante alter ego, who defends Banner while fighting crime as Daredevil.
Despite its misleading тιтle – there’s no actual trial – the film adds some noirish intrigue and expands Marvel’s live-action universe. Lou Ferrigno’s Hulk appearances are fewer than expected, but when he shows up, it’s satisfyingly destructive. It’s a flawed but ambitious outing that tried to launch a Daredevil spinoff, and while it didn’t succeed, it holds a nostalgic charm as one of Marvel’s early screen experiments.
7
Hulk: Where Monsters Dwell (2016)
Directed By Mitch Schauer
Hulk: Where Monsters Dwell is part of the Marvel Animated Universe and leans heavily into supernatural themes, with Doctor Strange taking a co-starring role. Set on Halloween night, the film explores dream dimensions and the darker sides of heroism. While it’s a creative departure from typical Hulk stories, it’s more of a team-up horror adventure than a focused Hulk narrative.
The animation is solid and the pacing works well, but Bruce Banner often takes a backseat to the larger ensemble. It’s a fun but minor entry, more of a seasonal special than a definitive character piece. Its appeal depends largely on one’s tolerance for mystical Marvel elements and animated storytelling geared toward younger audiences. It’s certainly inventive, but for those looking for classic Hulk rage and pathos, this one might feel a bit out of place.
6
The Incredible Hulk Returns (1988)
Directed By Alan J. Levi
A made-for-TV movie that brought Lou Ferrigno’s Hulk out of semi-retirement, The Incredible Hulk Returns is a fascinating relic of 1980s superhero storytelling. The film reunites Ferrigno and Bill Bixby from the original series and introduces Thor – not the MCU version, but a blond, Viking-like warrior with a magic hammer and a drinking problem. The budget was clearly limited, but there’s an earnestness in the performances and some real nostalgic value.
Hulk’s presence is strong, though the pacing can drag with clunky dialogue and limited action choreography. The Incredible Hulk Returns likewise tried to launch a Marvel hero spin-off, but that also never materialized. It’s a fun oddity with campy charm and a surprisingly heartfelt Banner/Hulk dynamic. While not high art, it’s an enjoyable time capsule and a decent continuation of the beloved TV series.
5
Hulk (2003)
Directed By Ang Lee
Ang Lee’s Hulk is one of the most divisive superhero films ever made. With an emphasis on trauma, repression, and Freudian psychology, the movie is more art film than blockbuster. Eric Bana plays Bruce Banner with a quiet intensity, while the film’s comic panel-style editing reflects Lee’s stylistic ambition. Unfortunately, the film’s pacing, moody tone, and overcomplicated plot left audiences confused or underwhelmed.
he CGI Hulk was advanced for its time but hasn’t aged well, and the final battle is borderline incoherent. Still, Hulk deserves some credit for swinging big and treating its subject with operatic seriousness. It’s not your typical superhero story – and that’s both its greatest strength and weakness. While not beloved by all, it laid a thematic groundwork that future Hulk interpretations would either reject or refine. Love it or hate it, Hulk is undeniably bold.
4
The Incredible Hulk (1977)
Directed By Kenneth Johnson
This TV movie served as the pilot for the Incredible Hulk television series, introducing Bill Bixby’s David (not Bruce) Banner and Lou Ferrigno’s silent, green giant. Grounded and deeply emotional, this film focused more on character development and human drama than on superhero spectacle. Banner’s struggle with his transformation is portrayed with genuine sadness and empathy. Without flashy effects or elaborate set pieces, the film instead relies on strong performances and a sense of tragedy.
The transformations are slow and practical, giving Hulk an eerie presence. The Incredible Hulk’s maudlin tone and low-budget look may not appeal to modern audiences, but it set a powerful template for Banner’s dual idenтιтy. More than just a superhero origin, it’s a compelling character study that elevated Hulk from comic book monster to tragic anti-hero. It remains a foundational piece of Hulk’s screen legacy.
3
Planet Hulk (2010)
Directed By Sam Liu
Planet Hulk is a thrilling animated adaptation of the fan-favorite comic arc where Hulk is exiled to the planet Sakaar. Unlike his usual Earth-bound tales of inner torment, this story lets Hulk thrive as a warrior-king. The film delivers intense action, gladiator battles, and a surprising amount of emotional depth as Hulk forms new bonds and wrestles with leadership. The animation style is bold and colorful, and the world-building is impressive for a 90-minute feature.
This version of Hulk embraces his rage and physical dominance but doesn’t abandon his complex humanity. While it streamlines many comic elements, Planet Hulk is one of the most complete animated Hulk stories. For those who prefer their Hulk unshackled and unleashed, this is a must-watch. It’s a rare case where Hulk is not just the brute – but the heart, mind, and hero of the story.
2
The Incredible Hulk (2008)
Directed By Louis Leterrier
The second film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, The Incredible Hulk is often overshadowed by its MCU siblings, but it’s a lean, fast-paced take on the character. Edward Norton’s Bruce Banner is haunted and cerebral, on the run while searching for a cure. The action is brutal and practical, especially during the Hulk vs. Abomination showdown.
Director Louis Leterrier infuses the film with a tense, fugitive vibe, and there are clever callbacks to the 1970s series. The film’s tone strikes a better balance between spectacle and psychology than Ang Lee’s 2003 version. Although Norton was later replaced by Mark Ruffalo, this film remains canon and set key foundations for Hulk’s place in the MCU. It’s underrated, and though it doesn’t reach the emotional highs of other MCU entries, it finally gave audiences a more balanced and accessible big-screen Hulk.
1
Hulk Vs (2009)
Directed By Frank Paur & Sam Liu
Hulk Vs is a two-part animated feature that pits the Green Goliath against Wolverine and Thor in separate mini-movies. It’s a fan-service-packed brawl fest that revels in Hulk’s power and rage. The Wolverine segment is gritty and violent, diving into Weapon X lore and allowing for a brutal showdown. The Thor portion leans more into fantasy, featuring Hulk’s possession by Loki and a full-on ᴀssault on Asgard.
Both stories showcase Hulk as an unstoppable force, highlighting his primal nature. The animation is dynamic, and the voice acting brings real intensity. While it lacks emotional nuance, Hulk Vs is pure adrenaline – an action-packed ride made for audiences who just want to see Hulk smash without the existential angst. It’s not deep, but it is entertaining and arguably the most fun you can have with Hulk in a movie.
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