The Hulk is Marvel’s ultimate rage-fueled powerhouse, and while he’s saved the world many times, it’s his legendary rivalries that have left a lasting impact on both cinema and television. From classic comic foes brought to life in animation to brawls with fellow heroes in the MCU timeline, Hulk’s greatest enemies often reflect his struggle with control, idenтιтy, and sheer power. Whether it’s a tragic mirror of what he could become, a cosmic-level threat, or just another contender for the “Strongest Avenger” тιтle, these rivalries highlight the most compelling aspects of Bruce Banner’s monstrous alter ego.
Hulk’s strength has made him a natural magnet for conflict across media. While his comic book enemies are numerous, only a select few have transitioned into truly memorable on-screen foes. Whether they appear in films, animated shows, or TV specials, each of these opponents represents a unique aspect of Hulk’s mythos – ranging from dark reflections of his power to long-running rivalries rooted in mutual respect and stubborn pride.
10
Gargoyle (Yuri Topolov)
The Incredible Hulk TAS
Appearing in The Incredible Hulk animated series, Gargoyle (Yuri Topolov) is an underrated villain with serious potential. A Soviet scientist turned gamma-mutated genius, Gargoyle is one of Hulk’s earliest screen foes, mixing cold intellect with the tragic cost of power. Unlike Hulk’s usual brute force opponents, Gargoyle relies on manipulation and cunning, often trying to capture or cure Hulk rather than outright destroy him.
Gargoyle’s design and backstory reflect Cold War anxieties, making him a compelling, politically-charged rival. What really sets Gargoyle apart is his blend of empathy and villainy – he doesn’t always want to fight Hulk, but he often has no choice. This layered dynamic would translate well to the MCU, especially as Marvel explores more global and science-based threats. Additionally, Gargoyle in The Incredible Hulk TAS was voiced by the legendary Mark Hamill who delivers and riotous performance.
9
Maestro (Future Hulk)
Hulk And The Agents Of SMASH
The twisted future version of Bruce Banner known as Maestro gave one of Hulk’s darkest mirror battles in Hulk and the Agents of S.M.A.S.H. Set in a dystopian timeline, Maestro is what happens when the Hulk’s strength is left unchecked, and Banner’s morality is completely abandoned. With intelligence and power far beyond the present-day Hulk, Maestro rules with an iron fist and sees himself as a godlike figure.
This version of Hulk is chilling precisely because he is Hulk – just broken, corrupted, and dangerous. Their showdown in Agents of S.M.A.S.H. was both thrilling and disturbing, showing Hulk’s fear of becoming the monster he’s always tried not to be. As Marvel leans more into multiverse and time travel concepts, Maestro remains a top candidate for a future live-action adaptation. He’s not just a rival – he’s Hulk’s worst nightmare in physical form.
8
Thor Odinson
The Avengers, Thor: Ragnarok, Hulk Vs.
Few rivalries are as entertaining and enduring as Hulk vs. Thor. Whether in the brutal battles of Hulk Vs. or their laugh-out-loud clashes in the MCU (Thor: Ragnarok especially), these two тιтans are constantly competing to be the “Strongest Avenger.” Their dynamic is a blend of mutual respect and constant one-upmanship. Thor, with his godly strength and warrior pride, often meets Hulk in battles that shake entire realms.
What’s fun about their rivalry is how it swings between intense brawls and comedic tension – Thor tries to reason or boast, Hulk just smashes. It’s a bromance wrapped in thunder and gamma radiation. Every time they fight, it’s a spectacle, and it never grows tiresome. As the MCU continues, this rivalry could easily evolve further, especially with Smart Hulk and a more humbled Thor in the mix.
7
Wolverine
ᴅᴇᴀᴅpool & Wolverine, Hulk Vs
Wolverine and Hulk’s rivalry is one of Marvel’s most iconic match-ups, as teased briefly in ᴅᴇᴀᴅpool & Wolverine. The roots to this almighty showdown go way back to Wolverine’s first comic appearance, but it’s the animated film Hulk Vs. that gave one of the most ferocious interpretations. Unlike Hulk’s other opponents, Wolverine doesn’t back down, no matter how badly he gets thrown across the forest.
Wolverine’s healing factor and savage atтιтude make him a worthy adversary who’s not afraid to get in Hulk’s face – even if it means losing. The two represent opposite ends of the rage spectrum: Hulk’s is explosive and mᴀssive, Wolverine’s is focused and lethal. Their battles are intense, personal, and unforgettable. With Hugh Jackman’s return and Hulk still a key Marvel Cinematic Universe player, many are calling for a proper live-action adaptation.
6
The Thing (Ben Grimm)
Fantastic Four: The Animated Series, Avengers ᴀssemble
A rivalry born in the comics, Hulk and Ben Grimm’s feud has exploded across multiple animated series, with Fantastic Four: The Animated Series and Avengers ᴀssemble offering some memorable clashes. What makes this pairing so fun is that it’s not about good vs. evil – it’s about pride, strength, and raw power. Both characters represent different sides of the “strongman” archetype: Hulk’s unrestrained rage against Thing’s blue-collar resilience.
Hulk and the Thing often fight just to see who’s stronger, and their battles are always seismic. Though Thing usually gets the short end of the stick, he keeps coming back for more, earning Hulk’s respect (and occasionally his friendship). It’s a fan-favorite showdown because of how personal and primal it feels. Even when they’re on the same side, there’s always tension – and that keeps things entertaining.
5
Loki, God Of Mischief
The Avengers
Hulk’s most meme-worthy rivalry came to life in The Avengers (2012), when Loki arrogantly faced off against the Green Goliath – and promptly got smashed into the floor like a ragdoll. Since then, Loki and Hulk have continued to cross paths in the MCU, most notably in Thor: Ragnarok, where they briefly reunite under odd (and hilarious) circumstances.
Their dynamic works because Loki’s sly manipulation is the exact opposite of Hulk’s straightforward smashing. Every time they meet, there’s a mixture of fear, humor, and pure chaos. Loki’s high-and-mighty atтιтude is perfect fuel for Hulk’s rage, and it’s always entertaining to watch the god of mischief squirm and cower at the sight of Hulk. While their conflict is less personal than others on this list, it’s undeniably entertaining – proving that sometimes, a great rival just needs to be incredibly annoying.
4
The Leader (Samuel Sterns)
The Incredible Hulk Animated Series
In The Incredible Hulk animated series, The Leader serves as Hulk’s main antagonist, bringing one of the comics’ smartest gamma villains to life. Unlike Hulk’s usual physical enemies, The Leader presents a cerebral threat, relying on his enhanced intellect to outmaneuver and manipulate. Their rivalry is classic brains versus brawn – with Leader always trying to prove that intelligence is superior to raw power. The animated show dives deep into this dynamic, making their battles about more than just fists.
Leader’s smug atтιтude and constant attempts to control or destroy Hulk drive much of the series’ drama. What makes him such a compelling rival is how different he is from Hulk in every way. The Leader finally made a fully-formed live-action appearance in the MCU’s Captain America: Brave New World, but he sadly didn’t face Hulk himself.
3
Abomination (Emil Blonsky)
The Incredible Hulk (2008)
Abomination is often seen as Hulk’s dark alternative, and both The Incredible Hulk animated series and the 2008 MCU film showcase why. As Emil Blonsky, he was once human, like Bruce Banner, but his transformation into Abomination created a monstrous rival who matched Hulk in size, strength, and fury. Unlike Hulk, however, Abomination lacks humanity – he’s driven by ego, vengeance, and cruelty.
Their fights are brutal, high-stakes affairs, usually ending in mᴀssive destruction. In the MCU, Blonsky’s transformation was about obsession – wanting to be the ultimate soldier and surpᴀss Hulk. This makes their clashes feel personal and terrifying. The animated version adds more layers, portraying Abomination as a recurring nemesis who never quite lets go. As a rival, he’s not just another monster – he’s what Hulk could become if he lost everything, including his heart.
2
Bruce Banner (Himself)
The Incredible Hulk (2008), The Incredible Hulk TAS
The most personal and persistent of Hulk’s rivalries is with Bruce Banner himself. In nearly every version of the Hulk story – whether live-action or animated – there’s a battle between man and monster. Banner wants a cure. Hulk wants freedom. This internal struggle gives the Hulk mythos its depth. Shows like Avengers: Earth’s Mightiest Heroes and films like Avengers: Endgame explore this dynamic in different ways – sometimes Banner suppresses Hulk, sometimes Hulk takes control.
Regardless, there’s always tension. Hulk often sees “puny” Banner as a weakling who holds him back, while Banner fears Hulk’s uncontrollable power. It’s a rivalry of idenтιтy, and it plays out in psychology, dreams, transformations, and even literal split personalities in some stories. This ongoing inner conflict makes Hulk not just a powerhouse – but a tragic figure, constantly at war with himself.
1
Thunderbolt Ross / Red Hulk
The Incredible Hulk, Avengers: Earth’s Mightiest Heroes
Few characters pursue the Hulk with more obsession than General Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross. From The Incredible Hulk (2008) to animated series like Avengers: Earth’s Mightiest Heroes, Ross is the relentless military force hell-bent on capturing or destroying the Hulk – regardless of the cost. What makes the rivalry so intense is its emotional complexity: Ross’s daughter Betty loves Bruce, creating a bitter triangle between love, power, and rage.
Ross’s eventual transformation into the Red Hulk (as seen in Avengers: Earth’s Mightiest Heroes) only fuels the fire, giving Hulk a rival who’s not just strategic and angry – but equally powerful. The Red Hulk persona lets Ross finally meet Hulk on his level, turning their ideological war into physical mayhem. Their conflict isn’t just about strength – it’s about control, pride, and the consequences of playing god with gamma energy. Few Hulk rivals feel as personal – or as explosive.
Hulk
- Created by
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Stan Lee, Jack Kirby
- First Film
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The Incredible Hulk Returns
- Latest Film
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Avengers: Endgame
- First TV Show
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The Incredible Hulk
- Latest TV Show
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She-Hulk: Attorney at Law
- Cast
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Bill Bixby, Lou Ferrigno, Mark Ruffalo
Upcoming MCU Movies
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Thunderbolts*
- Release Date
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May 2, 2025
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The Fantastic Four: First Steps
- Release Date
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July 25, 2025
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Avengers: Doomsday
- Release Date
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May 1, 2026
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Spider-Man: Brand New Day
- Release Date
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July 31, 2026
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Avengers: Secret Wars
- Release Date
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May 7, 2027
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