The Hulk may be known for smashing, but his most memorable moments often come when he’s fighting alongside another iconic Marvel character. Over the years, both in animated series and live-action appearances, the Green Goliath has formed powerful and sometimes surprising alliances. Whether it’s teaming up with unlikely heroes or working alongside his fiercest rivals, Hulk’s partnerships show a different side of the gamma-powered Avenger. These team-ups often bring out the best (and sometimes the worst) in him, adding emotional depth and dramatic weight to his on-screen legacy.

Since his first appearance on-screen in the late 1970s, the Hulk has become one of Marvel’s most enduring characters, evolving across live-action television and a wide variety of animated series. Each new era introduced unique spins on his personality, powers, and relationships. Hulk’s team-ups – often shaped by circumstances beyond his control – reveal how he interacts with other heroes and how others respond to his overwhelming strength and unpredictable nature. From the MCU timeline to the animated The Incredible Hulk series, Hulk has been in some iconic team-ups.

10

Hulk Meets Ghost Rider

The Incredible Hulk: TAS Season 1, Episode 5 “Innocent Blood”

This fiery crossover between the Hulk and Ghost Rider remains one of the coolest and most unexpected in ’90s Marvel animation. Appearing in The Incredible Hulk (1996) animated series, Ghost Rider arrives during one of Hulk’s rampages and confronts him – not to destroy him, but to judge his soul. What makes this encounter so iconic is the contrast between Hulk’s raw rage and Ghost Rider’s eerie calm.

Instead of simply fighting, Ghost Rider uses his Penance Stare to peer into Hulk’s tortured conscience, ultimately determining that Banner’s soul is innocent. This moment not only highlights Hulk’s internal struggle but also frames him as more than a monster, forcing viewers to see him through a more compᴀssionate lens. The team-up may be brief, but it’s packed with supernatural intensity and moral complexity, earning it a high spot on this list of legendary collaborations.

9

Hulk Forms The Agents Of SMASH

Hulk And The Agents Of SMASH

In this high-energy animated series, Hulk takes a rare leadership role by ᴀssembling a team of gamma-powered heroes: She-Hulk, Red Hulk, A-Bomb, and Skaar. Hulk and the Agents of SMASH offers a refreshing twist – Hulk is no longer the outsider or the brute, but the anchor of a functioning superhero team. The show’s dynamic gives Hulk a chance to grow emotionally, while also spotlighting how well he can work with others when he’s not constantly hunted or misunderstood.

Each team member brings a different personality and skill set, challenging Hulk to adapt and lead. The series leans into action, humor, and even reality-show-style commentary, offering a unique take on Marvel storytelling. While not as critically acclaimed as other Marvel series, its ensemble charm and Hulk’s team chemistry made it an underrated but iconic part of his TV legacy.

8

Hulk Meets Daredevil

The Trial Of The Incredible Hulk

This made-for-TV movie is famous not just for being a Hulk story, but for marking Daredevil’s first live-action appearance. In The Trial of the Incredible Hulk, Bruce Banner finds himself arrested and put on trial, only to be rescued by blind lawyer Matt Murdock – who, of course, moonlights as Daredevil. The two form an uneasy alliance as they work to take down crime lord Wilson Fisk.

While the special effects are limited by the era, the narrative is surprisingly ambitious. It explores themes of justice and redemption, with Daredevil recognizing Hulk’s true nature beneath the surface rage. The courtroom drama mixed with street-level heroics creates a unique mash-up, making it a standout moment in Hulk’s TV history. Though a backdoor pilot for a Daredevil series that never happened, this crossover remains a cult favorite for Marvel fans and TV historians alike.

7

Hulk And General Ross Form An Uneasy Alliance

The Incredible Hulk TAS Season 1, Episode 10 “And The Wind Cries… Wendigo”

One of the most complex partnerships in Hulk’s animated history occurs when he reluctantly teams up with his arch-nemesis, General Thunderbolt Ross. In The Incredible Hulk (1996), their mutual hatred is temporarily set aside when the villain Wendigo captures Betty Ross. This uneasy alliance is driven by necessity rather than trust, and the tension between them adds serious dramatic weight to the episode.

Ross, long obsessed with capturing or destroying Hulk, is forced to acknowledge the hero’s value when the stakes are high. Hulk, for his part, never forgets Ross’ role in his suffering, making their cooperation feel loaded and bittersweet. This storyline showcases one of Hulk’s most meaningful character developments — his ability to work with even his most bitter enemies when the world needs saving. It’s a mature, gripping team-up that elevates the animated series into emotionally rich territory.

6

Bruce Banner And Tony Stark Become The Science Bros

Avengers: Age of Ultron

Few duos in the MCU have chemistry like Bruce Banner and Tony Stark. Dubbed the “Science Bros” by fans, the two brilliant minds truly click in Avengers: Age of Ultron, where their tech-fueled bromance leads to some of the film’s most pivotal moments – and greatest dangers. Together, they create Ultron, an AI intended to protect Earth that goes horribly wrong.

Yet their partnership shines in their banter, mutual respect, and shared lab space, offering a surprisingly grounded dynamic in a movie full of gods and monsters. Their brains – and occasional moral disagreements – drive the plot and highlight how even geniuses can make world-threatening mistakes. Though it ended in catastrophe, this team-up remains iconic for blending brains and brawn in a uniquely Marvel way. The contrast between these scenes and the pair’s later brawl only highlights their compelling bond.

5

Hulk Teams Up With The Mighty Thor

The Incredible Hulk Returns

Before the MCU existed, The Incredible Hulk Returns brought Marvel’s strongest heroes together for the first time in live-action. The 1988 TV movie served as a crossover between The Incredible Hulk series and a potential Thor spinoff. Bill Bixby’s David Banner (still unable to control his transformations into the Hulk) meets Eric Allan Kramer’s Thor, a boisterous and reckless warrior exiled from Valhalla.

The two clash at first – naturally – but they eventually unite to take down a common enemy. While the budget and effects are clearly of their time, the novelty of seeing Hulk and Thor fight side by side was groundbreaking in the ‘80s. Their dynamic blends brute strength with mythological flair, making it an early blueprint for later Marvel team-ups. It may be campy, but it laid the groundwork for the future Hulk-Thor bromance depicted in the MCU.

4

She-Hulk Becomes Hulk’s Permanent Partner

The Incredible Hulk TAS Season 2

In The Incredible Hulk: The Animated Series (1996), She-Hulk isn’t just a guest star – she becomes Hulk’s full-time teammate and emotional anchor. Voiced by Lisa Zane, Jennifer Walters brings charisma, confidence, and plenty of sᴀss to the show, offering a vibrant counterbalance to Bruce Banner’s tortured soul. After receiving a blood transfusion from her cousin Bruce, she embraces her gamma-powered idenтιтy rather than fearing it, which inspires Hulk to reconsider his own existence.

Together, they fight a variety of gamma villains, government agents, and even psychological trauma. Their partnership deepens as Jennifer becomes both a combat ally and emotional support for the often-isolated Bruce. Unlike most team-ups, She-Hulk’s presence is constant and compelling, not just for battles, but for growth. This dynamic duo proves that the Hulk doesn’t always have to go it alone – and sometimes family is your best backup.

3

Hulk Fights Weapon X With Wolverine And ᴅᴇᴀᴅpool

Hulk Vs

In Hulk Vs Wolverine, one of Marvel’s best animated projects, the Green Goliath finds himself tangled in a brutal battle with two of Marvel’s most dangerous antiheroes. What begins as a ferocious brawl between Hulk and Wolverine quickly evolves into a team-up when the Weapon X rear their ugly heads. Omega Red, Sabretooth, and Lady Deathstrike enter the fray, forcing Wolverine and Hulk to work together and team up with ᴅᴇᴀᴅpool.

The addition of ᴅᴇᴀᴅpool (voiced by Nolan North) injects unhinged humor into the dark and violent tone, while Hulk’s raw power balances Wolverine’s berserker fury. The trio’s uneasy alliance delivers pure chaos, memorable quips, and visceral action. It’s a rare moment where Hulk plays well with others – barely – and the result is a blood-soaked team-up that exemplifies the intriguing potential of this unique team dynamic. For those who want to see Hulk smash while ᴅᴇᴀᴅpool wisecracks, this is the dream matchup.

2

Hulk Joins The Revengers

Thor: Ragnarok

Thor: Ragnarok redefined both Hulk and Thor, with the two founding Avengers forming an unlikely team alongside Valkyrie and Loki. Dubbed the “Revengers,” this ragtag group was formed not out of strategy but desperation. Hulk, having stayed in gladiator form for two years on Sakaar, emerges as a more talkative, slightly more self-aware version of himself. His dynamic with Thor is equal parts buddy comedy and brawling spectacle, offering some of the MCU’s funniest and most heartfelt moments.

Whether they’re arguing about who’s the “strongest Avenger” or teaming up to fight Hela’s army, the Revengers exhibit Hulk at his most vibrant and fun. This team-up helped humanize Hulk in a way no previous film had, proving he could carry comedy, character growth, and chaos in equal measure. Bruce Banner’s interactions with his fellow Revengers were equally entertaining, giving both the chance to evolve significantly.

1

Hulk Fights With The Avengers

The Avengers

The greatest on-screen team-up has to be the original 2012 The Avengers film. After years of standalone stories, Bruce Banner finally joined Earth’s Mightiest Heroes – and it was worth the wait. Mark Ruffalo’s Hulk stole the show with a perfect mix of rage and humor. From smashing the Leviathan with a single punch to his legendary “puny god” moment with Loki, Hulk made every second count.

Yet his team synergy was just as important. His respect for Captain America’s leadership, his complex relationship with Black Widow, and his iconic “I’m always angry” transformation showed that the monster could be a hero. This marked the first time Hulk was truly embraced by a team, and it reshaped his cinematic legacy. No longer just a wildcard, Hulk became a cornerstone of the MCU. The Hulk finally found a team worth smashing for.

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