9 MCU Hulk Power Moments That Are Criminally Underrated

The Hulk has always been one of the most physically powerful heroes in the MCU, yet many of his most impressive feats tend to be overlooked. Many remember Hulk’s rage-fueled outbursts or comic relief moments. Yet since his debut in The Incredible Hulk (2008), the Green Goliath has demonstrated strength, resilience, and even heart in ways that often go underappreciated.

Whether it’s defending his friends, saving lives, or going toe-to-toe with cosmic threats, Bruce Banner’s big green alter ego has quietly racked up some incredible power displays throughout the MCU timeline. Even as Smart Hulk in later appearances, his strength and skill remain undeniable. Yet many of these moments deserve more credit than they usually get.

9

Smart Hulk Teaches She-Hulk How To Use Her Powers

Hulk training She-Hulk in She-Hulk Attorney at Law

In She-Hulk: Attorney At Law, Smart Hulk takes on a mentor role. He guides his cousin Jennifer Walters through her Hulk transformation. While the scenes often lean into comedy, they also subtly highlight Hulk’s deep understanding of gamma-based powers and how far he’s come since his early days.

Hulk explains balance, control, and emotional regulation – all while showcasing his superhuman abilities. From throwing boulders across the jungle to a thunderclap technique, Hulk proves he’s still one of the most powerful beings in the MCU. He’s even able to achieve this in his more controlled form.

His ability to master the Hulk persona, maintain Banner’s intellect, and pᴀss on his knowledge is a mᴀssively underrated demonstration of personal and physical strength. This isn’t the rampaging Hulk of the past. He’s a fully realized version who’s as wise as he is unstoppable.

8

Hulk Fights Thanos

The Hulk fighting Thanos in the opening of Avengers Infinity War

While many focus on Hulk’s defeat during his one-on-one brawl with Thanos in Avengers: Infinity War, it’s easy to overlook just how significant this scene is. Hulk charges in without hesitation. He actually lands several solid blows on the Mad тιтan – punches that would level most MCU villains.

Thanos only gains the upper hand after expertly countering Hulk’s raw power with brutal precision and experience. The fact that Hulk stood toe-to-toe with someone who defeated the entire Avengers roster makes this moment a key demonstration of Hulk’s sheer durability and combat ability. It’s not a moment of weakness by any means.

It’s a reminder that even when outmatched, Hulk can hang with the biggest threats in the universe. His fearless charge against Thanos proves that he’s still a powerhouse worthy of respect. Even in defeat, Hulk’s power was at the center of this scene.

7

Hulk Smashes Ultron RobotsHulk tearing the head off an Ultron drone in Avengers Age of Ultron

During the chaotic final battle of Avengers: Age of Ultron, Hulk tears through waves of Ultron’s sentries with ease. Much of the spotlight in this scene goes to the team working together to protect the core. Yet Hulk’s role in the destruction of Ultron’s forces is essential.

From hurling robots through walls to ripping them apart with his bare hands, Hulk brings unrelenting fury to the fight. Amazingly, he does so with purpose. His strength clears paths for his teammates and helps keep the swarm at bay.

The destruction may be expected of the Hulk, but what stands out is his coordination with others, showing he’s not just a wild force of nature but a tactical bruiser. It’s easy to forget just how many Ultron bots fell by Hulk’s hand. Without his devastation, the Avengers might not have made it out alive.

6

Hulk Fights the Army In Brazil

Edward Norton as Bruce Banner with glowing green eyes in The Incredible Hulk (2008)

In The Incredible Hulk, Bruce Banner tries to avoid confrontation. However, when cornered by a military strike team in a Brazilian bottling plant, the Hulk emerges in full force. This early MCU scene is a grounded but ferocious display of Hulk’s power.

He uses shadows, speed, and raw brute strength to take out armed soldiers one by one. He tosses them like rag dolls, smashing equipment, and surviving gunfire with ease. Despite being early in the timeline, Hulk’s power is undeniable here.

It’s not a large-scale battle, but it shows how quickly he can turn the tide in close quarters. The scene also builds Hulk’s mythos – he’s treated like a monster in the dark, but the results are all too real. It’s a gritty and underrated showcase of just how terrifying the Hulk can be.

5

Hulk Holds Up The Avengers Compound

Hulk holding up the rubble from the Avengers compound in Avengers Endgame

In Avengers: Endgame, after Thanos bombs the Avengers compound, the building collapses, trapping several heroes under tons of rubble. It’s the Hulk, already injured from wielding the Nano Gauntlet, who holds up an entire section of the wreckage. In a moment from Avengers comics, he keeps his teammates from being crushed.

It’s a quieter moment than most of Hulk’s action sequences, but arguably one of his most heroic. He’s in pain, barely able to move. Yet he still uses every ounce of his strength to prevent a total cave-in.

There’s no roaring or smashing, just raw endurance and quiet sacrifice. This act underscores Hulk’s transformation into a true hero – not just a weapon of destruction, but a protector. Many often skip over this scene, but it’s one of the strongest displays of Hulk’s resilience and heart in the MCU.

4

Hulk Saves Iron Man

Hulk catching Iron Man in Avengers

At the end of The Avengers, Tony Stark plummets from the wormhole after redirecting the nuclear missile aimed at New York. Just as it seems he won’t survive the fall, it’s Hulk who leaps into action and catches him in mid-air. This is a brief but incredibly important moment.
Not only does it highlight Hulk’s superhuman reflexes and timing, but it also marks the beginning of his camaraderie with the other Avengers – particularly Stark. It shows that Hulk isn’t just rage; he’s capable of empathy and fast-thinking under pressure. His roar that eventually wakes Tony up is a combination of willpower and anguish.
The decision to save Tony, when he could’ve easily let gravity do its work, adds a new layer to Hulk’s MCU evolution. It’s one of the first signs that beneath the chaos is a true team player. Hulk cares for his teammates even when consumed by rage.

3

Hulk Rampages Up Black Widow To Sokovia

Mark Ruffalo's Bruce Baner turns into the Hulk in front of Scarlett Johansson's Black Widow in Avengers Age of Ultron (2015)

In Avengers: Age of Ultron, one of the most overlooked but endlessly rewatchable Hulk moments comes during the lead-up to the final battle in Sokovia. As the city begins lifting into the sky, Black Widow finds Bruce Banner trying to avoid transforming into the Hulk again. With time running out, she forcefully kicks him into a pit, triggering his transformation.

What follows is a thrilling and powerful sequence. Hulk bursts from the pit and immediately begins leaping up the collapsing terrain and rising debris to reach Sokovia as it ascends, all with Black Widow on his back. This moment is incredibly underrated because it’s not Hulk smashing an enemy.

It’s Hulk fighting gravity, chaos, and time to rejoin the fight. The sheer athleticism and agility he displays (climbing chunks of land, leaping through the air, and scaling falling rock) shows just how versatile his powers are. It’s classic Hulk: brute force with determined momentum.

2

Hulk Shields Betty Ross From Gunfire

Liv Tyler looking surprised as Betty Ross in The Incredible Hulk

In The Incredible Hulk, when Betty Ross is caught in the crossfire of the military ᴀssault at Culver University, Hulk shields her with his own body. Bullets, fire, and explosions rain down, but Hulk stands firm, protecting her completely. This is one of the earliest signs that Hulk isn’t just a mindless force.

Hulk knows who Betty is and acts with intention. It’s a simple yet powerful moment that combines emotion with strength. Hulk doesn’t retaliate out of rage, but out of care.

It’s a reminder that the character’s depth was present from the very beginning of the MCU. The scene is often overshadowed by other parts of this fight, most notably Hulk kicking Emil Blonsky into a tree, breaking every bone in his body. Yet this moment shows that there was far more to Hulk’s personality than seen thus far.

1

Hulk Punches Surtur

Hulk jumping to fight Surtur in Thor Ragnarok

In Thor: Ragnarok, Hulk unexpectedly jumps into action and punches the fire demon Surtur, who is in the process of destroying Asgard. While Thor yells that they need Surtur to cause Ragnarok, Hulk responds instinctively with his fists. This moment is both hilarious and impressive.

Surtur is the size of a mountain, and Hulk still launches an attack without hesitation. While the punch does little to stop Surtur, it shows Hulk’s willingness to tackle any threat, regardless of scale. It’s also a subtle reminder of Hulk’s lack of fear.

It shows a complete confidence in his own power, realistic or not. The scene might be played for laughs, but it also captures Hulk’s raw spirit. He’s always ready to throw down, even against gods and monsters.

The Incredible Hulk official poster

Created by

Stan Lee, Jack Kirby

First Film

The Incredible Hulk Returns

Latest Film

Avengers: Endgame

First TV Show

The Incredible Hulk

Latest TV Show

She-Hulk: Attorney at Law

Cast

Bill Bixby, Lou Ferrigno, Mark Ruffalo


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