Few Marvel characters have experienced as many ups and downs on screen as the Hulk. From his humble beginnings in a 1970s TV series to animated adventures, cult-favorite direct-to-video films, and major appearances in the MCU timeline, the green goliath has had a fascinating journey. The character’s adaptations have ranged from tragic to comedic, action-packed to introspective, and everything in between.

While Hulk has often thrived as part of ensemble projects like The Avengers, his solo outings remain some of Marvel’s most unique interpretations. Whether portrayed through groundbreaking CGI, traditional animation, or practical transformations, each version offers something distinct. Ranking these projects highlights Hulk’s enduring appeal, while proffering audiences some thrilling Hulk projects while he is sidelined in the MCU.

Hulk (2003)

Ang Lee’s Hulk is one of the most polarizing comic book films ever made. It attempted to merge cerebral drama with superhero spectacle, exploring Bruce Banner’s fractured psyche and his troubled relationship with his father. Eric Bana portrayed Banner, with Jennifer Connelly as Betty Ross and Nick Nolte as the unstable antagonist.

While some criticized the film’s pacing and CGI, others praised its ambition, comic panel–style transitions. It’s also notable for its willingness to tackle Hulk as a metaphor for trauma and repression. The Hulk himself, largely realized through early motion capture, was depicted as towering and unstoppable.

The breathtaking desert battle sequences are a particular high point. Though divisive, Hulk has gained a cult appreciation for its boldness. It is remembered as one of the most experimental superhero films of the early 2000s.

She-Hulk: Attorney At Law (2022)

Marvel Studios brought a fresh spin to the Hulk mythos with She-Hulk: Attorney at Law. Tatiana Maslany stars as Jennifer Walters, Bruce Banner’s cousin who gains Hulk powers after his blood mixes with hers. Unlike darker portrayals of her gamma-radiated family member, She-Hulk embraces a comedic and meta tone.

Much like the comics, it breaks the fourth wall while juggling superhero antics and legal drama. The series featured appearances from Mark Ruffalo’s Smart Hulk, Tim Roth’s Abomination, and even Charlie Cox’s Daredevil, cementing it as a crossover-heavy event. While its visual effects and humor divided audiences, Maslany’s performance earned consistent praise.

She-Hulk carved out its own niche in the MCU. It blended satire, courtroom hijinks, and superhero spectacle. Indeed, She-Hulk: Attorney at Law highlighted the versatility of Hulk-inspired storytelling in modern Marvel media, though it perhaps wasn’t as thrilling as it could have been.

The Incredible Hulk Returns (1988)

Before modern comic book blockbusters, the Hulk was a television icon. The Incredible Hulk Returns marked his return in a special TV movie. It continued the story of Bill Bixby’s David Banner from the classic 1970s series, with Lou Ferrigno once again donning the green makeup as the Hulk.

The Incredible Hulk Returns is remembered for introducing Thor into live-action for the first time, years before the MCU. Eric Allan Kramer’s Thor teamed up with Hulk against corporate villains, blending Norse mythology with Banner’s ongoing struggle. While made on a modest budget, the special delivered plenty of nostalgia.

The Incredible Hulk Returns remains a fascinating relic. It bridged superhero television and the earliest attempts at shared Marvel storytelling. While not the most dynamic Hulk movie, it retains a retro charm and feels like a fun time capsule.

Hulk: Where Monsters Dwell (2016)

Marvel Animation’s Hulk: Where Monsters Dwell was a Halloween-themed animated adventure. The central plot concerns Hulk teaming up with Doctor Strange and the Howling Commandos to battle supernatural forces. It sees Nightmare, ruler of the Dream Dimension, attempting to conquer Earth by exploiting people’s fears.

Hulk must confront his inner demons while Strange and his monstrous allies, including Man-Thing and Werewolf by Night, provide backup. Though a smaller-scale project, the film won praise for leaning into Marvel’s horror side. It mixed superhero action with distinctly eerie visuals.

It’s especially notable for showcasing Hulk in a supernatural setting, something rarely explored in other media. As a fun, family-friendly introduction to Marvel’s darker characters, Hulk: Where Monsters Dwell added variety to the character’s animated legacy. It’s more child-oriented, but is a thrilling and fun spooky adventure.

The Incredible Hulk TV Series (1977 – 1982)

The 1970s Incredible Hulk TV series remains one of the character’s most beloved adaptations. Running from 1977 to 1982, it starred Bill Bixby as Dr. David Banner and Lou Ferrigno as the Hulk. Rather than leaning heavily on comic book elements, the series embraced a tragic, road-movie structure.

It followed Banner as he traveled from town to town searching for a cure while accidentally unleashing the Hulk when angered. Its iconic theme music, grounded storytelling, and emotional performances set it apart, making it a staple of superhero television. The series also tackled social issues of the era.

The Incredible Hulk flawlessly combined melodrama with action. Ferrigno’s practical portrayal of the Hulk became instantly iconic, while Bixby’s sympathetic Banner defined the character for a generation. Even decades later, the series is considered essential viewing for fans of Marvel’s green goliath.

The Incredible Hulk (2008)

Released as part of Phase One of the MCU, Louis Leterrier’s The Incredible Hulk hit theaters just weeks after Iron Man. Edward Norton starred as Bruce Banner, portraying a fugitive scientist on the run while searching for a cure. The film balanced action with a tragic love story between Banner and Betty Ross (Liv Tyler).

William Hurt’s General Ross introduced military pressure that would echo across the MCU. The highlight came with Hulk’s brutal showdown against Tim Roth’s Abomination in Harlem. It’s a Hulk battle praised for its intensity and for bringing some classic Hulk moves from the comics to the big screen.

Though Norton’s tenure was short-lived, replaced by Mark Ruffalo in The Avengers, the film’s events remain canon. With Abomination returning in She-Hulk and Betty Ross in Captain America: Brave New World, the 2008 movie has gained renewed appreciation as a key building block of the MCU. It stands as Hulk’s best live-action movie.

Hulk And The Agents of S.M.A.S.H. (2013 – 2015)

Hulk and the Agents of S.M.A.S.H. brought a team-focused animated series to Marvel viewers. The show featured Hulk alongside Red Hulk, She-Hulk, A-Bomb, and Skaar, forming a gamma-powered team to take on cosmic threats. While its humor and lighter tone skewed toward younger audiences, the series offered fun interactions between characters who rarely shared the spotlight elsewhere.

The format leaned on fourth-wall humor and action-packed storylines. It boasted encounters with Galactus and the Kree. Though not universally acclaimed, the show provided a kid-friendly gateway into Hulk’s world.

Hulk and the Agents of S.M.A.S.H. expanded the roster of gamma heroes for the first time in animation. With strong voice work from Fred Tatasciore (Hulk) and Clancy Brown (Red Hulk), Agents of S.M.A.S.H. became a lively addition to Hulk’s animated history. It’s as compelling as it is silly.

Planet Hulk (2010)

Planet Hulk, released as a direct-to-video animated film, adapts one of the most acclaimed Hulk comic storylines. Inspired by Greg Pak’s run, it begins with Hulk exiled from Earth by the Illuminati, landing on the planet Sakaar. There, he is enslaved and forced into gladiatorial combat, ultimately rising to become a revolutionary leader.

Planet Hulk highlights Hulk as both warrior and king, exploring themes of betrayal, resilience, and found family. While not a word-for-word adaptation, it captures the spirit of the comics and inspired elements later used in Thor: Ragnarok. Many praised its action, emotional weight, and faithfulness to Hulk’s mythos.

Planet Hulk remains one of Marvel’s strongest animated adaptations, proving the character thrives in epic, cosmic-scale storytelling. It showcased Hulk’s potential far beyond Earth-bound tales of rage and destruction. It provides a fully-fleshed out story for those disappointed by Ragnarok’s abbreviated rendition.

The Incredible Hulk The Animated Series (1996 – 1997)

The 1996–97 Incredible Hulk animated series brought the character into the Saturday morning cartoon era. It followed Bruce Banner’s constant struggle to control the Hulk while evading General Ross and the military. What set the series apart was its ability to balance action with comic-accurate storytelling, featuring a large supporting cast.

The second season introduced She-Hulk as a co-lead, lightening the show’s darker tone. Hulk villains like the Leader, Abomination, and Gargoyle all made appearances, fleshing out Hulk’s rogues’ gallery. With its dramatic narration, serialized plots, and colorful animation, the series became a cult favorite for ’90s kids.

Although it only lasted two seasons, The Incredible Hulk remains fondly remembered for delivering one of the most faithful animated portrayals of the Hulk. It introduced younger audiences to Marvel’s gamma-fueled world while still offering real drama. It stands as the greatest Hulk series to date.

Hulk Vs (2009)

Hulk Vs is a 2009 direct-to-video animated film that features two short but explosive stories: Hulk Vs Wolverine and Hulk Vs Thor. The absolute highlight is the Wolverine segment, in which Hulk battles Logan in a brutal showdown recalling their iconic first meeting in the comics.

Weapon X subsequently interferes, bringing ᴅᴇᴀᴅpool, Sabretooth, and Omega Red into the mix. The Thor story transports Hulk to Asgard, where Loki manipulates him into a ᴅᴇᴀᴅly confrontation with Thor and the gods. Both stories showcase Hulk’s raw power, delivering fast-paced, violent animation that delighted those craving more intensity.

While not as deep as Planet Hulk, Hulk Vs. allowed for pure spectacle, pitting the Hulk against two of Marvel’s greatest warriors. Hulk Vs quickly became a fan favorite for its adrenaline-fueled fights and unapologetic embrace of Hulk’s destructive potential. It remains one of Marvel’s most action-packed animated releases and Hulk’s greatest outing.