Since his comic book debut in 1962, Marvel’s Hulk has remained one of its most recognisable characters. His origin story takes after Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, with scientist Bruce Banner gaining the ability to transform into The Hulk through exposure to gamma radiation, a change subsequently triggered by rage.
Hulk has appeared in numerous animated and live-action shows since the mid-60s, but it wasn’t until 2003 that he finally burst onto the big screen in his own feature film. Despite becoming a core part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, he’s only starred in two solo films. So, for this ranking of every Hulk movie, we’ll also be including live-action theatrical films in which he plays a significant role. (Notable exceptions are Avengers: Infinity War and Endgame, whose large ensemble casts don’t allow the character enough screen time.)
Thor: Ragnarok (2017)
With a decent start and a lukewarm follow-up, Thor: Ragnarok is arguably where the Thor films find their footing, and Banner/Hulk plays a key part in that. Having disappeared at the end of Age of Ultron, Hulk surprises Thor in an alien, gladiatorial arena, an environment that has allowed his monstrous side to flourish, even becoming more verbose.
Thor draws Banner back out so the two sides can achieve a greater equilibrium and finds common ground with them in being displaced from their homeworlds. Hulk is also able to let loose on a powerful fire giant, making Ragnarok a fantastic showcase of both the character’s strength and internal strife.
The Avengers (2012)
In what remains a high point for the MCU, the first Avengers movie, The Avengers, is a masterclass in superhero team-up storytelling, including Hulk’s inclusion (recast from Edward Norton to Mark Ruffalo). Banner’s intelligence shines next to industrialist Tony Stark, but it’s the sheer terror of such an unstoppable force that makes The Avengers a great Hulk movie.
When villain Loki plays the newly formed team against each other, Hulk is an essential lynchpin, hunting a rattled Black Widow through a confined area that makes him dangerous on a more intimate level. On the flipside, Banner has a trick up his sleeve for the final battle that turns the tables on the Asgardian god.
Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015)
The second Avengers film is a more mixed bag compared to the first, but James Spader’s performance as the titular supercomputer villain and some fan-favourite character moments between the team still make it a strong franchise entry.
As a Hulk movie, Age of Ultron is notable for establishing a romantic relationship between Banner (Ruffalo) and Scarlett Johansson’s Black Widow. An unusual and somewhat controversial pairing, it brings out both of their vulnerable sides, leading to an emotionally fraught conclusion.
The Incredible Hulk (2008)
The second solo Hulk film, and the second MCU film, The Incredible Hulk stars Edward Norton in the title role. Banner is forced to go on the run from General Thaddeus Ross, who outwardly wants to prevent Hulk from rampaging and hurting his daughter, Banner’s love interest, Betty. Secretly, he also wants to harness Hulk’s incredible power.
As Banner learns to control the beast inside, Ross sends a relentless mercenary after him, culminating in a seismic tete-a-tete. While the ending feels a bit like two CG action figures being smashed together, Norton’s performance and Banner’s sympathetic characterisation still make it a fun watch.
Hulk (2003)
Although not technically an MCU movie, Ang Lee’s Hulk has perhaps aged better over time, but fans will always cite this as how not to make a comic book movie. With Eric Bana as Banner/Hulk, something the film does reasonably well is delve into the roots of Banner’s anger: his father, with whom he had a volatile relationship.
Lee’s background crafting wuxia classics like Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon translates to an experimental editing style, recreating comic book panel transitions. This literal interpretation of the source material’s format is more perplexing than it is engaging, sadly.
Captain America: Brave New World (2025)
While Brave New World is the fourth Captain America movie, it’s very much a two-hander. In it, Anthony Mackie’s Cap squares up against Red Hulk, a longtime foil for Banner/Hulk, partly because he can match Hulk in power and partly because Red Hulk is Thaddeus Ross (played by Harrison Ford).
These missing pieces gut the impact of Ross/Red Hulk’s long-awaited debut. The justification for pitting the newly elected President Ross against the new Captain America draws on Sam Wilson being imprisoned under Ross’ Sokovia Accords, but the latter’s transformation is largely fueled by internal regret toward other events and characters not in the film. Cap’s conflict with Ross, therefore, never feels as bitter as his fallout with Iron Man in Captain America: Civil War, resulting in a limp, disengaging climax.
Where To Watch Every Hulk Movie Online
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