Hulk’s 10 Most Iconic Scenes In The MCU, Ranked

Hulk has delivered some of the most iconic moments ever depicted in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The Hulk has been one of the most powerful and unpredictable characters in the MCU timeline since his debut in The Incredible Hulk (2008). Over the years, Bruce Banner’s green alter ego has delivered some of the franchise’s most memorable moments, from epic battles to emotional turning points. Whether he’s smashing his way through enemies or showing surprising moments of intelligence and restraint, Hulk remains an audience favorite.

Hulk’s presence in the MCU has always been a mix of raw power and surprising depth. Introduced as a fugitive in The Incredible Hulk, Bruce Banner’s journey has been defined by his struggle to control the beast within. Over time, Hulk became an integral member of the Avengers, proving invaluable in battles against threats like Loki, Ultron, and Thanos. However, his evolution took unexpected turns, from refusing to emerge in Infinity War to achieving full Banner-Hulk integration in Endgame.

10

Hulk Battles Thor On The Helicarrier

The Avengers

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One of Hulk’s earliest defining moments in the MCU came in The Avengers (2012) when he fought Thor aboard the S.H.I.E.L.D. Helicarrier. After being manipulated into transforming by Loki’s schemes, Hulk became a rampaging force of destruction. Thor, the only Avenger strong enough to challenge him, engaged him in an electrifying fight. The battle was a stunning display of strength, with Hulk’s sheer ferocity clashing against Thor’s Asgardian might.

Hulk screaming in the MCU with Sakar and Gladiator Hulk

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One of the fight’s standout moments came when Thor attempted to calm Hulk, only to be launched across the room. The sequence also humorously establishes their rivalry, particularly when Hulk attempts to lift Mjolnir but fails. This scene not only showcased Hulk’s raw power but also foreshadowed his future battles with Thor, making it one of the most memorable fights in MCU history and a pivotal moment in Hulk’s early character development.

9

Hulk Snaps Back The Universe

Avengers: Endgame

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By Avengers: Endgame (2019), Hulk had undergone a major transformation, merging Banner’s intellect with Hulk’s strength to become Smart Hulk. This evolution led to one of his most crucial contributions to the MCU: reversing Thanos’ snap. After acquiring the Infinity Gauntlet, Hulk took on the enormous responsibility of bringing back half the universe’s population.

The scene carried immense emotional weight, as Hulk noted that he was the only one who could withstand the gamma radiation due to his unique physiology. The moment he snapped his fingers, birds chirped outside, hinting at success – before Thanos’ forces launched an attack. This scene marked the peak of Hulk’s journey from a destructive force to a hero capable of wielding unimaginable power for the greater good. Though it lacked the spectacle of his previous battles, it remains one of Hulk’s most impactful and defining moments.

8

Hulk Fights Fenris The Wolf

Thor: Ragnarok

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Thor: Ragnarok (2017) redefined Hulk’s role in the MCU, portraying him as a warrior on the planet Sakaar and later as a key player in Asgard’s final battle. One of his most thrilling moments came when he faced Fenris, Hela’s monstrous wolf. As Asgard crumbled, Hulk proved why he was the strongest Avenger, launching himself at the towering beast. Their fight, set against the backdrop of Ragnarok’s chaos, was both visually stunning and a testament to Hulk’s fearlessness.

Hulk from MCU, Rick Jones from Hulk TAS, and Maestro from the comics

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Though Fenris initially overpowered him, Hulk ultimately emerged victorious, saving Asgardian refugees from certain doom. The scene further cemented Hulk’s role as an unstoppable force, but it also highlighted his growing sense of heroism, as he wasn’t just fighting for the sake of smashing – he was fighting to protect others. This battle stands as one of his most visually striking and memorable MCU moments, with the added bonus of Hulk’s surprise arrival after Banner falls flat onto the Bifrost.

7

Hulk Tries To Fight Thanos

Avengers: Infinity War

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Hulk’s fight against Thanos in Avengers: Infinity War (2018) was shocking for many reasons, but primarily because it was the first time Hulk was completely overpowered. The scene, which takes place early in the film aboard the Asgardian refugee ship, initially seemed like another opportunity for Hulk to dominate. However, Thanos swiftly countered Hulk’s attacks, using superior combat skills and sheer strength to beat him into unconsciousness.

This brutal defeat had lasting consequences, as Hulk refused to emerge for the rest of the film, leaving Banner to fend for himself. The fight demonstrated Thanos’ overwhelming power while adding a new layer to Hulk’s character – one where he experienced fear and vulnerability. It was a pivotal moment that set the stakes for the rest of Infinity War, proving that even the MCU’s strongest Avenger had finally met his match.

6

Hulk Chases Black Widow Through The Helicarrier

The Avengers

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One of the most terrifying moments in The Avengers (2012) is when Bruce Banner loses control aboard the S.H.I.E.L.D. Helicarrier. After being manipulated by Loki, Banner succumbs to his rage, transforming into the Hulk in the middle of the airborne fortress. Black Widow, who had previously spoken to Banner in a seemingly calm moment, finds herself on the receiving end of Hulk’s uncontrollable fury. As she flees through the corridors, the sequence takes on a horror-movie feel, demonstrating how dangerous the Hulk truly is when his rage takes over.

MCU Ultron and Mysterio and animated She-Hulk

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The fact that Natasha, a highly skilled assassin, is visibly terrified speaks volumes about the threat level. The scene perfectly balances tension and action, reinforcing that even among heroes, Hulk is a force of nature that cannot be tamed. The most enduring image from this scene shows Natasha weaving her way through machinery to escape, while Hulk simply runs through it all completely unfazed.

5

Hulk Clashes With Abomination

The Incredible Hulk

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The climactic battle in The Incredible Hulk (2008) remains one of Hulk’s most intense and destructive fights in the MCU. Emil Blonsky, transformed into the monstrous Abomination, proves to be a worthy adversary, matching Hulk in strength but with far less restraint. The battle, set in Harlem, features jaw-dropping destruction as the two behemoths trade devastating blows. Unlike many of Hulk’s later fights, which lean toward comedic undertones, this confrontation is brutal, gritty, and personal.

Hulk’s ability to adapt and overcome Abomination’s savagery – especially when using a police car as makeshift boxing gloves – showcases his resourcefulness. The fight ultimately ends with Hulk demonstrating an evolution in his control, choosing to spare Abomination rather than finishing him off. Though often overlooked due to the film’s mixed reception, this fight cemented Hulk’s raw power and resilience in the MCU.

4

Hulk Vs Hulkbuster Iron Man

Avengers: Age Of Ultron

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One of the most visually stunning fights in the MCU occurs in Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015) when Tony Stark, donning the Hulkbuster armor, faces off against an enraged Hulk. Under the influence of Scarlet Witch’s mind control, Hulk goes on a destructive rampage in Johannesburg. This forces Stark to deploy his specialized anti-Hulk suit.

Hulk looking serious and Hulk screaming in the MCU

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The battle is a spectacular showcase of raw power versus technological ingenuity, with the Hulkbuster’s modular design adapting to Hulk’s overwhelming strength. Stark’s desperation to subdue Hulk – going as far as repeatedly punching him into the pavement while muttering, “Go to sleep, go to sleep, go to sleep” – adds a layer of humor to the otherwise intense fight. The scene highlights just how dangerous an uncontrolled Hulk can be, even for the Avengers, while also cementing Tony’s brilliance as a strategist capable of countering such an unstoppable force.

3

Hulk Fights Thor In The Gladiator Arena

Thor: Ragnarok

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Thor: Ragnarok (2017) redefined the Hulk by giving him more personality and agency, and his gladiatorial battle against Thor was a highlight of the film. When Thor is captured on Sakaar and thrown into the Grandmaster’s Contest of Champions, he is shocked to find out that his opponent is none other than the Hulk. Their fight is both exhilarating and comedic, featuring a mix of brutal hand-to-hand combat and slapstick moments, like Thor attempting to calm Hulk with a lullaby before being smashed into the ground.

The scene also reveals that Hulk has been in control for years, enjoying his newfound status as a gladiator. His dominance over Thor, at least until the God of Thunder taps into his true power, shows just how formidable Hulk is in a fair fight. This battle remains one of the most entertaining and visually stunning in the MCU.

2

Hulk Smashes Loki

The Avengers

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One of the most memorable and hilarious moments in The Avengers (2012) comes when Loki, full of arrogance, tries to assert dominance over the Hulk. After a heated battle atop Stark Tower, Loki faces the green behemoth and attempts to subdue him with a monologue about his godhood and superiority. However, Hulk interrupts by grabbing Loki and simply smashing him repeatedly into the floor like a ragdoll.

Hulk from TAS and Thor looking ready to fight

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The sheer suddenness and brutality of the moment took audiences by surprise and instantly became one of the film’s standout scenes. Tom Hiddleston’s stunned expression, followed by the now-iconic whimper, “Puny god,” adds to the comedic brilliance. The scene not only cemented Hulk’s immense strength but also provided a satisfying payoff to Loki’s smugness throughout the film. It remains one of the MCU’s most widely referenced and celebrated moments.

1

Hulk Tells Cap His Secret

The Avengers

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One of Hulk’s most defining moments in The Avengers (2012) isn’t a battle but a simple confession. As the team prepares for the final confrontation against Loki’s Chitauri army, Captain America tells Banner that now might be a good time to get angry. Banner responds with a calm yet chilling line: “That’s my secret, Cap. I’m always angry.” Instantly, he transforms into the Hulk and delivers a devastating punch to a massive Chitauri Leviathan, turning the tide of battle.

This moment is significant because it reveals Banner’s growing acceptance of his dual nature. Rather than resisting the Hulk, he has learned to control when and how to unleash him. It also depicts one of the best uses of Hulk’s power, proving that when he fights with purpose, he can be Earth’s most formidable defender. The line itself has become one of the most quoted in MCU history, cementing this as Hulk’s most iconic MCU moment.

The Incredible Hulk official poster

Hulk

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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