TheHulkhas always been one of the most physically powerful heroes in theMCU, 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 inThe 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 throughoutthe 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.
9Smart Hulk Teaches She-Hulk How To Use Her Powers
InShe-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 alsosubtly highlight Hulk’s deep understanding of gamma-based powersand how far he’s come since his early days.
Hulkexplains 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 pass on his knowledge is a massively 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.
8Hulk Fights Thanos
While many focus on Hulk’s defeat during hisone-on-one brawl with ThanosinAvengers: 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 Titan –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’ssheer 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.
7Hulk Smashes Ultron Robots
During the chaotic final battle ofAvengers: Age of Ultron, Hulk tears through waves of Ultron’s sentries with ease. Much of the spotlight in this scene goes to the teamworking together to protect the core. Yet Hulk’s role in the destruction of Ultron’s forces is essential.
From hurling robots through walls toripping 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 naturebut 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.
6Hulk Fights the Army In Brazil
InThe 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 agrounded but ferocious display of Hulk’s power.
He uses shadows, speed, andraw brute strengthto 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 showshow 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.
5Hulk Holds Up The Avengers Compound
InAvengers: 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, whoholds up an entire section of the wreckage. In amoment fromAvengerscomics, 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 stilluses every ounce of his strengthto 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.
3Hulk Rampages Up Black Widow To Sokovia
InAvengers: Age of Ultron, one of the most overlooked but endlesslyrewatchable Hulk momentscomes during the lead-up to the final battle in Sokovia. As the city begins lifting into the sky, Black Widow finds Bruce Bannertrying 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 justhow versatile his powers are. It’s classic Hulk: brute force with determined momentum.
2Hulk Shields Betty Ross From Gunfire
InThe Incredible Hulk, when Betty Ross is caught in the crossfire of the military assault 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 thatcombines 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 wasfar more to Hulk’s personality than seen thus far.
1Hulk Punches Surtur
InThor: 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, Hulkresponds instinctively with his fists. This moment is both hilarious and impressive.
Surtur is the size of a mountain, and Hulk stilllaunches 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 completeconfidence in his own power, realistic or not. The scene might be played for laughs, but it also capturesHulk’s raw spirit. He’s always ready to throw down, even against gods and monsters.
