Taking on the role of the Hulk, or a variant of the character, demands a unique blend of courage and conviction. While financial constraints often lead to extended periods of dialogue and character development—portrayed by Bruce Banner, Jennifer Walters, or Thaddeus Ross in the latest offering, Captain America: Brave New World—the transformative moment inevitably arrives when gamma energy takes over, unleashing the true Hulk.
11. Avengers: Endgame Hulk
Mark Ruffalo has embodied Bruce Banner and the Hulk for over a decade and is poised to reprise the role in future Marvel films. Nevertheless, each portrayal varies significantly, with Avengers: Endgame landing at the bottom of this ranking. This film presents Hulk at his most enlightened phase, earning him the moniker of Professor Hulk due to his restraint and control, which, while beneficial for his allies, disappointed fans eager for the unchained brutality of his earlier incarnations. The only real showcase of Hulk’s fury occurs when Bruce travels back to the Battle of New York, where he attempts a half-hearted rendition of his former self.
10. Hulk (2003)
While Eric Bana is credited for the lead role in the inaugural theatrical Hulk film, director Ang Lee’s decision to don a motion-capture suit himself was pivotal for creating mesmerizing animation. Lee aimed to convey the character’s emotional depth and rage, steering away from a purely destructive interpretation, leading to a depiction that, while visually compelling, may come off as more melancholic than monstrous.
9. Avengers: Infinity War Hulk
In Avengers: Infinity War, Mark Ruffalo’s Hulk receives minimal screen time, largely due to Thanos dominating the opening sequence. Hulk’s defeat leaves him sidelined, thus limiting his chances to truly unleash his power until much later in the narrative.
8. Thor: Ragnarok Hulk
Ruffalo’s portrayal in Thor: Ragnarok also straddles the line between comedy and action, as his Hulk showcases charisma rather than unbridled rage. Hulk’s moments are entertaining yet restrained, shifting closer to theatrical than feral.
7. She-Hulk Hulk
She-Hulk, featuring Tatiana Maslany as Jennifer Walters, leans into humor, casting Walters as a composed character even in her Hulk form. In her training sessions with Bruce, viewers catch glimpses of her strength, but her overall demeanor remains largely unruffled.
6. The Incredible Hulk (2008)
Edward Norton’s commitment to embodying the Hulk extended beyond mere performance. Reports suggest he invested considerable effort in capturing the character’s essence, leading to a portrayal that reflected emotional struggle and physical discomfort remarkably. Although not universally acclaimed, Norton’s Hulk exudes a distinct rawness that’s hard to overlook.
5. Captain America: Brave New World Red Hulk
Harrison Ford’s recent portrayal as the Red Hulk in Captain America: Brave New World marks an interesting turn. Ford humorously acknowledged the absurdity of donning the motion-capture suit, yet he approached the role with dedication, lending his essence to the character through advanced visual effects.
4. The Incredible Hulk (1977-1982)
Lou Ferrigno’s performance in the Incredible Hulk television series carved out a space that showcased both physicality and an animalistic intensity rarely seen since. Ferrigno’s embodiment of the character struck a chord with audiences, melding humanity and monstrosity into a memorable portrayal.
3. The Avengers Hulk
Mark Ruffalo’s debut as Hulk in The Avengers showcased him perfectly hulking out, culminating in one of the most iconic CGI moments of the character. Despite his controlled rage, the film provides a thrilling display of Hulk’s power and emotional depth during the climactic battle.
2. Avengers: Age of Ultron Hulk
In Avengers: Age of Ultron, a spell from Scarlet Witch unleashes Hulk’s true nature, presenting him as a chaotic force in the Johannesburg fight scene. Ruffalo’s exuberance in this portrayal captures the essence of Hulk’s fury, making it one of the high points of his performances.
1. The Incredible Hulk (2003)
This top position reflects the pinnacle of Hulk acting, where raw emotion and physical performance intertwine seamlessly. The visceral depiction presented in this film culminates in a portrayal that stands as the definitive representation of Hulk’s rage and power, earning its place as the most memorable interpretation to date.
