TheHulkhas smashed his way through Marvel animation history for nearly sixty years, appearing in various animated series either as the main star or as a powerful guest character. From his earliest days in limitedMarvelanimation to his more modern, complex portrayals, the Hulk’s animated journey offers a fascinating look at how the character evolved alongside the superhero genre itself. For both long-term viewers and a newcomer ready to dive into the animated side of Bruce Banner’s story, Hulk has appeared in many iconic animated series.
Beforethe MCU timelineput the Hulk on the big screen, Marvel Animation introduced Bruce Banner’s tragic duality to generations of kids through television. Some series featured the Hulk as the main hero, while others showcased him as part of a larger Marvel universe. Watching these shows in release order highlights how the character’s portrayal adapted to trends, technology, and audience expectations. It’s important to note that Hulk often served as a guest star, though he did also star in severalHulk solo series.
Spider-Man And His Amazing Friends (1981-83)
The Incredible Hulk Animated Series (1996) And The MAU
Wolverine And The X-Men (2009)
Hulk and the Agents of SMASH (2013-15)
Spidey And His Amazing Friends (2021-)
21The Marvel Super Heroes (1966)
Marvel First Animated Series
The Hulk made his animated debut inThe Marvel Super Heroes(1966), a limited-animation anthology series that also featured Captain America, Iron Man, Thor, and Namor. Hulk’s segments were directly adapted from the earliest Marvel Comics, featuring simple motion techniques and voiceover narration. While primitive by today’s standards, this series introduced many to the basics of Bruce Banner’s transformation into the raging Hulk. The Hulk segments primarily pulled stories from the Stan Lee and Jack Kirby era,emphasizing the character’s loneliness, monstrous strength, and conflict with humanity. It’s the first animated glimpse into Hulk’s tortured existence.
20The Incredible Hulk (1982-83)
Hulk’s First Solo Animated Series
The Hulk finally starred in his own solo animated series inThe Incredible Hulk(1982-83). This show leaned heavily into the comic book mythos, featuring classic characters like Rick Jones, Betty Ross, and General “Thunderbolt” Ross. The series emphasized action and adventure but also captured Hulk’s tragic loneliness. Produced by Marvel Productions and overseen by Stan Lee, it aired alongsideSpider-Man and His Amazing Friendsas part of NBC’s Saturday morning lineup. Despite only running for 13 episodes, itremains a nostalgic favoritefor many who grew up during the early ’80s.
19Spider-Man And His Amazing Friends (1981-83)
Season 1, Episode 9 “Spidey Goes To Hollywood”
While primarily a Spider-Man show,Spider-Man and His Amazing Friends(1981-83) deserves mention because of Hulk’smemorable guest appearance. Teaming up with Spider-Man, Iceman, and Firestar, the Hulk appeared in crossover episodes that helped solidify a broader animated Marvel Universe. This series helped familiarize a younger audience with Hulk’s persona outside his own narrative. Those looking for a complete Hulk experience should watch this appearance between the 1982Incredible Hulkseries episodes, as they aired around the same time and share continuity elements.
18The Incredible Hulk Animated Series And The Marvel Animated Universe
Also Including X-Men: The Animated Series, Fantastic Four: TAS, Iron Man: TAS
The 1990s saw the rise of the Marvel Animated Universe, kicked off byX-Men: The Animated SeriesandIron Man: The Animated Series. Hulk’s major spotlight came withThe Incredible Hulk(1996-97), whichdove deep into Banner’s emotional strugglesfacing a swathe ofclassic Hulk foes. This series featured She-Hulk as aregular Hulk ally, layered storytelling, and crossovers with Iron Man and the Fantastic Four. Hulk guest stars in each of the other shows in some form or another, thoughFantastic FourandIron Manare the most notable.
17Fantastic Four: World’s Greatest Heroes (2006-10)
Season 1, Episode 7 “Hard Knocks” And Episode 18 “The Cure”
Hulk didn’t star inFantastic Four: World’s Greatest Heroes(2006-10), but he did make two memorable appearances. This Canadian-produced animated series offered a fresh, anime-influenced take on Marvel’s first family, and Hulk’s role in their world wasdepicted with a healthy mix of comedy and action. Watching this show adds important context to Hulk’s interactions with other Marvel heroes, particularly the Thing, who often serves as botha Hulk rivaland reluctant ally. It’s a lighter series overall, but Hulk’s portrayal stays true to his core characteristics.
16Wolverine And The X-Men (2009)
Season 1, Episode 9 “Wolverine Vs. The Hulk”
Hulk appears briefly inWolverine and the X-Men(2009), another darker, serialized Marvel animated series. Though the series focuses on Wolverine assembling a new X-Men team after a catastrophic event, Hulk makes a powerful cameo thatadapted their iconic clash from the comics. Even though his screen time is limited, audiences will appreciate seeing Hulk in a more mature and intense setting, continuing the trend of portraying him not just as a brute, but as a character with emotional and narrative depth.
15Iron Man: Armored Adventures (2009-12)
Season 1, Episode 23 “Uncontrollable”
InIron Man: Armored Adventures(2009-12), the Hulk shows up in an alternate teenage-focused continuity where Tony Stark is a young genius. Despite the different setting, Hulk’s essential characteristics remain intact – raw power, unstoppable fury, and flashes of deeper humanity. His appearances are rare but memorable, often forcing young Tony to subdue the Hulk while helping Bruce Banner’s search for a cure. Watching Hulk in this series offers a fun “what-if” version of the character,allowing for a different type of interactionwith the Marvel universe while still paying respect to Hulk’s enduring legacy.
Seasons 1 & 2
The Super Hero Squad Show(2009-11) takes amuch more lighthearted, comedic approachto the Marvel Universe, and the Hulk is a major player. Voiced by Travis Willingham, this version of Hulk is portrayed as a lovable oaf – still the strongest there is, but more prone to silly jokes than existential brooding. Designed to appeal to younger audiences, the show still includes plenty of Marvel lore and fun action scenes. Watching this series shows just how versatile Hulk is: whether tragic, terrifying, or hilarious, he remains one of Marvel’s most enduring and beloved animated characters.
13The Avengers: Earth’s Mightiest Heroes (2010-12)
The Avengers: Earth’s Mightiest Heroes(2010-12) is widely praised as one of Marvel’s best animated series, and Hulk plays a major role in its first season. This version of Hulk balances his raw power with a sharp wit andgenuine camaraderie with the Avengers. The show’s early episodes explore Bruce Banner’s isolation and Hulk’s acceptance within the team. Watching this series is crucial to understanding Hulk’s evolution into a team player rather than a solo wanderer.
12Ultimate Spider-Man (2012-17)
Appeared In 10 Episodes
Hulk becomes a recurring guest inUltimate Spider-Man(2012-17), a series that heavily leans into humor, quick pacing, and fourth-wall breaks. Voiced by Fred Tatasciore, Hulk interacts with a teenage Peter Parker and other young heroes, oftenserving as a hilarious but powerful ally. The show presents Hulk as more articulate and less tragic than in previous portrayals, highlighting his friendship with Spider-Man. His episodes often focus on themes of teamwork and trust, giving younger audiences a more approachable and endearing version of the Green Goliath. W
