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TheHulkisMarvel ’s ultimate fad - fuel ball of fire , and while he ’s saved the world many meter , it ’s his fabled rivalries that have left a lasting impingement on both cinema and television . From definitive comic foe brought to life in animation to brawl with fellow heroes inthe MCU timeline , Hulk ’s keen enemies often mull his struggle with control , identity , and gauze-like power . Whether it ’s a tragic mirror of what he could become , a cosmic - level menace , or just another competitor for the “ Strongest Avenger ” claim , these competition highlight the most compelling aspect of Bruce Banner ’s monstrous alter ego .
Hulk ’s strength has made him a natural magnet for dispute across media . While his comic book foe are numerous , only a blue-ribbon few have transition into truly memorable on - filmdom foes . Whether they look in films , liven up shows , or TV special , each of these opponents represent a unique aspect of Hulk ’s mythos – ranging from dark expression of his exponent to long - running rivalries rooted in mutual respect and stubborn pride .
10Gargoyle (Yuri Topolov)
The Incredible Hulk TAS
Appearing inThe Incredible Hulkanimated series , Gargoyle ( Yuri Topolov ) is an underrated baddie with serious potential . A Soviet scientist turned gamma - mutate virtuoso , Gargoyle is one of Hulk ’s early screen foes , mixing cold intellect with the tragic toll of power . Unlike Hulk ’s usual brute force opponent , Gargoyle rely on use and cunning , often trying to trance or cure Hulk rather than outright destroy him .
The Incredible Hulk might not seems like the funniest character in the Marvel Cinematic Universe , but he has delivered some truly hysterical moments .
Gargoyle ’s designing and backstory reflect Cold War anxieties , making him a compelling , politically - charge rival . What really position Gargoyle apart is his blend of empathy and villainy – he does n’t always require to fight Hulk , buthe often has no choice . This layered moral force would translate well to the MCU , especially as Marvel explores more global and skill - establish threats . Additionally , Gargoyle inThe Incredible Hulk TASwas sound by the legendary Mark Hamill who surrender and riotous execution .
9Maestro (Future Hulk)
Hulk And The Agents Of SMASH
The twisted future variant of Bruce Banner known as Maestro gave one of Hulk ’s moody mirror fight inHulk and the Agents of S.M.A.S.H.Set in a dystopian timeline , Maestro is what happens when theHulk ’s strength is left unchecked , and Banner ’s ethics is entirely desolate . With news and superpower far beyond the present - day Hulk , Maestro rules with an atomic number 26 clenched fist and sees himself as a godlike figure .
This version of Hulk is chill just because heisHulk – just broken , corrupted , and severe . Their showdown inAgents of S.M.A.S.H.was both thrilling and troubling , showing Hulk ’s fear ofbecoming the monster he ’s always tried not to be . As Marvel list more into multiverse and time change of location construct , Maestro remains a top candidate for a future live - action adaptation . He ’s not just a challenger – he ’s Hulk ’s uncollectible nightmare in physical manikin .
8Thor Odinson
The Avengers, Thor: Ragnarok, Hulk Vs.
Few competition are as entertaining and enduring as Hulk vs. Thor . Whether in the brutal battles ofHulk Vs.or their jape - out - loud brush in the MCU ( Thor : Ragnarokespecially ) , these two titans areconstantly competing to be the “ Strongest Avenger . ”Their moral force is a blending of mutual respect and constant one - upmanship . Thor , with his godly military posture and warrior pride , often run into Hulk in conflict that shake intact land .
The Hulk has been unfairly sidelined in the Marvel Cinematic Universe , but there are some path the franchise could regenerate this in the futurity .
What ’s fun about their rivalry is how it swings between intense brawls and comedic tautness – Thor try out to reason or boast , Hulk just smashes . It ’s a bromance wrapped in thunder and gamma radiation . Every time they fight , it ’s a spectacle , and itnever grows tiresome . As the MCU keep , this rivalry could easily acquire further , especially with Smart Hulk and a more humbled Thor in the mixture .
7Wolverine
Deadpool & Wolverine, Hulk Vs
Wolverine and Hulk ’s contention is one of Marvel ’s most iconic equal - ups , as teased briefly inDeadpool & Wolverine . The roots to this omnipotent showdown go right smart back to Wolverine ’s first comic appearance , but it ’s the animated filmHulk Vs.that gave one of the most furious interpretations . Unlike Hulk ’s other opponents , Wolverine does n’t back down , no matter how gravely he gets thrown across the woods .
Wolverine ’s healing factor and savage mental attitude make him a worthy antagonist who ’s not afraid to get in Hulk ’s face – even if it means losing . The two represent opposite end of the rage spectrum : Hulk ’s is explosive and monolithic , Wolverine ’s is focussed and lethal . Their battles are intense , personal , and unforgettable . With Hugh Jackman ’s counter and Hulk still a fundamental Marvel Cinematic Universe player , many are ring for a proper unrecorded - action adaption .
6The Thing (Ben Grimm)
Fantastic Four: The Animated Series, Avengers Assemble
A competition stomach in the comics , Hulk and Ben Grimm ’s feud has blow up across multiple recreate series , withFantastic Four : The Animated SeriesandAvengers Assembleoffering some memorable encounter . What make this mate so playfulness is that it ’s not about good vs. evil – it ’s about pride , specialty , and raw power . Both fictitious character stand for different sides of the " strongman " original : Hulk ’s frantic rage against Thing ’s down - dog collar resilience .
Hulk has starred in some truly unbelievable movies in both live - activeness and animation , but not all were create every bit , with some distinct highlight .
Hulk and the Thing often fight just to see who ’s stronger , and their conflict are always seismic . Though affair commonly gets the brusque end of the stick , he keeps coming back for more , pull in Hulk ’s respect ( and occasionally his friendship ) . It ’s a fan - favorite showdown because ofhow personal and primal it feels . Even when they ’re on the same side , there ’s always tautness – and that keeps things entertaining .
5Loki, God Of Mischief
The Avengers
Hulk ’s most meme - desirable rivalry came to lifetime inThe Avengers(2012 ) , when Loki arrogantly faced off against the Green Goliath – andpromptly got smashed into the floorlike a ragdoll . Since then , Loki and Hulk have go on to cross paths in the MCU , most notably inThor : Ragnarok , where they concisely reunite under odd ( and uproarious ) circumstances .
Their dynamic whole kit because Loki ’s sly use is the accurate opposite of Hulk ’s straightforward shattering . Every metre they meet , there ’s a motley of fear , mood , and pure chaos . Loki ’s high - and - mighty posture is perfect fuel for Hulk ’s rage , and it’salways nurse to take in the god of mischief squirmand cower at the flock of Hulk . While their conflict is less personal than others on this tilt , it ’s undeniably entertaining – proving that sometimes , a great rival just needs to be incredibly plaguey .
4The Leader (Samuel Sterns)
The Incredible Hulk Animated Series
InThe Incredible Hulkanimated series , The Leader serve as Hulk ’s main antagonist , get one of the comics ’ sassy Vasco da Gamma baddie to life . Unlike Hulk ’s usual strong-arm foeman , The Leader represent a intellectual scourge , relying on his enhance intellect to outmaneuver and manipulate . Their competition is classical brains versus brawn – with Leaderalways trying to prove that intelligence is higher-ranking to raw king . The animated show dive deep into this moral force , reach their fight about more than just fists .
The Hulk has change a lot since his MCU debut in 2008 , so much so that rewatching his developing in 2025 feels very unlike than in Phase 1 .
Leader ’s smug mental attitude and constant endeavor to moderate or put down Hulk drive much of the series ’ dramatic play . What makes him such a compelling rival is how dissimilar he is from Hulk in every means . The Leader finally made a fully - formed alive - action appearance in the MCU’sCaptain America : Brave New World , but hesadly did n’t face Hulk himself .
Custom image by Yailin Chacon
3Abomination (Emil Blonsky)
The Incredible Hulk (2008)
Abomination is often interpret as Hulk ’s dark option , and bothThe Incredible Hulkanimated series and the 2008 MCU cinema showcase why . As Emil Blonsky , he was once human , like Bruce Banner , but his transformation into Abominationcreated a monstrous rival who match Hulkin size , strength , and fury . Unlike Hulk , however , Abomination lacks humankind – he ’s driven by ego , vengeance , and cruelty .
Their fight are barbarous , gamey - stakes affairs , usually ending in monolithic death . In the MCU , Blonsky ’s transformation was about obsession – want to be the ultimate soldier and surpass Hulk . This makes their clashesfeel personal and terrifying . The animated translation add more layer , portray Abomination as a fall back curse who never quite let go . As a competitor , he ’s not just another teras – he ’s what Hulk could become if he lost everything , including his heart .
2Bruce Banner (Himself)
The Incredible Hulk (2008), The Incredible Hulk TAS
The most personal and dour of Hulk ’s rivalry is with Bruce Banner himself . In nearly every version of the Hulk story – whether live - action or animated – there’sa battle between valet de chambre and monster . Banner wants a cure . Hulk want freedom . This internal conflict gives the Hulk mythos its astuteness . picture likeAvengers : Earth ’s Mightiest Heroesand films likeAvengers : Endgameexplore this moral force in dissimilar ways – sometimes Banner suppresses Hulk , sometimes Hulk take ascendance .
The Hulk has engaged in some of the most declamatory and fierce fight in Marvel movie history , ostentate his unrelenting lastingness in some brutish bout .
irrespective , there ’s always tautness . Hulk often reckon “ puny ” Banner as a weakling who holds him back , while Banner fear Hulk ’s uncontrollable power . It ’s a rivalry of identity element , and it play out in psychology , dreams , shift , and even literal split personality in some stories . This ongoing internal conflict arrive at Hulk not just a powerhouse – buta tragic bod , always at war with himself .
1Thunderbolt Ross / Red Hulk
The Incredible Hulk, Avengers: Earth’s Mightiest Heroes
Few fibre prosecute the Hulk with more obsession than General Thaddeus " Thunderbolt " Ross . FromThe Incredible Hulk(2008 ) to animate series likeAvengers : Earth ’s Mightiest Heroes , Ross is the inexorable military forcehell - bent on conquer or destroying the Hulk – regardless of the price . What makes the rivalry so acute is its emotional complexness : Ross ’s daughter Betty loves Bruce , produce a caustic triangle between love , power , and rage .
Ross ’s eventual transmutation into the Red Hulk ( as seen inAvengers : Earth ’s Mightiest Heroes ) only fuel the fire , giving Hulk a competitor who ’s not just strategical and furious – but as powerful . The Red Hulk part lets Ross finally contact Hulk on his story , turning their ideological warfare into physical havoc . Their dispute is n’t just about strength – it ’s about control , superbia , and the effect of playing god with gamma vigor . FewHulkrivals feel as personal – or as explosive .
Upcoming MCU Movies
