The Incredible Hulk movies in order The Incredible Hulk Marathon
Page Last Modified:
9 December 2025
Most Recent Release:
The Death of the Incredible Hulk - 1990
Total Runtime:
569 Minutes
Total Items:
6
Average User Score:
(6.2)The Incredible Hulk movies in order
Are you ready for a movie night packed with green muscles, tragic science, and iconic rampages? The Hulk movie marathon offers a nostalgic journey through the Marvel 1970s TV universe, where Bill Bixby and Lou Ferrigno bring the ultimate on-the-run hero to life. Whether you're a fan of retro practical effects or curious about Hulk's battles with Thor and Daredevil, this marathon is a must for any Marvel enthusiast. Be warned: this version of Hulk is less about CGI spectacle and more about emotional depth. And yes, that growl will stay with you. So dim the lights, grab your snacks, and prepare for a gamma-driven binge with a touch of tragedy.
-
1
The Incredible Hulk Movie 95 min. 1977An accidental overdose of gamma radiation causes a mutation in scientist David Banner's DNA: now whenever he becomes angry, he metamorphoses into a seven-foot-tall, 330-pound, mindless muscular green creature.USER SCORE 6 -
2
The Return of the Incredible Hulk Movie 95 min. 1977On the run and presumed dead by the authorities, David Banner, using the name 'Benton', continues in his efforts to find a cure. He accidentally finds himself in the middle of a plot to kill a young, crippled girl so her unscrupulous relatives can inherit the family fortune.USER SCORE 6 -
3
Bride of the Incredible Hulk Movie 95 min. 1980David and Carolyn marry in Hawaii and continue to work to find a cure for both their afflictions in a race against time.USER SCORE 7 -
4
The Incredible Hulk Returns Movie 94 min. 1988Dr. David Banner meets a former student, who has a magical hammer that summons Thor, a Norse god who is prevented from entering Valhalla.USER SCORE 6 -
5
The Trial of the Incredible Hulk Movie 95 min. 1989On the run again, Dr. David Banner is jailed for assault after interrupting a mugging. Blind attorney Matt Murdock enlists Banner's help in locating the muggers because he believes they work for his longtime foe, Fisk, the head of an international crime network.USER SCORE 6 -
6
The Death of the Incredible Hulk Movie 95 min. 1990During the critical experiment that would rid David Banner of the Hulk,a spy sabotages the laboratory. Banner falls in love with the spy, Jasmin, who performs missions only because her sister is being held hostage by Jasmin's superiors. Banner and Jasmin try to escape from the enemy agents to rebuild their lives together, but the Hulk is never far from them.USER SCORE 6
Why This Marathon Needs to Be on Your Watchlist
Before the Marvel Cinematic Universe captivated millions, there was the CBS Marvel Universe. It may have been less bombastic, but it was equally legendary. The Incredible Hulk TV films are not just vintage superhero fare; they form a continuous storyline with a clear character arc for Dr. David Banner. Bill Bixby portrays the tragic scientist who transforms into a green powerhouse after a gamma radiation experiment, with Lou Ferrigno as the iconic Hulk. The blend of emotional storytelling, retro practical effects, and unexpected Marvel crossovers (hello Daredevil and Thor!) makes this marathon unique. Plus, it's delightful to revisit the era of TV movies, synth music, and serious voice-overs about inner struggles.
The Incredible Hulk (1977)
We begin with The Incredible Hulk, the pilot film that started it all. Here, we meet Dr. David Banner, a brilliant scientist obsessed with the mystery of human strength after a personal tragedy. His experiment with gamma radiation? Not a success. The Hulk is born a "green gamma monster" that emerges when Banner gets angry. This film sets the tone: tragic, serious, with a monstrous edge. The first Hulk transformation scene is unforgettable, marking the start of the classic "Banner on-the-run" format, as he evades journalist Jack McGee (Jack Colvin), determined to uncover the truth.
The Return of the Incredible Hulk (1977)
Also known as Death in the Family, this second TV film builds on the fugitive formula, with Banner aiding a young woman in distress (Susan Sullivan as Dr. Carolyn Fields) and confronting corruption and abuse of power classic themes in the series. The story stands alone, but the tone remains consistent: Banner uses his knowledge and Hulk alter ego to right wrongs, often reluctantly. The Hulk rampage scenes are slightly rougher, and the practical effects continue to impress with their simplicity.
Bride of the Incredible Hulk (1978)
This episode, technically a two-parter from the original series, is often presented as a TV film due to its length and impact. Bride of the Incredible Hulk delves deeper into Banner's desire for a normal life, including love. The romance is palpable, and the tragic edge sharpens. Love and Hulk rarely mix well, and this episode proves that once again. No major Marvel crossovers here, but plenty of character development and a more intense look at what it means to be the Hulk. Emotional storytelling at its finest.
The Incredible Hulk Returns (1988)
After nearly a decade, Banner returns in The Incredible Hulk Returns and he's not alone. Enter Thor, played by Eric Allan Kramer. This is the first major Marvel crossover in live-action television. The Hulk vs. Thor fight? Pure fanservice. Thor is portrayed as an arrogant, drinking warrior a different vibe from the MCU, but delightfully over the top. This film is more lighthearted, leaning into the "superhero team-up" concept. The interaction between Banner and Donald Blake (the man behind Thor) provides surprisingly humorous moments. And let's be honest: who wasn't watching for that epic showdown between divine hammer and green power?
The Trial of the Incredible Hulk (1989)
If you thought Thor was cool, wait until you see Matt Murdock as Daredevil in The Trial of the Incredible Hulk. Rex Smith delivers a strong portrayal of the blind lawyer/vigilante, and his collaboration with Banner is a highlight of this marathon. Bonus points: John Rhys-Davies (yes, Gimli from Lord of the Rings) as Kingpin, leader of a large-scale crime syndicate. This film feels darker, more noir, elevating the series to a different level in tone. The "trial" in the title is partly metaphorical, as what's truly at stake is Banner's trust in himself and others. And yes, the Hulk transformation scene in the courtroom is legendary.
The Death of the Incredible Hulk (1990)
And now we reach the end. The Death of the Incredible Hulk is exactly what it sounds like and yet it hits harder than expected. David Banner is weary, broken, but still hopeful for a cure. This film is slower, more emotional, fitting the conclusion of his journey. The scientist-turned-monster trope reaches its tragic climax here, with Bill Bixby's performance genuinely moving. The practical effects remain faithful to the series, but it's the human side of Hulk that takes center stage. Elizabeth Gracen (Jasmine, for Highlander fans) adds warmth to the story. This is the culmination of a unique Marvel saga not a bombastic ending, but an honest, melancholic "final fall" for a hero who never truly wanted to fight.
How to Best Experience This Marathon
Plan a weekend, invite friends who love retro vibes, and fire up all the streaming apps where you can find these Incredible Hulk TV movies. You might even wear a green hoodie for ambiance (no judgment here). Leave room between films for discussion there are plenty of moments to talk about the ethics of gamma experiments, the role of media (looking at you, Jack McGee), and how these TV movies were the precursor to the modern MCU. And if you want to go all out: create a Hulk-themed snack table. Green jelly, anyone?
Why This Hulk Will Stay with You
In a world full of CGI and multiverses, there's something refreshing about the simplicity of the classic Hulk. No endless explosions, just a man grappling with himself, his strength, and his place in the world. The Incredible Hulk timeline offers a rare continuous character arc in the era of TV movies and is a tribute to slow but impactful character-driven storytelling. From the iconic Hulk growl to the emotional storytelling, this marathon is not just a throwback, it's a homage.
So, if you've ever wondered, "what was there before the MCU?", this is your answer. Start that marathon and give David Banner the recognition he deserves.