Ranking Every Hulk in the MCU by Their Power Levels
The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has introduced a variety of characters who have undergone gamma radiation transformations, but none are as iconic as Bruce Banner and his alter ego, the Hulk. Since the release of *The Incredible Hulk* in 2008, the franchise has expanded to include several Hulk-like figures, each with varying degrees of power. As the MCU continues to evolve, particularly through its recent projects in the Multiverse Saga, fans are left to ponder which of these characters ranks highest in strength and capability.
This article ranks all known Hulk-like characters in the MCU, from the least powerful to the most formidable, based on their abilities, intelligence, and overall impact within the universe.
The Lower Tier: Emerging Characters
Starting with the least powerful, we have Skaar, who is the son of Bruce Banner. While Skaar is a significant character in Marvel Comics, his portrayal in the MCU has been minimal. He made his first appearance in *She-Hulk: Attorney at Law*, played briefly by Wil Deusner, but did not demonstrate any notable strength. His potential remains largely unexplored, and he has not been confirmed for future appearances in the MCU.
Following closely is Todd Phelps, known as HulkKing. Introduced in *She-Hulk: Attorney at Law*, portrayed by Jon Bass, Phelps is characterized as an entitled villain who, out of jealousy, injects himself with Jennifer Walters’ blood to gain Hulk-like powers. His story quickly unraveled, leading to his arrest, and thus he ranks low on the power scale.
Another character worth noting is Happy Hogan, who briefly transformed into a Hulk-like creature known as the Freak in the animated series *What If…?* This accidental transformation resulted in a less powerful version of a Hulk, making him weaker compared to other characters on this list.
Mid-Tier Powers: Established Rivals
Next, we have Emil Blonsky, who becomes the Abomination in *The Incredible Hulk*. His character is noted for his combination of Bruce Banner’s blood and the super-soldier serum, giving him a unique edge. Despite his power, the Hulk has defeated him on multiple occasions, which places him lower in the ranking.
Another notable entry is Samuel Sterns, who becomes the Leader after exposure to Banner’s blood. His genius-level intellect allows him to manipulate events from behind the scenes, as seen in *Captain America: Brave New World*. While he possesses substantial intelligence, his physical strength is lacking, giving him a moderate ranking.
Adding to the mid-tier is Thaddeus Ross, who finally transforms into the Red Hulk in *Captain America: Brave New World*. Portrayed by Harrison Ford, Ross exhibits not only enhanced strength but also tactical skills in combat. His character brings a nostalgic element to the franchise, reminding fans of the original Hulk’s unbridled fury.
Another character, Jennifer Walters, who becomes She-Hulk, demonstrates remarkable control over her powers. In *She-Hulk: Attorney at Law*, she showcases her ability to break the fourth wall, which adds a unique layer to her character. Her control and intellect give her an edge over many other characters in the MCU.
The Powerhouses: Top Rankings
At the upper tier, we find the original Hulk portrayed by Mark Ruffalo. While he has been portrayed as less formidable in recent films, his past confrontations with characters like Loki and the Chitauri showcased his immense strength. Although he ranks lower now due to narrative shifts focusing on his character’s intellect, he remains a cornerstone of the MCU.
The series *What If…?* introduced an Asgardian version of the Hulk, demonstrating that there are iterations of this character that could surpass the live-action Hulk. This version possesses god-like abilities, although it remains to be seen if such a character will ever make an appearance in the main MCU timeline.
One of the most intriguing entries is the Mega-Hulk, a version that Bruce Banner transforms into after exposing himself to atomic bomb radiation. This version showcases exceptional power, defeating formidable foes and establishing himself as a significant force within the universe.
Finally, the most powerful Hulk variant to emerge is the Infinity Hulk. In the *What If…?* series, Banner absorbs the energy of the Infinity Stones, transforming into a being of unimaginable power. This iteration is not only capable of battling against formidable enemies but also represents a peak evolution of the Hulk character within the MCU.
As the Marvel Cinematic Universe expands, fans continue to engage with these diverse characters and their evolving stories. The rankings of Hulk-like characters serve not only as a reflection of their power but also as a testament to the creative storytelling that has come to define the franchise.
What are your thoughts on the power rankings of Hulk characters? Join the discussion in the comments below.
