The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is renowned for its blend of action and comedy, and few characters exemplify this balance quite like the Hulk. Known for both his immense strength and endearing humor, Hulk manages to deliver laughs across various phases of the MCU. The dynamic between Bruce Banner’s intellect and Hulk’s raw emotional capacity creates a multifaceted character who has developed into a comically engaging hero.
This article highlights moments where Hulk is the primary source of comedy within the MCU. While memorable quotes from other characters like Thor or Tony Stark are iconic, here we focus on Hulk’s own humorous antics—from playful interactions with fellow Avengers to his unexpected comedic timing. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the pauses in action can be just as funny as the punches thrown.
10 Hulk Punches Thor Out Of Frame
The Avengers
A standout comedic moment in The Avengers occurs when Hulk lands a swift and unexpected punch on Thor. Having just combated the Chitauri together, Hulk, still in battle mode, delivers a punch that sends Thor flying off-screen. This unexpected gag is purely silent, punctuated only by the sound of impact and Thor’s shocked reaction, capturing the absurdity of Hulk’s personality perfectly. It serves as an example of his primitive yet sharp sense of humor, quickly becoming one of the most shared and meme-worthy scenes in MCU history.
9 Hulk Gets Permission To Smash
The Avengers
Near the climax of The Avengers, as the situation grows dire during the Battle of New York, Captain America finally gives Hulk the much-awaited command: “Hulk… smash.” This line unleashes a wave of chaotic hilarity as Hulk, with an almost childlike excitement, joyously erupts into rampage. The comedic charm lies not just in the destruction, but in Hulk’s eagerness to please Cap—a humorous insight into Hulk’s character evolution from brute to a more relatable figure when granted permission to unleash his power.
8 Hulk Messes With Thor And Refuses To Help Him
Thor: Ragnarok
In Thor: Ragnarok, Hulk’s character receives a comedic upgrade in his interactions. One particularly funny scene showcases Thor desperately asking Hulk for help in escaping Sakaar. Instead, Hulk enjoys lounging around his lavish quarters, engaging with toys, much to Thor’s frustration. His amusement crescendos when Thor tries to escape and ends up incapacitated due to his restraint collar—Hulk’s laughter offers a glimpse into his childlike demeanor, perfectly demonstrating their odd-couple dynamic.
7 Hulk Takes Selfies With Fans
Avengers: Endgame
When Hulk re-emerges as the charming “Smart Hulk”in Avengers: Endgame, he embodies a blend of Banner’s intellect and Hulk’s strength. A particularly amusing moment occurs when he eagerly takes selfies with a group of kids. In sharp contrast to Scott Lang’s awkward attempts to gain attention, Hulk engages with youthful exuberance, complete with glasses and a sweater, showcasing how far he has transitioned from a rage-fueled monster to a friendly giant. The absurdity of this scenario adds to its humor.
6 Hulk Has A Temper Tantrum With Thor
Thor: Ragnarok
Another hilarious moment from Thor: Ragnarok showcases Hulk and Thor arguing like children in their shared quarters on Sakaar. Their childish banter, filled with petty insults, culminates in a humorous exchange where they throw objects at one another in a lighthearted feud over who’s the stronger superhero. The visual contrast of their sizes enhancing the comedic effect, it humorously reveals Hulk’s vulnerabilities and feelings, often overlooked in his hulking persona.
5 Hulk Takes The Stairs
Avengers: Endgame
During the time heist in Avengers: Endgame, a particularly hilarious moment arises when Hulk finds himself forced to take the stairs due to an overloaded elevator. His frustrated grumbling—”So many stairs!” —as he descends, humorously humanizes him. The sight of the muscle-bound Hulk navigating a mundane problem like a disgruntled commuter delivers slapstick humor that underscores how even the mightiest can be brought down by simple frustrations.
4 Banner Can’t Transform Into The Hulk And Falls On His Face
Thor: Ragnarok
In a moment that plays brilliantly off audience expectations, Bruce Banner attempts a dramatic transformation into Hulk during a critical moment in Thor: Ragnarok. Instead of transitioning into the Hulk, he face-plants onto the Bifrost Bridge, creating a gut-busting scenario. This unexpected failure contrasts dramatically with the hero’s typical triumphant moments and serves as a comedic twist, further demonstrating the film’s ability to mix action with humor.
3 Smart Hulk Pretends To Be Savage Hulk
Avengers: Endgame
Another comedic highlight from Endgame is when Smart Hulk awkwardly pretends to be his old savage self during the time heist. Trying to blend in, he clumsily tosses a motorcycle and half-heartedly smashes a car, revealing his reluctance to revert to his former destructive persona. This juxtaposition between Banner’s evolved character and his earlier, mindless actions provides a hilarious commentary on his character development throughout the MCU.
2 Time Travel!
Avengers: Endgame
As the Avengers test time travel, Hulk’s enthusiastic declaration amidst the chaos becomes a comedic highlight. His triumph at discovering the concept of time travel, while oblivious to its complexities, is genuinely amusing. The contrast between his intellect and his physical prowess creates some comedic gold as he encourages Ant-Man, despite clearly struggling with the finer points of time travel science.
1 Hulk Makes Loki A Puny God
The Avengers
No moment epitomizes Hulk’s comedic prowess more than when he battles Loki in The Avengers. As Loki tries to establish his superiority, Hulk, with no patience for the speech, grabs him and thrashes him against the ground repeatedly. The absurdity of Hulk’s actions, coupled with his dismissive line, “Puny god,” creates an unforgettable scene that not only tickles the audience’s funny bones but also solidifies Hulk’s status as a comedic force amidst his fearsome reputation.