The Incredible Hulk movies in order The Incredible Hulk Marathon
Page Last Modified:
28 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
Get ready for a movie night packed with green muscles, tragic science, and iconic rampages. The Hulk movie marathon is a nostalgic journey through the Marvel 1970s TV universe, where Bill Bixby and Lou Ferrigno bring the ultimate on-the-run hero to life. If you're into retro practical effects or you're curious about the battles between the Hulk, Thor, and Daredevil, this marathon is a must-see for any Marvel fan. Just a heads-up: this version of Hulk is more about emotional depth than big, flashy special effects. And trust me, that growl is unforgettable. So, turn down the lights, get your snacks ready, and get ready for a wild binge with a little tragedy thrown in.
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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 -
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The Return of the Incredible Hulk Movie 95 min. 1977Continuing his solitary flight, David Banner arrives in a small town where he saves the life of a young heiress, the target of a deadly conspiracy orchestrated by her stepmother and a corrupt physician. While working undercover to protect the girl and dismantle the plot, Banner must struggle to contain the beast within, especially when the arrival of reporter Jack McGee threatens to expose his secret to the world.USER SCORE 6 -
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Bride of the Incredible Hulk Movie 95 min. 1980In one of the saga's most emotional stories, David Banner travels to Hawaii to find Dr. Caroline Fields, a psychiatrist who has developed a hypnotherapy technique that could cure him. Discovering they share the burden of an incurable condition—Caroline suffers from a terminal illness—the two fall in love and marry, offering Banner a glimpse of happiness. However, tragedy looms when Jack McGee's relentless pursuit and a devastating hurricane threaten their brief moment of peace.USER SCORE 7 -
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The Incredible Hulk Returns Movie 94 min. 1988Years after the end of the original series, David Banner continues his wandering search for a cure for the condition that turns him into the Hulk. He reunites with former colleague Don Blake, unaware of his mystical connection to Thor. When a criminal organization threatens their lives, Banner is forced to unleash the Hulk once again, marking the character’s return after the series finale.USER SCORE 6 -
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The Trial of the Incredible Hulk Movie 95 min. 1989Falsely accused of assault, Dr. David Banner is arrested and placed on trial, facing the possibility of a long prison sentence. Blind attorney Matt Murdock takes on his defence, while secretly operating as the vigilante Daredevil. As the courtroom battle unfolds, Banner’s struggle to control the Hulk leads to a dangerous confrontation with criminal mastermind Wilson Fisk.USER SCORE 6 -
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The Death of the Incredible Hulk Movie 95 min. 1990In his final attempt to free himself from the curse of the Hulk, Dr. David Banner becomes involved in a dangerous international espionage mission that may finally lead to a cure. As forces close in and the stakes rise, Banner faces an ultimate sacrifice, bringing his tragic journey to a definitive and emotional conclusion.USER SCORE 6
Before Marvel's big-time universe took the world by storm, there was the CBS Marvel Universe. It may have been less dramatic, but it was equally legendary. The Incredible Hulk TV movies aren't just your typical superhero stuff; they're part of a continuous storyline with a clear character arc for Dr. David Banner. Bill Bixby plays the scientist who gets turned into a green powerhouse after a gamma radiation experiment, with Lou Ferrigno as the famous Hulk. The mix of emotional storytelling, retro practical effects, and unexpected Marvel crossovers (hello, Daredevil and Thor!) makes this marathon one-of-a-kind. Plus, it's fun to take a trip down memory lane to the era of TV movies, synth music, and serious voice-overs about inner struggles.
The Incredible Hulk (1977)
We'll start with The Incredible Hulk, the pilot film that started it all. In this story, we meet Dr. David Banner, a super smart scientist who's totally obsessed with the mystery of human strength after something really sad happens to him. His experiment with gamma radiation? It wasn't 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 can be read on its own, but the tone stays the same. Banner uses his knowledge and Hulk alter ego to right wrongs, often reluctantly. The Hulk rampage scenes are a bit 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 looks into Banner's wish for a normal life, including love. You can practically feel the romance, and the tragic edge really stands out. Love and Hulk don't usually go well together, and this episode is no exception. There aren't any major Marvel crossovers here, but there's 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. Then, Thor, played by Eric Allan Kramer, comes on the scene. This is the first time Marvel has done a major crossover in live-action TV. The Hulk vs. Thor fight? It's just pure fanservice. In the MCU, Thor is usually portrayed as this arrogant, drinking warrior. He's a lot different from the way he's usually depicted, but he's also 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 some surprisingly humorous moments. And let's be real—who wasn't glued to the screen during that showdown between the divine hammer and green power?
The Trial of the Incredible Hulk (1989)
If you thought Thor was awesome, just wait until you see Matt Murdock as Daredevil in The Trial of the Incredible Hulk. Rex Smith does a great job playing the blind lawyer/vigilante, and his work with Banner is definitely a highlight of the marathon. Bonus points: John Rhys-Davies (yep, Gimli from Lord of the Rings) is Kingpin, the big boss of a huge crime ring. This film feels darker, more noir, and takes the series to a whole new level in terms of tone. The "trial" in the title is partly metaphorical, as what's truly at stake is Banner's trust in himself and others. And yeah, that Hulk transformation scene in the courtroom is a total legend.
The Death of the Incredible Hulk (1990)
And now, we're reaching the end. The Death of the Incredible Hulk is exactly what it sounds like, and yet it hits harder than expected. David Banner is tired, broken, but still hopeful for a cure. This film is slower and more emotional, which fits the conclusion of his journey. The whole scientist-turned-monster thing gets a bit of a sad ending here, and Bill Bixby's performance is really moving. The special effects are true to the series, but it's the human side of Hulk that's the main focus. Elizabeth Gracen (Jasmine, for Highlander fans) brings a lot of warmth to the story. This is the end of a unique Marvel saga. It's not a cheesy ending; it's a sad "final fall" for a hero who never 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). Make sure there's time for discussion between films. There's plenty to talk about, like the ethics of gamma experiments, the role of media (Jack McGee, we're looking at you), and how these TV movies paved the way for the modern MCU. And if you really want to go all out, you could create a Hulk-themed snack table. Hey, have you tried green jelly?
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. It's not just explosions, it's about a guy figuring out his own strength and his place in the world. The Incredible Hulk timeline is a rare example of a continuous character arc in the era of TV movies, and it's a great example of slow but impactful character-driven storytelling. From the classic Hulk growl to the emotional storytelling, this marathon is more than just a throwback, it's a proper homage.
So, if you've ever thought, "What was there before the MCU?" you've got your answer right here. Start that marathon and give David Banner the credit he's due.