10 memorable Hulk and Bruce Banner moments we’ll watch over and over

Mark Ruffalo has given us not one but two iconic Marvel characters — scientific genius Bruce Banner and big ol’ Hulk. These are each of their best moments on screen.

Since diving into his acting career in the early ’90s, Mark Ruffalo has held roles in a number of iconic films, from Now You See Me to Shutter Island to Zodiac. But his most well-known — and probably best-loved — role is from the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Ruffalo’s portrayal of Bruce Banner, the man behind the Hulk, is the best Marvel fans have seen yet, despite the fact that he was the second person cast to play the big green guy in the current Marvel canon. Ruffalo manages to bring out the awkward and quirky personality of Bruce Banner, while his Hulk captures the angry yet increasingly distinct persona of the big guy.

Below, we recap the best Hulk and Bruce Banner moments since he joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe… starting with our favorite big guy.

The Avengers: Hulk calls Loki a “puny god”

In the first Avengers film, the Hulk plays an important role in the battle against Loki. Most of the other Avengers have trouble holding their own against the god of mischief, but the Hulk can take him. In fact, he goes so far as to call Loki a “puny god,” right before pummeling him.

This moment is one that Marvel fans aren’t likely to forget any time soon. And judging by his reaction to seeing the Hulk during Thor: Ragnarok, Loki won’t be forgetting it either.

The Avengers: When Hulk saves Tony’s life

Despite Banner’s difficulty controlling the Hulk, the “other guy” does have some redeeming moments throughout the Marvel franchise. One of these takes place at the end of The Avengers, when the Hulk comes to the rescue during the battle against Thanos’ forces in New York.

Not only does the Hulk come through for the entire team, but he ends up saving Tony Stark’s life when the fight is over. Stark takes a dive after plunging a nuke into Thanos’ hole in space, and the Hulk is the one to catch him before he hits the ground. When it looks like Stark might not regain consciousness, the Hulk is not a happy camper.

Scenes like this highlight the fact that the Hulk is more than just an out-of-control monster. He’s capable of higher cognitive functioning and even emotional connection, though it’s hard to tell whether that comes from Banner or the Hulk himself.

Avengers: Age of Ultron: Hulk fights the Hulkbuster

Although some of the best Hulk scenes showcase the fact that the green guy isn’t just a monster, Marvel fans do enjoy seeing the Hulk lose control. This happens during Avengers: Age of Ultron, and it makes for a pretty awesome fight scene between the Hulk and Iron Man — made even more epic when Stark breaks out the Hulkbuster suit, specifically designed to fight the Hulk.

Though the Hulk has quite a few battle scenes against his own friends, this one stands out because he’s not as overpowered against the Hulkbuster. During their fight, Stark and Banner also manage to destroy an entire city, so there’s also that.

Thor: Ragnarok: Hulk battles Thor on Sakaar

When Thor is forced into Sakaar’s fighting pits during Thor: Ragnarok, the last person he expects to meet is the Hulk. When his old friend emerges, he’s thrilled to see him, telling the audience that the Hulk is “a friend from work.”

Unfortunately for Thor, the green guy doesn’t share his enthusiasm. He’s ready to battle the god, and he doesn’t hold back. And though Marvel fans will probably feel a bit bad for Thor, it’s nice to see the Hulk in action — even if we’d rather he fought someone a little less likable.

Thor: Ragnarok: When Hulk and Thor argue and then make up…sort of

Another great moment from Thor: Ragnarok occurs after the Hulk and Thor battle one another in the fighting pits. The two are stuck in a room together, and they begin arguing over anything and everything. The Hulk mocks Thor for “whining,” and Thor tells the Hulk that everyone on Earth actually does hate him. It sounds brutal, but the scene is mostly just comical.

While they’re fighting, the two act like toddlers throwing a tantrum. And they quickly wind up apologizing to one another, though the Hulk makes a point to tell Thor that he’s like a “raging fire,” while Thor is like a “smoldering fire.” After all, their rivalry can’t completely go away — where would the fun in that be?

The Avengers: Bruce explains his secret: “I’m always angry.”

Ironically, Banner is typically the least hotheaded of the original Avengers. Tony and Steve are quick to butt heads with one another, and Thor has no problem jumping into the fray. But Banner tends to keep his opinions to himself, or at least attempts to convey them diplomatically.

That’s part of the reason his “I’m always angry” line at the end of The Avengers is so epic. It’s fascinating to hear seemingly harmless Banner reveal that he’s constantly angry, especially right before he transforms into the Hulk and begins taking out Thanos’ army.

Who knew Banner could be such a badass?

Avengers: Age of Ultron: Tony creates Vision with help from Bruce

With Tony Stark constantly brandishing his knowledge of science and technology, it’s easy to forget that Banner is the smartest Avenger on the team. But this becomes clear in Avengers: Age of Ultron, when Stark asks Banner to help him implant Jarvis’ consciousness into Vision instead of destroying the Vision’s body.

“You know bioorganics better than anyone,” Stark tells Banner. And though Banner shows reluctance, it’s clear that the scientist in him is more curious than hesitant. This scene, more than any other, highlights Banner’s true personality, so it’s definitely worth a rewatch.

Thor: Ragnarok: Bruce transforms back into himself on Sakaar

Thor: Ragnarok is full of funny moments for both the Hulk and Banner. When it comes to Banner, most of his time is spent bickering with Thor, which only makes Marvel fans appreciate their bromance even more.

When Banner first turns back into himself, he’s naturally freaked out to learn that he spent years trapped on an alien planet, unable to return from becoming the Hulk. Thor attempts to calm him down, which doesn’t exactly work — especially after his poor attempts to convince Banner that he likes him better than the Hulk.

Thor asks Banner to help him fight his sister, which Banner declares “is just wrong” and “a family issue.” And if that doesn’t add enough humor to the scene, Banner winds up posing as Stark to sneak off of Sakaar. Much to Thor’s cagrin, he keeps pulling on the crotch area of the pants and complaining that “Tony wears his pants too tight.”

Avengers: Infinity War: Bruce reunites with Tony Stark

Given his time stuck on Sakaar, Banner misses out on the conflicts of Captain America: Civil War. When he finally does return to the fray during Avengers: Infinity War, he’s shocked to learn that the Avengers “broke up.” “What, like a band? Like The Beatles?” he asks Stark.

Unfortunately, Banner’s reunion with Stark is cut short when Thanos’ minions begin attacking New York. But fans get some more comical one-liners from Banner as he tries to transform into the Hulk and fails. He might have embarrassed Stark in front of the “wizards,” but he sure entertained Marvel fans everywhere else.

Avengers: Infinity War: Bruce uses the Hulkbuster suit

Since the Hulk refuses to help Banner during Avengers: Infinity War, the team allows him to use the Hulkbuster suit for the battle in Wakanda. Banner is adorably excited to be in the suit, exclaiming that “it’s like being the Hulk but not actually.”

His enthusiasm is brought to a halt when he trips over a rock in the suit, but then, that’s so typical of Banner that it’s impossible not to find it endearing. And toward the end of the battle, Banner also decides that he can handle things himself — that he doesn’t need the Hulk’s assistance when it comes to fighting the bad guys. That in itself is a powerful moment for him, and we’re here for it.

What’s your favorite Hulk or Bruce Banner scene to rewatch? Let us know in the comments!