The Hulk is one of the strongest characters in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but even the Jade Giant can be outmatched by a select few characters. The Hulk is a raging powerhouse capable of toppling armies and punching through gods. Yet even he has limits.
The MCU timeline is filled with beings whose power surpasses brute strength alone. From cosmic titans to sorcerers who bend reality, these opponents could give Hulk more than he could handle. Ranked from the least to most likely victor, several mighty heroes and villains stand a chance of defeating the Incredible Hulk.
Thor
Thor stands ready for battle in an arena in Thor: Ragnarok Ragnarok Arena Swords
Thor and Hulk have traded blows multiple times in the MCU. Most notably, they battled in the arena in Thor: Ragnarok. While Hulk’s raw strength briefly gave him the upper hand, Thor’s skill and lightning-infused power turned the tide.
As Thor approached his victory, he was electrocuted mid-battle. This allowed the Green Goliath to claim the win. However, without this intervention, the pair are pretty evenly matched, with Thor sometimes capable of bringing Hulk down.
Vision
Vision in the woods in Avengers Age of Ultron
Vision combines intelligence, strategy, and density manipulation. This is a dangerous mix for any brawler. By phasing through Hulk’s attacks and striking vital points, Vision could neutralize Hulk without ever taking a hit.
Vision’s vibranium body can endure Hulk’s might. While the Mind Stone grants him devastating energy blasts. Though Vision lacks Hulk’s savagery, his precision and ability to alter his form mid-combat give him a serious edge in both offense and defense. That said, if Hulk does get hold of him, he could tear him apart like the other Ultron clones.
Scarlet Witch
Elizabeth Olsen’s Wanda Maximoff wears her Scarlet Witch costume and headpiece while walking through a Westview street
Wanda Maximoff’s mastery of chaos magic makes her one of the deadliest beings alive. She could dismantle Hulk’s mind before he even throws a punch, controlling or crippling him from within. Her telekinetic force fields could easily restrain him, while her reality-warping powers ensure he stays down.
Even at his angriest, Hulk’s strength means little when faced with someone who can rewrite the laws of existence at will. Scarlet Witch could easily defeat Hulk. However, much like some others ranking lower on this list, Hulk would only need to land a single blow to regain dominance.
Doctor Strange
MCU’s Doctor Strange wielding magic
Doctor Strange wouldn’t face Hulk head-on, which he wouldn’t survive. He’d outt-hink him. Using portals, mirror dimensions, and time loops, Strange could trap Hulk indefinitely without ever landing a physical blow.
Magic is Hulk’s biggest weakness. Strange’s mastery of it allows infinite creative counters. Even if Hulk smashed through spells, Strange could simply rewind time or send him spiraling into another dimension, ending the fight on his own terms.
Iron Man’s Hulkbuster
Iron Man in Hulkbuster armor in 2015 Avengers: Age of Ultron
Tony Stark built the Hulkbuster specifically to counter Hulk’s rampages. In Avengers: Age of Ultron, it certainly proved effective. Iron Man matched Hulk’s strength with adaptable tech and brute force.
While Hulk eventually breaks most restraints, the Hulkbuster’s modular design lets it replace parts mid-fight. It combines measures suggested by Bruce Banner himself, Stark’s AI targeting and a flight advantage. Even Hulk’s raw power could be neutralized – at least temporarily.
Captain Marvel
Captain Marvel glowing and looking serious in The Marvels
Carol Danvers is one of the MCU’s most powerful heroes. She channels cosmic energy to move faster than light and absorb devastating attacks. Her durability rivals Hulk’s, but her mobility gives her the upper hand.
Hulk’s power thrives in close quarters. Yet Captain Marvel’s energy blasts and aerial dominance keep him grounded. In a drawn-out fight, she could drain his strength while staying out of reach, eventually overpowering him with photon-charged strikes.
Sentry
Sentry holds up a hand and stops bullets mid-air in Thunderbolts
Introduced in Thunderbolts* Sentry is described as having “the power of a million exploding suns.” His strength matches Hulk’s, but his control and speed surpass it. Unlike Hulk, Sentry can fly, heal instantly, and boasts some impressive psionic abilities.
Furthermore, if his darker side, the Void, takes over, his destructive potential multiplies. Even Hulk’s rage would struggle to outlast a being who exists as both light and shadow incarnate. Hulk’s strength would be absolutely useless as he’d be reduced to a shadow long before he could reach Bob to land a single blow.
Cassandra Nova
Cassandra Nova speaking to Deadpool and Wolverine in Deadpool & Wolverine
Cassanda Nova became one of the first mutant villains in the MCU in Deadpool & Wolverine. As Professor X’s twisted twin, she’s capable of mentally dismantling the strongest minds. She’s also demonstrated incredible telekinetic powers, deflecting Wolverine’s claws and skinning the Human Torch.
Telekinesis aside, Hulk’s mental defenses are minimal. As seen in Age of Ultron, this leaves him vulnerable to complete psychic domination. Cassandra Nova could paralyze him, alter his perception, or even turn his rage against him – making her one of the few beings who could end the fight without lifting a finger.
Adam Warlock
Adam Warlock in the gold Sovereign ship in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3
Introduced in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, Adam Warlock is both creation and weapon. His cosmic energy manipulation and resilience make him a near-perfect combatant. Unlike Hulk, Warlock can fly, strategize, and recover rapidly from any damage.
Adam’s energy projection could incinerate Hulk long before the latter lands a hit. As his understanding of his powers grows, Adam Warlock becomes one of the few beings who can decisively defeat the Hulk. Though it should be noted that in the MCU, Adam Warlock is still immature and inexperienced, ranking him lower than his comic counterpart.