The Incredible Hulk (1996)

Review

Common Sense Media says

90s Hulk 'toon is clever, complex, action-packed.
greenON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
yellowPAUSE: Know your child; some content
may not be right for some kids.
redOFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
not for kidsNOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age.

Find out more

Quality
 
Sometimes media can be age appropriate but a real waste of time. Our star rating assesses the media's overall quality.

Find out more

Parents say

Not yet rated

Kids say

Not yet rated

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this is a complex, modern superhero cartoon with a notable amount of animated action violence. Characters are conflicted about their powers and roles, and plots carry over from episode to episode. Not all episodes end with victory for the good guys; in fact, many end with things looking pretty bleak -- and not just in the cliffhanger sense. This isn't a show for kids who worry about the fates of the people they see on television.

  • Positive messages0
    Superheroes with generally good intentions protect one another -- and sometimes the world -- while struggling with what it means to have powers that separate them from the human race. Violence is too often used as a solution to problems, and good doesn't always triumph at the end of every episode.
  • Violence & scariness3
    Strong animated violence, explosions, throwing characters long distance, etc. The Hulk is more violent than his inner Bruce Banner wants him to be.
  • Sexy stuff0
    Mild innuendo, particularly regarding She-Hulk, who occasionally also seduces (verbally) villains into cooperating with her.
CloseExpand to see more details

What's the story?

When this animated iteration of THE INCREDIBLE HULK (which originally premiered in 1996) begins, Bruce Banner (voiced by Neal McDonough) is already the victim of the accident that causes his transformations. The Hulk (Lou Ferrigno) is its own entity, unaware of Banner within him but still only emerging when Banner is angry (an odd concept that some kids may not grasp). Throughout the series' run, Banner seeks a cure for himself and for his cousin She-Hulk, who was infected by an infusion of Banner's blood but is far happier about her hulky side than he is.

Is it any good?

 

This Hulk is dark and complex in the way of modern superhero comics. Every episode requires some knowledge of the overall back story -- or a willingness to try to figure it out. It's often not clear who characters are, and there aren't necessarily easy 20-minute story arcs. Nor do the good guys always win, and many episodes end on a bleak note. It's all well done, but young kids won't find much pleasure in the action. That said, older kids and fans of other takes on the Hulk will enjoy this different light on the story.

What families can talk about

Families can talk about how the show's various heroes -- the Hulk, She-Hulk, the Fantastic Four, etc. -- feel about their powers and the way that those powers limit their actions in society. What do they give up to be superheroes? Would you want to have their powers? How are their powers like the things that make people extra-powerful in real life -- such as money and fame?

This review was written by KJ Dell Antonia

There aren't any reviews yet. Be the first to review this title below.
This review was written by KJ Dell Antonia
Topics:superheroes
TV rating:TV-Y7
Network:Disney XD
Cast:Genie Francis, Lou Ferrigno, Matt Frewer
Genre:Kids' Animation
This review was written by KJ Dell Antonia
 

Review It

Share your review with others

Hang on! You need to be a member to post your review.
A safe community is important to us. Please observe our guidelines.

Register now to save reviews and advice articles to your personal lists!

About our rating system
ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids.
OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
Learning ratings
BEST: Really engaging, great learning approach.
GOOD: Pretty engaging, good learning approach.
FAIR: Somewhat engaging, OK learning approach.
NOT FOR LEARNING: Not recommended for learning.
Our child development rating guidelines

Great alternatives handpicked by our editors

For kids who love
Browse more TV
 

vote now

Will you see The Incredible Hulk (1996)?

Won't miss it
We'll try
Change it

Already seen it? What do you think?

I recommend it
It's a pass
 
More from Common Sense Media
Age-appropriate reviews
Top advice and articles

Been There? Tell us about it