The MCU's best movies were already explored in the ’90s shows.
During the 1990s, Marvel’s animated formed an interconnected shared universe. Spider-Man: The Animated Series served as the centerpiece, regularly crossing over with X-Men: The Animated Series, Iron Man, Fantastic Four, and The Incredible Hulk. Guest appearances from characters like Captain America, Daredevil, Doctor Strange, and the Silver Surfer expanded this universe even further. Unlike the standalone superhero cartoons of the past, Marvel’s ’90s shows embraced continuity, allowing for major storylines and character arcs to span multiple series. This approach foreshadowed what the MCU would accomplish in live-action nearly two decades later.
10 Iron Man Fights Hulk In The Hulkbuster Armor
Avengers: Age Of Ultron & Iron Man Season 2, Episode 11 "Hulk Buster"
Tony Stark’s Hulkbuster armor made its spectacular MCU debut in Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015), but Marvel’s ’90s animated universe featured this showdown years earlier. In the Iron Man animated series, Tony Stark dons his Hulkbuster armor to stop a rampaging Bruce Banner in the episode “Hulk Buster.” The scene mirrors the MCU’s take on the battle, with Stark using specialized anti-Hulk technology to contain the unstoppable beast.
While the animation wasn’t as high-budget as modern CGI, the confrontation showcased the same core concept: Tony preparing for the worst-case scenario when dealing with the Hulk. This fight was particularly notable because it wasn’t just a mindless brawl – Tony and Bruce had a friendship, adding emotional weight to their battle. Years before the MCU made the Hulkbuster famous, the animated Iron Man series had already brought this high-stakes conflict to animated life.
9 Bruce Banner Dons The Hulkbuster Armor
Avengers: Infinity War & The Incredible Hulk Season 1, Episode 13
The Hulkbuster armor isn’t just associated with Tony Stark in Marvel’s animated universe – it was once worn by Bruce Banner himself. In a surprising twist from The Incredible Hulk (1996), Banner temporarily pilots the Hulkbuster to battle the Hulk himself when they are separated in season 1, episode 13 “Darkness and Light.” In the MCU, Banner dons the Hulkbuster armor when Hulk refuses to transform and engage in battle. The animated precursor different route.
10 Hulk Stories From The Animated Show That The MCU Needs To Steal
Captain America: Brave New World opened the possibility for more Hulk narratives, which the MCU should pinch from The Incredible Hulk animated series.
In The Incredible Hulk animated series, Banner and Hulk are separated. This leads a mindless Hulk to rampage, causing endless destruction, while Banner himself discovers that they’ll die if they remain divided. Donning Iron Man’s Hulkbuster armor, Bruce battles Hulk in one of the greatest fights in The Incredible Hulk. While a different set-up, seeing Bruce wearing the Hulkbuster armor is a thrilling precursor to his MCU story.
8 Thor Is Forced To Fight Hulk
Thor: Ragnarok & The Incredible Hulk, Season 1, Episode 9
Before Thor: Ragnarok (2017) pitted the God of Thunder against the Hulk in an epic gladiatorial battle, Marvel’s ’90s animated universe had already explored this fight. In The Incredible Hulk (1996), Thor is forced to battle the Hulk in the episode “Mortal Bounds.” This early adaptation explored their legendary strength rivalry, with the two trading massive blows in a battle that shook the foundations.
10 Perfect Villains From Hulk: The Animated Series That Need To Appear In The MCU
The Incredible Hulk animated series boasted a wealth of iconic villains perfect for the MCU after Red Hulk and the Leader’s introductions.
Unlike Ragnarok, where their battle takes place in a cosmic arena, the animated series framed their fight around Thor’s duty as a hero, as he tries to contain the Hulk’s destruction as a means of recruiting Banner to help cure a gamma-based disease. While Ragnarok added humor and spectacle, the ’90s version leaned into a more mythological tone, staying true to Thor’s classic comic book roots while proving that this matchup was always a fan-favorite concept.
7 Spider-Man Works With His Multiverse Variants
Spider-Man: No Way Home & Spider-Man: TAS Season 5, Episode 12
The idea of multiple Spider-Men uniting was a major highlight in Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021), but Marvel’s animated universe explored this concept decades earlier. The “Spider Wars” storyline in Spider-Man: The Animated Series (1994) featured Peter Parker teaming up with alternate Spider-Men from different realities, including an armored Spider-Man, an octopus-powered Spider-Man, and even a powerless Peter Parker.
This multiversal crossover mirrored No Way Home, with Peter learning from his variants and embracing the idea that his struggle is universal. While No Way Home brought back beloved live-action versions of Spider-Man, the animated series introduced the multiverse concept to younger audiences in an era before it became a mainstream blockbuster trend. This storyline proved that Marvel was experimenting with multiversal storytelling long before the MCU, once again demonstrating how influential the 1990s animated universe truly was.
6 Captain America Pursues The Red Skull
Captain America: The First Avenger, Spider-Man: TAS Season 4, Episode 2 & X-Men: TAS Season 5, Episode 7
The battle between Captain America and Red Skull has been a defining rivalry in Marvel history, and the MCU depicted this conflict in Captain America: The First Avenger (2011). However, Marvel’s 1990s animated universe had already explored this dynamic in Spider-Man: The Animated Series (1994) and X-Men: The Animated Series (1992). In the Spider-Man episode “The Cat,” Cap tracks down Red Skull, who is attempting to use the super-soldier serum to enhance his forces.
10 X-Men Stories From The Animated Show That The MCU Needs To Steal
X-Men: The Animated Series was so effective and iconic that the Marvel Cinematic Universe would be wise to consult for compelling narratives.
Similarly, in X-Men, Cap appears in a World War II flashback in “Old Soldiers,” showing his past encounters with Wolverine, Red Skull, and the fight against Hydra. These animated depictions of their rivalry emphasized Red Skull’s obsession with power and Cap’s unwavering sense of justice, proving that Marvel’s ’90s cartoons laid the groundwork for the same ideological and physical clashes that defined their MCU counterparts.
5 Mysterio Fakes Being A Hero
Spider-Man: Far From Home & Spider-Man: TAS Season 1, Episode 5
Mysterio’s deception in Spider-Man: Far From Home (2019) felt like a fresh twist on the villain’s character, but Marvel’s ’90s animated universe did it first. In Spider-Man: The Animated Series (1994), Quentin Beck starts as an illusionist and special effects artist who deceives the public into believing he’s a hero before being exposed as a fraud. This storyline plays out in the episode “The Menace of Mysterio,” where he frames Spider-Man for crimes to build his own heroic reputation.
10 Ways Spider-Man: The Animated Series Is Different Today
Web-Head has changed a lot since Spider-Man: The Animated Series. Rewatching it today reveals some fascinating changes to the Spider-Man franchise.
This is similar to his live-action counterpart in Far From Home fooling the world into thinking he was a hero from another universe. The animated version explored Mysterio’s signature early tricks, which utilized special effects techniques and advanced robotics. This was updated for the MCU to include an army of hologram-projecting drones. Regardless, the core idea of Mysterio faking heroism was already perfected in the ’90s.
4 The Skrulls' Secret Invasion of Earth
Secret Invasion & Fantastic Four: TAS Season 1, Episode 4
Secret Invasion (2023) marked the MCU’s first major Skrull infiltration storyline, but Marvel’s animated universe had already showcased an Earth under siege by shape-shifting aliens. In Fantastic Four: The Animated Series (1994), the Skrulls’ presence is a major threat, with the team uncovering their infiltration in the episode “Incursion Of The Skrulls.” Additionally, The Avengers: United They Stand (1999) featured Skrull deception, highlighting how these aliens manipulated Earth’s mightiest heroes.
While the MCU’s take on Secret Invasion emphasized political paranoia, the ’90s animated shows leaned more into high-stakes superhero action. As the Fantastic Four and Avengers realize their allies have been compromised, they’re forced to fend off the invading force. The animated universe may not have had Nick Fury’s espionage-heavy narrative, but it effectively laid the foundation for a Skrull invasion storyline, proving this concept was a long-standing part of Marvel’s history.
3 Ultron Creates Vision
Avengers: Age Of Ultron & The Avengers: United They Stand Season 1, Episode 1
One of the most pivotal moments in Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015) was the creation of Vision. Much like in the comics, Ultron also created the synthetic humanoid earlier in Marvel’s animated universe. In The Avengers: United They Stand "Avengers Assemble," Ultron creates Vision as part of his plan to replace humanity with artificial beings. The animated storyline mirrors the MCU’s take (and the comics), as Vision initially serves Ultron before breaking free and choosing his own path.
While the MCU incorporated the Mind Stone and J.A.R.V.I.S. into Vision’s origin, the ’90s version leaned into the idea of artificial intelligence rebelling against its creator. The core theme of Vision’s independence and moral struggle was already present, proving that Marvel’s animated universe had explored complex AI-driven storytelling long before the MCU’s cinematic take on Ultron and Vision.
2 Jennifer Walters Becomes She-Hulk After A Blood Transfusion From Her Cousin
She-Hulk: Attorney At Law & The Incredible Hulk, Season 1, Episode 7
She-Hulk: Attorney at Law (2022) brought Jennifer Walters’ transformation into She-Hulk to live-action, but Marvel’s 1990s animated universe had already adapted this origin. In The Incredible Hulk (1996), Jennifer receives a life-saving blood transfusion from Bruce Banner in the episode “Doomed,” granting her gamma-powered abilities. This version of her origin stays faithful to the comics, much like the MCU’s approach, but leans more into action-adventure storytelling.
The MCU version depicted Jennifer struggling to balance her newfound strength with her legal career. While the animated version gave further insight into her relationship with Bruce, setting the stage for her struggles with identity and control. While She-Hulk: Attorney at Law took a comedic route, the ’90s animated series played the transformation as more of a dramatic shift in Jennifer’s life, exemplifying how compelling She-Hulk’s story was long before her live-action debut.
1 Marvel’s Secret Wars
Avengers: Secret Wars & Spider-Man: TAS Season 5, Episodes 9-11
Before the MCU announced Avengers: Secret Wars (2027), Marvel’s ’90s animated universe had already brought this epic crossover event to life. Spider-Man: The Animated Series (1994) adapted “Secret Wars” in a multi-episode arc, where the Beyonder gathers heroes and villains – including Spider-Man, the Fantastic Four, the X-Men, and Doctor Doom – onto Battleworld for a cosmic showdown. This adaptation introduced mainstream audiences to the idea of a multiversal conflict before the MCU made it a major storyline.
Unlike the comics, the animated “Secret Wars” put Spider-Man at the center, highlighting his leadership skills in assembling a team of Marvel’s greatest heroes. With Avengers: Secret Wars set to be a major multiverse event in the MCU, it’s clear that Marvel’s animated universe was years ahead in exploring the concept of an all-out battle between heroes and villains across dimensions. While it’s unclear which “Secret Wars” story will be adapted to the Marvel cinematic Universe, the animated rendition proffers a fascinating insight.
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X-Men: The Animated Series
- Release Date
- 1992 - 1997-00-00
Cast
Cedric SmithProfessor X-
Norm SpencerCyclops
WHERE TO WATCH
StreamingBUYX-Men: The Animated Series is a television show based on the Marvel Comics superhero team of the same name. The series, which aired from 1992 to 1997, follows the adventures of a team of mutant superheroes, led by Professor Charles Xavier, as they fight for peaceful coexistence between humans and mutants in a world filled with prejudice and fear.
- Seasons
- 5
-
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Spider-Man: The Animated Series
- Release Date
- 1994 - 1998-00-00
- Network
- FOX, Fox Kids
- Directors
- Bob Richardson
Cast
-
Christopher Daniel BarnesYoung Thunderer (voice)
Peter Parker / Spider-Man (voice)
WHERE TO WATCH
StreamingBUYSpider-Man: The Animated Series is a 1994 television show that follows Peter Parker's dual life as a college student and superhero Spider-Man. Voiced by Christopher Daniel Barnes, Parker battles various villains while navigating personal challenges. The animated series is noted for its adherence to classic Spider-Man storylines and character development, engaging fans with detailed plotlines and dynamic action sequences.
- Seasons
- 5
-
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Iron Man: Released in 1994, Iron Man follows industrialist Tony Stark as he leads a private team of superheroes. As Iron Man, Stark confronts various adversaries, utilizing his advanced technology and resources to combat the forces of evil.
- Seasons
- 2
-
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Fantastic Four: The Animated Series
- Release Date
- 1994 - 1996-00-00
- Network
- Syndication
- Directors
- Larry Houston, Tom Tataranowicz, Ernesto Lopez
Cast
Brian Austin GreenHuman Torch (voice)-
Quinton FlynnMr. Fantastic (voice)
WHERE TO WATCH
StreamingBUYFantastic Four: The Animated Series follows Reed Richards, Sue and Johnny Storm, and Ben Grimm, who gain superpowers after a space flight exposes them to cosmic radiation. Together, they form the superhero team Fantastic Four to protect Earth from threats such as Dr. Doom and Galactus.
- Seasons
- 2
-
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The Incredible Hulk
- Release Date
- 1996 - 1998-00-00
- Network
- UPN
- Directors
- Ernesto Lopez, Tom Tataranowicz, Richard Trueblood, Dick Sebast
Cast
-
Lou FerrignoJennifer Walters / She-Hulk (voice)
Uncredited
WHERE TO WATCH
StreamingBUYIn this animated series, Dr. Bruce Banner grapples with his transformation into the Hulk, a formidable creature triggered by anger. Pursued by General Ross and the military, Banner's quest for a cure leads him into battles with various villains and monsters. With the of friends like Betty Ross and Rick Jones, Banner strives to find peace and prevent the Hulk from causing destruction, all while dealing with the complexities of his dual existence.
- Seasons
- 2
-
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The Avengers: United They Stand
- Release Date
- 1999 - 2000-00-00
- Network
- FOX, Fox Kids
Cast
-
Linda BallantyneJanet Van Dyne / Wasp (voice)
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Tony DanielsClint Barton / Hawkeye (voice)
The Avengers: United They Stand is an animated television series that debuted in 1999, featuring Earth's mightiest heroes banding together to combat threats too formidable for any individual hero. The team faces various villains, including time-traveling conquerors and alien invaders, to protect the planet from total destruction.
- Seasons
- 1
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