The Sad Hulk meme primarily features the Marvel Cinematic Universe version of Bruce Banner's alter ego, specifically drawing from scenes in Avengers: Endgame where the character displays uncharacteristic vulnerability. While the Hulk is traditionally defined by his 'smash' mentality and rage, this image captures a moment of deep emotional pain or disappointment, making it the perfect reaction image for relatable life struggles. It gained widespread popularity on platforms like Twitter and Reddit as a way to mock one's own dramatic reaction to minor inconveniences or to express genuine sadness through a pop-culture lens. Whether it is used for losing a video game or running out of milk, the image of a giant green powerhouse in tears remains a top-tier choice for internet melancholy.