All 20 Stan Lee Cameos In Marvel’s Animated Shows & Movies

Stan Lee is well-known for his Marvel cameos, but has also appeared in numerous animated projects, including film and television. Stan Lee, the legendary writer and co-creator of numerous Marvel superheroes, became a beloved figure in Marvel fandom, known for his iconic voice and appearance. Stan Lee has a cameo in most live-action Marvel movies, appearing in early adaptations of his characters and most movies in the MCU timeline. Though these became his most famous, Lee appeared in a litany of animated Marvel projects, serving as narrator or playing minor characters from Marvel Comics.

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Stan Lee’s first cameo was in 1989’s The Trial of the Incredible Hulk, and quickly became a staple of Marvel movies that adapted characters Lee created. This led to a swathe of cameos in the early 2000s superhero movie boom, solidifying his status as Marvel’s premier cameo star. Maintaining this throughout the MCU catalog, Lee appeared in every movie until his death. While these may be his most famous, throughout this time Lee was also voicing characters in animated movies and television shows, solidifying him as the cameo master.

20 The Incredible Hulk (1982-1983)

Narrator

Hulk looking angry in The Incredible Hulk 1982

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In The Incredible Hulk (1982-1983), Stan Lee served as the narrator, guiding viewers through the story of Bruce Banner and his transformation into the Hulk. His iconic voice set the tone for each episode, bringing authority and excitement to the show’s openings and cliffhangers. As the narrator, Lee made viewers feel connected to the unfolding drama of Banner’s struggles and the Hulk’s emergence. His voice-over work made him a key presence, though he was never actually seen.

19 Spider-Man & His Amazing Friends (1983)

Narrator

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Stan Lee returned as the narrator in Spider-Man & His Amazing Friends, lending his distinct, enthusiastic voice to the series. His narration provided context and shepherded viewers through Spider-Man’s and his friends’ adventures, building excitement for the younger audience. His voice work added a layer of authenticity, grounding the show in Marvel’s origins. Lee’s narrations created a unique connection between the action on-screen and Marvel’s comic book roots, making him a crucial part of the storytelling.

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18 X-Men: The Animated Series (1992-1997)

Arcade Manager

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In X-Men: The Animated Series, Stan Lee had a brief cameo as an arcade manager who accosts Jubilee in episode 1, “Night of the Sentinels.” This small role allowed him to interact with the X-Men character, creating a fun Easter egg for fans who recognized his voice. By placing Lee in the ordinary role of an arcade manager, the show cleverly grounded Marvel’s godfather within the mutant-filled world, giving him a much terser role than typical for the lovable icon.

17 Fantastic Four: The Animated Series (1994)

Himself

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Stan Lee’s role as narrator was updated for Fantastic Four: The Animated Series, credited as himself and even introducing himself as Stan Lee. By featuring Lee directly, the show acknowledged his role as the creator of the Fantastic Four and celebrated his contribution to Marvel Comics. This self-referential appearance was both a tribute to his influence and began infusing his role with more personality – which would subsequently become the standard.

16 The Incredible Hulk: The Animated Series (1996-1998)

Cliff Walters

She-Hulk with her parents in Incredible Hulk the Animated Series

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Stan Lee voiced Cliff Walters, She-Hulk’s father, in The Incredible Hulk: The Animated Series season 2, episode 2 “Down Memory Lane.” It was the first time Lee played a character from Marvel Comics. Though a minor part, Cliff Walters was essential in exploring Jennifer Walters accepting her powers and the impact they have on her life. Cliff Walters also helped reflect how Bruce Banner is entrenched in a militaristic presence, often surrounded by the armed forces in a way that hinders his plight.

15 Spider-Man: The Animated Series (1994-1998)

Himself

Stan Lee in Farewell Spider-Man the animated series

In Spider-Man: The Animated Series, Stan Lee appeared in the show’s finale. Spider-Man traverses the multiverse persuing Carnage for a thrilling Spider-Man: TAS battle. In the “real world,” Lee appears as himself towards the end of the episode, allowing Spider-Man to meet his creator and even take him web-swinging. This cameo allowed viewers to see Lee interact with one of his most iconic creations. It was a fitting tribute that highlighted his role as the creative mind behind Spider-Man and Lee’s influence in Spider-Man’s world.

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14 Spider-Man: The New Animated Series (2003)

Frank Elson

Stan Lee as Frank Elson in Spider-Man the New Animated Series

In Spider-Man: The New Animated Series season 1, episode 12 “Mind Games: Part One,” Lee voiced Frank Elson. Elson is a mysterious character who encourages Spider-Man to exact violent revenge against Kraven the Hunter for killing Mary Jane Watson. Lee’s appearance was chilling and might be his darkest acting performance of all time, setting Spider-Man off on an attempt for vengeance, which hangs over the remainder of the season.

13 The Spectacular Spider-Man (2008-2009)

Stan

Stan Lee's cameo in Spectacular Spider-Man
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Stan Lee made another self-referential appearance in The Spectacular Spider-Man, playing a version of himself in a humorous cameo. Though not supposed to be Spider-Man’s creator, his appearance is based on Lee and is named Stan. His presence underscored his iconic status within the Marvel universe, delighting those who recognized his voice. The show paid homage to his legacy and contributions, reinforcing the bond between the Marvel creator and his creations.

12 Black Panther (2010)

General Wallace

General Wallace speaking in Black Panther 2010

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In the Black Panther animated series, Stan Lee voiced General Wallace, a government official with strong opinions on Wakanda. Wallace appears in the very first episode during the White House meeting regarding Wakanda, representing an outside and ill-informed perspective on the powerful, isolated nation. Lee’s portrayal of Wallace offered a critical, sometimes humorous view of Wakanda’s interactions with the outside world and is a rare example of Lee playing a dislikable character.

11 The Super Hero Squad Show (2009-2011)

Mayor of Superhero City

Mayor of Super city in Super Hero Squad Series

In The Super Hero Squad Show, Stan Lee voiced the Mayor of Superhero City, a comical role that suited the show’s playful tone. Though ostensibly a children’s show, The Super Hero Squad Show was surprisingly self-aware. As such, Lee played the former superhero-turned-mayor, even elected under one of Lee’s famed catchphrases: “‘nuff said!” This lighthearted portrayal allowed Lee to show his humorous side, making him a central figure in the series and adding levity to the superhero action.

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10 Lego Marvel Super Heroes: Maximum Overload (2013)

Hot Dog Vendor & Himself

Sten Lee as a hot dog vendor in Lego Marvel Super Heroes_ Maximum Overload

In Lego Marvel Super Heroes: Maximum Overload, Stan Lee had two roles, voicing both a hot dog vendor and himself. As the vendor, he provided comic relief during superhero battles against Venom, recalling his cameo from X-Men (2000). Playing himself as the narrator, Lee introduced the first four episodes in his trademark style. These roles demonstrated his versatility, blending humor with self-parody, and offered viewers of all ages a delightful experience.

9 Big Hero 6 (2014)

Fred’s Dad

Fred reuniting with his father played by Stan Lee in Big Hero 6
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Stan Lee appeared in the Big Hero 6 movie in a thrilling post-credits scene. Lee played Fred’s father, who was absent throughout the movie but was seen in photographs around Fred’s home with a look very clearly inspired by Lee. During he post-credits scene, Fred happens upon his father’s secret lab, discovering that his father was too a superhero, who then subsequently returns and reunites with his son. Though brief, it’s especially fun to see Stan Lee playing a superhero.

8 Hulk And The Agents Of S.M.A.S.H. (2013-2015)

Stan The Mayor

Hulk and Mayor Stan at a ribbon cutting in Hulk and he agents of SMASH

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In Hulk and the Agents of S.M.A.S.H., Stan Lee voiced another mayor, this one named after him, Stan the Mayor. As Mayor, he frequently found himself caught up in the chaos of Hulk’s adventures throughout his five appearances across both seasons. His role as the Mayor reflected his love for superheroes, making him an endearing, humorous presence in the show.

7 Ultimate Spider-Man (2012-2017)

Himself, Stan The Janitor & Stan The Principal

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Stan Lee played a mysterious character who took on multiple roles in Ultimate Spider-Man. As with many previous appearances, Lee played a version of himself, who first started as the school janitor before a brief stint as the principal, before being revealed as an agent of SHIELD. These roles added layers of comedy while allowing Lee to interact with Spider-Man as a kind of mentor, solidifying his influence in the animated Marvel universe.

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6 Marvel Future Avengers (2017)

Hot Dog Vendor

Stan Lee launching a hot dog in Marvel's Future Avengers

In Marvel Future Avengers, Stan Lee returned as a hot dog vendor, a recurring role in his animated and live-action cameos. Lee appeared as the vendor in episode 13 “Green Monster Vs. Green Giant,” with a design based on his distinct appearance. His presence offered lighthearted moments amid intense superhero action. This simple, relatable character allowed Lee to interact with the heroes, adding humor to the show while reinforcing his place in Marvel’s animated landscape.

5 Lego Spider-Man Series (2017-2020)

Himself

A LEGO Stan Lee holding Mjolnir in LEGO Marvel's Avengers.
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Stan Lee appeared as himself in the Lego Spider-Man Series, maintaining his tradition of interacting with characters from his creations. In Lego form, Lee added a playful touch to the show, connecting audiences with his iconic persona in a charming, family-friendly setting. Though not entirely clear, it seems as though Lee is reprising his role from the Lego Marvel franchise, which encompasses video games and Lego Marvel Super Heroes: Maximum Overload.

4 Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse (2018)

Stan

Stan Lee in Spider-Man Into the Spider-Verse

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In Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, Stan Lee voiced a shop owner who sells Miles Morales a Spider-Man suit. This cameo was heartfelt, as it was one of his last before his passing. His character’s line, “It always fits, eventually,” resonated with audiences as a message about heroism and the idea of evolving into the hero one could become. It was a touching tribute to Lee’s legacy and his belief that anyone could be a hero, and is his most beautiful cameo ever.

3 Spider-Man (2017-2018)

Stan The Cameraman

Stan Lee as a camera man in Spider-Man 2017-2018

In Spider-Man (2017-2018), Lee voiced a version of himself as a cameraman, continuing his tradition of playful cameos with characters based on his appearances. Lee only appeared in two episodes but made for a thrilling Easter Egg for savvy audiences. Though not his most dynamic came, Lee’s appearance is always a comforting sight in Spider-Man media.

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2 Avengers Assemble (2019)

Army General

Stan Lee as an army general in Avengers Assemble

Stan Lee voiced an Army General in Avengers Assemble, bringing a more serious tone to his normal cameo appearances. This character highlighted Marvel’s military side while working with Captain America and Agent Carter. This allowed Lee an opportunity to make an impassioned speech about the nature of heroism and the toxicity of hate. Released after Lee’s death, this cameo is a wonderful legacy for the beloved writer.

1 Big Hero 6: The Series (2018-2020)

Fred’s Dad & Boss Awesome

Boss Awesome on a screen in Big Hero 6 the series

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With Big Hero 6: The Series, Stan Lee reprised his role as Fred’s dad, who now has the superhero monicker, Boss Awesome. Lee returned along with most of the other Big Hero 6 voice cast. As Fred’s dad, Lee embodied a retired superhero, adding humor and nostalgia to the show while celebrating his legacy as the father of countless Marvel heroes. This marks Stan Lee’s final animated cameo.

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The Marvel Cinematic Universe is a multimedia superhero franchise that began in 2008 with Paramount’s Iron Man starring Robert Downey Jr. The franchise quickly grew in popularity, with Disney eventually buying out Marvel Entertainment in 2009. The MCU consists of dozens of movies and TV shows, most notably Avengers: Endgame, WandaVision, and Loki.

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