Every X-Men Movie Ranked: From Worst to Best

Prior to Disney taking over the studio and reclaiming the character rights by Marvel, 20th Century Fox had a successful run with the X-Men movie series. The franchise had its ups and downs, however. The prequel phase produced some of the most disappointing comic book films in recent times, despite boasting an array of top-tier actors. However, movies such as Deadpool and Logan revolutionized the genre by earning R ratings and defying audience assumptions through their unconventional storylines.

The first X-Men film paved the way for successful superhero movies in the new millennium, demonstrating that comic strips could serve as a lucrative foundation for a blockbuster series.

14. X-Men: Dark Phoenix

The Dark Phoenix Saga Proves To Be Quite A Difficult Story To Adapt

In “X-Men: Apocalypse,” Jean Grey accessed a hidden strength within herself. This suggests that the upcoming movie in the X-Men series, “X-Men: Dark Phoenix,” might delve into the enigmatic Phoenix Force. Given the constraints imposed by Marvel, adapting this beloved X-Men tale has proven challenging. Consequently, the Foxverse version of X-Men couldn’t incorporate elements such as the Shi-ar Empire or an extraterrestrial threat that would cause Jean to become a vessel for the Phoenix Force.

Sadly, this implies that Dark Phoenix joins the list of sequels trying to revive a beloved series without fully exploring its key supporting elements. Consequently, as anticipated, the outcome was underwhelming, as the complexities of Professor X and Magneto, along with the promise of the younger mutants, were not effectively utilized in a story that struggled to maintain momentum.

13. The New Mutants

An Interesting Horror Take On The X-Men

Instead of the grand heroics seen in other X-Men films or the humorous violence of Deadpool movies, The New Mutants stands out as a unique spinoff by presenting a psychological horror interpretation of the IP. Unlike the young mutants depicted in The New Mutants who possess special abilities, they are confined to an isolated hospital run by Dr. Cecilia Reyes. Rather than learning to battle villains, these new mutants struggle to survive while grappling with their powers.

Although The New Mutants had the possibility to offer a distinctive perspective on the X-Men saga with the launch of fresh live-action X-Men titles like FX’s Legion and Fox’s The Gifted, this spinoff fell short of the impactful impression that fans anticipated for these new characters. The movie struggled to balance character growth and the integration of horror elements, resulting in an overall unsatisfying experience.

12. X-Men Origins: Wolverine

An Uneventful Prequel For A Fan-Favorite Character

As a die-hard fan, I can’t help but feel ecstatic when I recall Hugh Jackman’s solo X-Men film, “X-Men Origins: Wolverine.” This movie delves deep into the intricate details of Logan’s past, a journey that takes us beyond his childhood and straight into the heart of the Weapon X program. It unveils his harrowing experiences and an ending that seems to connect with the initial X-Men film.

Regrettably, despite its enticing premise, “X-Men Origins: Wolverine” falls short of expectations – so much so, that some fans even question its continuity within the X-Men universe.

As a gamer, I must admit that I was initially drawn into the movie by its emotional start and thrilling action scenes, reminiscent of the X-Men universe I love. However, the film veered off course, straying far from the celebrated formula that made the original trilogy so great. Sadly, Hugh Jackman’s exceptional acting was lost in a storyline that felt bland and oversaturated with Easter Eggs that didn’t quite align with the original X-Men series.

11. X-Men: Apocalypse

Introducing Quite An Underwhelming Threat With A Cool Cast

In the movie “X-Men: Apocalypse,” global dangers escalate as the ancient mutant En Sabah Nur reappears in Egypt and assembles his new team of Horsemen. This becomes particularly challenging for Xavier’s School for Gifted Youngsters, especially when Magneto joins En Sabah Nur as his Horseman of War. Despite the film’s broader plot involving a global threat from En Sabah Nur, “X-Men: Apocalypse” unfortunately falls victim to the so-called “Third Film Curse.” Although the film introduces prominent characters like Scott Summers, Jean Grey, and Nightcrawler, the inadequate character development of Xavier’s promising students detracts from the overall impact of the storyline on a larger scale.

It seems that the hardships in “Apocalypse” may arise because the narratives of Professor X, Magneto, and Mystique are now at the heart of this latest tale, which might limit the development of other characters and the full exploitation of its ’80s to ’90s setting.

10. X-Men: The Last Stand

A Lackluster Ending For An Acclaimed Trilogy

Movie trilogies frequently experience what’s known as the “Third Film Curse,” where the third installment is often criticized as being the weakest – such was the case with X-Men: The Final Stand, which marked an alleged conclusion for the X-Men series. As tensions rise due to increasing political pressure on the Mutant Registration Act, Magneto intensifies activities of the Brotherhood as a sanctuary. Whispers of a “Mutant Cure” even draw some Xavier School students in, while the team grapples with the loss of Jean Grey in X2. The Last Stand begins on a somber note.

Regrettably, the movie concludes on a more somber tone despite an engaging first half, a captivating second half, and a somewhat hurried conclusion. While all plotlines are eventually wrapped up, some brief screen time might not have been fully justified. Additionally, behind-the-scenes issues such as broken commitments have significantly impacted the pace of the X-Men film series with The Last Stand.

9. The Wolverine

Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine Takes Japan Against Yakuza and Self-Guilt

Readers will promptly admire “The Wolverine” primarily because it rescued Hugh Jackman from the awkwardness of “Origins” and positioned his renowned portrayal of Wolverine within an exciting, high-stakes adventure filled with intense action. The narrative unfolds in contemporary Japan, where Logan has secluded himself, haunted by memories of having to kill Jean Grey to save the world. An encounter with an old acquaintance and a thrilling pursuit involving the Yakuza lead to a Wolverine tale brimming with action, without the burden of constructing a complex narrative that might prove too heavy.

In simpler terms, the movie “The Wolverine” recognizes that the character of Logan is rough and tumble, and it’s almost inevitable that things will go awry for him. The film leverages this idea and delivers a straightforward Wolverine tale with less emphasis on drama and more on action. Despite some potential for a more dramatic narrative, Hugh Jackman’s performance in the role still results in a film that meets its objectives by focusing on the gritty action aspect.

8. X-Men

A Welcome Start For Superhero Films and Hugh Jackman

It’s widely recognized that “X-Men” was a groundbreaking film for Patrick Stewart, solidifying his fame as both Jean-Luc Picard and an exceptional Charles Xavier. This movie kickstarted the popularity of Marvel’s mutant family on the big screen. Furthermore, it introduced Hugh Jackman in his iconic role as Wolverine, widely regarded as the best portrayal of this character. Despite the constraints of superhero filmmaking in the 2000s, “X-Men” stands out as a remarkable production. Wolverine, unaware of Magneto’s pursuit, accidentally stumbles upon Xavier School for Gifted Youngsters, where he finds himself amidst mutants seeking protection from persecution and X-Men learning to save lives.

Even though X-Men was the movie that initiated the series, it hadn’t fully leveraged its fanbase during its initial presentation at the time. This resulted in audiences having to endure extensive exposition and character introductions, unlike current superhero films where exposition is often seamlessly integrated into the plot. However, X-Men still offers an exhilarating introduction to the team for viewers, making it a valuable watch for fans embarking on a Marvel film marathon who wish to explore the origins of a beloved movie franchise.

7. Deadpool

A Welcome Comedic Addition To The X-Men Franchise

Following a relatively uneventful debut in “X-Men Origins: Wolverine”, the character known as the Merc With A Mouth makes an explosive comeback in his standalone movie, aptly titled “Deadpool“. Led by Ryan Reynolds himself, this film showcases a well-balanced action-packed storyline that maintains a lighthearted tone, providing viewers with an enjoyable viewing experience without the need for extensive knowledge of X-Men backstory. This style is consistent with most “Deadpool” tales, as the allure lies less in his connections to Marvel Comics and more in Deadpool’s self-contained antics.

The structure of Deadpool’s backstory is designed as a revenge tale, but Ryan Reynolds’ performance gives the movie an overall feel of darkly humorous action. Although it may not have the emotional depth typical of X-Men films, Deadpool offers a refreshing twist that leaves viewers eager for more of its action-packed storyline.

6. X2: X-Men United

A Worthwhile Sequel For An X-Men Film

In one of the few examples where a sequel is executed effectively, X2: X-Men United broadens the X-Men cinematic universe for the first time, amplifying lingering plot threads with necessary intensity. Logan continues his search for his lost memories, while Jean grapples with her powers becoming unstable and predicting the future. A mutant teleporter’s attack on the White House intensifies anti-mutant feelings. Although the X-Men had previously captured Magneto, fresh perils emerge in the form of Colonel William Stryker and Lady Deathstrike – characters linked to Wolverine’s past.

In the sequel X2, the narrative of the X-Men shifts from being a small-scale problem to a more expansive one, earning it widespread acclaim. This film gives equal attention to both the veteran and younger X-Men characters, paving the way for the latter’s increased significance in the trilogy. The surprising conclusion may continue to shock viewers – especially considering its somewhat peculiar continuation in The Last Stand.

5. Deadpool 2

A Hilarious But Lore-Packed Sequel

People who found the mix of gruesome and humorous elements in the first Deadpool movie appealing will likely enjoy how Deadpool 2 aims to give Wade’s character more complexity, including a well-known Deadpool sidekick – Cable – played by Josh Brolin, who is famous for his role as Thanos, but here portrayed as an adversary. What makes Deadpool 2 superior to the original film is its abundance of Easter Eggs and cameos; this time featuring a group called the X-Force. In the comics, the X-Force was one of Deadpool’s original teams and was assigned to carry out covert missions that the X-Men couldn’t perform in public.

In this new take, let’s rephrase the sentence as follows: Ryan Reynolds demonstrates once more that he can effectively play Deadpool in a sequel, although some viewers point out certain idiosyncrasies in the character’s personality during the movie plot. Nevertheless, Deadpool 2 skillfully balances its story between being both serious and zany, offering fans an idea of how a comedy based on superheroes could succeed.

4. X-Men: First Class

A Welcome Nostalgia Ride Of An Origin Story

As a gaming enthusiast immersed in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the Cold War atmosphere of X-Men: First Class offers a captivating, nostalgic allure in reimagining the X-Men saga – specifically, the tumultuous rift between Professor Charles Xavier and Magneto. Joined by my ever-reliable adoptive sister Raven and a new, vengeful ally Erik, we find ourselves strategically positioned to thwart the destructive plans of Sebastian Shaw that could spark global nuclear conflict. Unlike the Avengers, whose reputations are already cemented, Charles must mold a motley crew of mutants, each struggling to master their extraordinary abilities.

Instead of its previous versions, First Class takes advantage of viewers’ familiarity to offer an emotionally intense re-introduction of the X-Men on the big screen. Following the bittersweet ending of The Last Stand and the disappointing prequel Origins, First Class can be considered a fitting “reboot” for a Fox IP that focuses less on heroics and more on the social challenges faced by those with powers. The historical setting also opens up possibilities for intriguing alternate history plots, making the film even more enticing to revisit.

3. X-Men: Days of Future Past

One Of The Most Riveting Franchise Crossovers In Cinema

One could say that among the top films in both the original trilogy and the new series, “Days of Future Past” stands out. This film takes a celebrated two-part comic book storyline and weaves it into an engaging time travel narrative aimed at tying together all X-Men movies. Following on from the first film, we find Charles Xavier walking and Hank McCoy no longer as Beast. They are visited by Logan from a dystopian future where mankind is enslaved due to the activation of the Sentinel Program. In this future timeline, our original cast is in a final stand against the oppressors. The mind of Logan from the future is transferred into his past self, who now must persuade Charles and Hank to prevent Mystique from joining Magneto and assassinating Bolivar Trask, an action which would trigger the creation of Sentinels.

As a gamer, I’d say this time-racing adventure turns “Days of Future Past” into a thrilling blend of sci-fi and spy-thriller, complete with fresh characters like Quicksilver (and his epic slow-motion scenes) and pulse-pounding fights in the future that leave viewers gasping for air. The movie once again weaves alternate history to enrich the X-Men Foxverse, creating an electrifying journey that takes the contained premise of First Class and expands it into a cosmic-temporal spectacle.

2. Deadpool & Wolverine

A Welcome Finale To The Foxverse

After Marvel regained control of the X-Men from Fox, Deadpool and Wolverine provided a fitting farewell to the Foxverse. In a touching scene where Deadpool receives news from the TVA about his universe’s imminent demise following Wolverine’s death in Logan, Deadpool determines to find another universe’s Wolverine in an attempt to save his own. This leads him to bring along what he considers the worst Wolverine available, marking the start of their mission to preserve Deadpool’s universe from fresh threats and offering a final tribute to some lesser-known Fox properties.

In an unusual blend of intense action and humorous jibes at Marvel’s Cinematic Universe and Foxverse films, the movie Deadpool & Wolverine succeeds in capturing the essence of a crossover film in ways that Spider-Man: No Way Home and Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness did not. While it may lack the high stakes storytelling that those films have due to their direct ties to upcoming sequels, Deadpool & Wolverine keeps viewers hooked by refusing to take itself too seriously – a trait that Deadpool’s unique IP allows for.

1. Logan

A Touching Ending To A Fan-Favorite Character

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but anticipate that “Logan” will serve as a poignant send-off for the iconic Wolverine character. Set in a post-apocalyptic world where no mutants have been born since 2029 and Logan himself is battling Adamantium poisoning, it’s clear that time is running out for the indomitable hero. Add to this the tragic fate of Charles Xavier, who has succumbed to dementia and indirectly caused the demise of many X-Men in years past, and the somber tone of the film becomes even more palpable. But when Logan takes on the role of caretaker for a young girl named Laura, the recipe for emotional impact is complete.

In contrast to other X-Men movies, Logan offers a gripping, thrilling experience that leaves fans eager for more yet reluctant to witness the end of Hugh Jackman’s character. The critical acclaim of Logan is so high that not even Wolverine and Deadpool utilized this universe’s version of Logan to aid Deadpool in his antics.

2025-03-11 08:57