A Comprehensive Ranking of All X-Men Movies: From Worst to Best
In celebration of the twentieth anniversary of the X-Men franchise and the release of ‘The New Mutants’ for home streaming, we present a definitive list ranking all the X-Men movies. Despite their varying quality, the X-Men series has played a significant role in shaping the landscape of comic book movies. These films offer unique storytelling that sets them apart from other movies in the genre. Join us as we take a nostalgic journey through the entire X-Men movie universe, from the worst to the best.
13. X-MEN: THE LAST STAND (2006)
Director: Brett Ratner, Writers: Simon Kinberg & Zak Penn
‘X-Men: The Last Stand’ takes the bottom spot in our ranking for various reasons. Director Brett Ratner’s indifference to the source material is evident, as he mishandles two important comic series storylines. The film suffers from muddy visuals, questionable character choices, and an overall lack of coherence. Even the talented actors such as Ian McKellen and Hugh Jackman seem lost in the midst of this messy installment. ‘The Last Stand’ is also remembered for its infamous line, “I’m the juggernaut, b—h,” which epitomizes Ratner’s disregard for the property and its fans.
12. X-MEN: APOCALYPSE (2016)
Director: Bryan Singer, Writer: Simon Kinberg
‘X-Men: Apocalypse’ struggles due to director Bryan Singer’s disengagement during its production. This film attempts to introduce new versions of established characters without a clear commitment to the existing X-Men canon. While there is a glimmer of potential in leaning towards the absurdity of the beloved X-Men animated series, a motivated director was necessary to strike the right tone. Unfortunately, ‘Apocalypse’ fails to build upon the success of its predecessors, wasting talented actors like Michael Fassbender and James McAvoy.
11. X-MEN ORIGINS: WOLVERINE (2009)
Director: Gavin Hood, Writers: David Benioff & Skip Woods
‘X-Men Origins: Wolverine’ suffered from executive meddling, resulting in an unworthy film that undermined its solid premise. While Liev Schreiber’s portrayal of Sabretooth stood out, the movie itself was a mess. The inclusion of countless new characters and the misuse of fan-favorite characters like Deadpool reflected poor world-building decisions. Ultimately, the ambitious plan for an entire series of ‘X-Men Origins’ films was abandoned due to the film’s disappointing response, derailing the potential for further exploration of mutant backstories.
10. THE NEW MUTANTS (2020)
Director: Josh Boone, Writers: Josh Boone & Knate Lee
‘The New Mutants’ faced significant challenges during its production and release, resulting in its underwhelming reception. Despite the behind-the-scenes drama, the film itself is a harmless teen drama with horror elements. While its messy execution and tonal inconsistencies hinder its impact, ‘The New Mutants’ does offer unique moments of fun and excitement distinct from other films in the X-Men universe. Notably, it features the first overt same-sex couple in a superhero movie, marking a progressive step forward in the genre.
9. X-MEN: DARK PHOENIX (2019)
Director: Simon Kinberg, Writer: Simon Kinberg
‘X-Men: Dark Phoenix’ received harsh criticism, likely due to its delayed release and production issues. It felt like an afterthought following Disney’s acquisition of Fox, failing to leave a lasting impact on the franchise. While there are valid concerns about the retreaded narrative explored previously in ‘X-Men: The Last Stand,’ the film still showcases captivating performances by James McAvoy and Michael Fassbender. Despite its flaws, ‘Dark Phoenix’ manages to entertain and deserves more credit than it receives from fans.
8. X-MEN (2000)
Director: Bryan Singer, Writers: David Hayter (screenplay), Tom DeSanto & Bryan Singer (story)
The original ‘X-Men’ film, released two decades ago, approached its material with remarkable seriousness. Although some elements have aged less gracefully, such as the CGI and makeup, the movie’s significance in shaping Hollywood’s approach to comic book adaptations cannot be denied. It introduced a stellar cast featuring Hugh Jackman, Ian McKellen, and Patrick Stewart, laying the foundation for the franchise. While ‘X-Men’ may not be the best movie in the series, its cultural and historical impact cannot be overlooked.
7. DEADPOOL 2 (2018)
Director: David Leitch, Writers: Rhett Reese, Paul Wernick & Ryan Reynolds
‘Deadpool 2’ often receives unfair criticism as a comedy sequel, but it still manages to be a funny and entertaining send-up of the franchise. Director David Leitch delivers exhilarating action sequences intertwined with humor. Although it may not match the sheer creativity of the first film, ‘Deadpool 2’ remains a pleasant and enjoyable watch, showcasing a game cast featuring Zazie Beetz and Josh Brolin.
6. THE WOLVERINE (2013)
Director: James Mangold, Writers: Mark Bomback & Scott Frank
‘The Wolverine’ effectively explores Logan’s character and presents an intriguing narrative for the first 90 minutes. Director James Mangold strips away the previous films’ unnecessary elements, allowing Hugh Jackman to deliver a profound and romantic performance. However, the film’s final act deviates into a formulaic climax driven by blockbusters’ expectations. Despite its flaws, ‘The Wolverine’ adapts the ronin ethos and provides a refreshing take on the iconic character.
5. X-MEN: DAYS OF FUTURE PAST (2014)
Director: Bryan Singer, Writers: Simon Kinberg, Jane Goldman & Matthew Vaughn
‘X-Men: Days of Future Past’ successfully bridges the gap between the original trilogy and the prequel series through a time-travel narrative. This film benefits from an enormous and talented cast, offering a satisfying blend of old and new characters. The standout sequence involving Quicksilver’s slow-motion antics remains one of the most exhilarating action sequences in superhero movies. While the film may have some narrative complexities, the joy of witnessing the original and newer casts outweighs any concerns.
4. X2: X-MEN UNITED (2003)
Director: Bryan Singer, Writers: David Hayter, Michael Dougherty, Dan Harris, Zak Penn & Bryan Singer
‘X2: X-Men United,’ the peak of the original trilogy, enriches the conflict between mutants who support integration and those who take a militant approach. Director Bryan Singer successfully infuses the film with humor, providing an enjoyable viewing experience. The memorable opening action set piece featuring Nightcrawler’s teleportation establishes the movie’s political undertones. Although the film may feel somewhat dated, it remains a strong entry in the X-Men series.
3. DEADPOOL (2016)
Director: Tim Miller, Writers: Rhett Reese & Paul Wernick
‘Deadpool’ stands out due to its anarchic spirit, which perfectly captured the essence of a self-aware comedy in the midst of comic book movie overexposure. Released alongside more serious and convoluted superhero films, ‘Deadpool’ offered a refreshing and irreverent take on the genre. Ryan Reynolds’ portrayal of the titular character played a crucial role in its overwhelming success. Despite its subsequent saturation, ‘Deadpool’ remains one of the funniest comic book movies and a true gem within the X-Men series.
2. X-MEN: FIRST CLASS (2011)
Director: Matthew Vaughn, Writers: Ashley Miller, Zack Stentz, Jane Goldman & Matthew Vaughn (screenplay); Sheldon Turner & Bryan Singer (story)
‘X-Men: First Class’ revitalized the X-Men series by infusing it with a cool factor rarely associated with the franchise. Director Matthew Vaughn expertly blends elements of a 1960s period piece with superhero action, providing a confident and socially conscious film. The exceptional cast, including Michael Fassbender, Jennifer Lawrence, James McAvoy, and Nicholas Hoult, captures the essence of their characters. Vaughn’s vibrant filmmaking and fresh approach saved the franchise from its previous misfires and set a new standard for X-Men films.
1. LOGAN (2017)
Director: James Mangold, Writers: James Mangold, Scott Frank & Michael Green
‘Logan,’ our top-ranked X-Men film, showcases the immense talent and dedication of Hugh Jackman in his final portrayal of Wolverine. Inspired by the ‘Old Man Logan’ comics, this movie presents a weathered and aged Wolverine in a bleak world where mutants are nearly extinct. Director James Mangold seamlessly incorporates Western elements, deconstructing and reconstructing the iconic character in a profound manner. ‘Logan’ features lean, gritty, and brutal action befitting Wolverine’s nature. However, its real strength lies in its exploration of complex characters, particularly the relationship between Logan, Professor X (played by Patrick Stewart), and the enigmatic Laura. This film represents Hugh Jackman’s finest performance and truly deserves recognition as the greatest X-Men movie ever made.
Conclusion
The X-Men franchise has undeniably left an indelible mark on the world of comic book movies. Despite its share of disappointments, this series holds significant cultural and historical importance. From its humble beginnings to its dazzling heights, the X-Men movies have provided audiences with diverse narratives, captivating performances, and groundbreaking moments. As we bid farewell to the franchise with the release of ‘The New Mutants,’ let us remember and appreciate the impact it has had on the superhero genre and the fans who have followed its exhilarating journey.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Are there any plans for future X-Men movies?
No official plans have been announced at this time following Disney’s acquisition of Fox. However, it is likely that Marvel Studios will eventually incorporate the X-Men into their cinematic universe, offering new opportunities to explore these beloved characters.
2. Who is the best actor to portray Wolverine?
There is a consensus among fans that Hugh Jackman’s portrayal of Wolverine is iconic and unmatched. He has become synonymous with the character, capturing both the ferocity and vulnerability of Logan throughout the X-Men series.
3. Can ‘The New Mutants’ be considered a fitting conclusion to the X-Men franchise?
While ‘The New Mutants’ marks the end of the Fox X-Men era, it is not necessarily a satisfactory conclusion to the overarching storyline. The film stands on its own, separate from the main X-Men series, and does not provide a definitive resolution to the franchise’s narrative threads.
4. Which X-Men movie is the most critically acclaimed?
‘Logan’ is widely regarded as the most critically acclaimed X-Men movie. It received praise for its storytelling, performances, and emotional depth. The film transcended the superhero genre and was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay.
5. Will the X-Men ever join the Marvel Cinematic Universe?
With Disney’s acquisition of Fox, it is highly likely that the X-Men will eventually be integrated into the Marvel Cinematic Universe. This presents exciting prospects for future crossovers and collaborations between the X-Men and other Marvel superheroes.