When it comes to the greatest superheroes in history, it’s worth discussing the X-Men. Since introduction in the 1990’s, the X-Men have appeared in several movies. An incredible team in popular culture, the X-Men have built an iconic legacy. Given the number of movies about the team, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my favourite movies about a superhero team that deserves to be celebrated.
1. Logan
The Wolverine is a legendary superhero that shaped my grandfather’s identity. Years ago, I bonded with a grandfather that loved the superhero. A comic-book nerd, he loved a hero making him feel heard. Every Summer, I would always enjoy going to the theatre to see movies about the legendary comic-book character with a grandfather I treasure. However, aging brought bonds to a sudden closure. After reaching an age of retirement, he lost interest in entertainment. As someone treasuring fond memories of a grandfather that regarded the Wolverine with affection, I loved “Logan”. Released in 2017, Hugh Jackman’s comic-book blockbuster did an extraordinary job of bringing the Wolverine’s journey to a satisfying closure. Packed with breathtaking action, engaging storytelling and phenomenal acting, “Logan” remains one of the best comic-book movies ever made. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance from Hugh Jackman, who embodies the personality of an excellent superhero facing painful consequences of aging. Jackman brought out an emotional vulnerability to the Wolverine that was missing from previous X-Men movies. For instance, the final scene in which Logan sacrifices himself to save X-23 remains one of the greatest moments of the X-Men franchise. Ultimately, what makes “Logan” the best X-Men movie is its message. The film delivers a profound message about the consequences of aging which would resonate with everyone. Unlike most movies in the X-Men franchise, it discusses commemorated themes which everyone would relate to. A fantastic farewell towards a world-famous superhero with sharp claws that shine, it’s a spectacular reminder about a superhero franchise that has rarely faced decline.
2. X-Men: Days of Future Past
Teamwork is one of those skills which has never come naturally to me. As far as I remember, I have found it challenging to work within groups. I recall memories of bad group projects in school. I’ll never forget a group project in which peers treated me without respect. One of the reasons why I’ve always loved the X-Men movies is because of their strong theme of teamwork. This theme of teamwork is explored in all the X-Men movies, but is most evident in “Days of Future Past”. Released in 2013, Bryan Singer’s movie did an exceptional job of highlighting the theme of teamwork in the X-Men franchise. Time travel is a tricky concept to pull off effectively but Singer succeeded tremendously. Unlike previous films in the X-Men franchise, “Days of Future Past” took admirable risks that paid off tremendously. At the centre of it all is an exceptional performance by James McAvoy, who embodies the personality of a troubled superhuman professor. Ultimately, what makes “Days of Future Past” one of the best X-Men movies is its theme of teamwork. The film delivers a heartwarming message about the importance of teamwork which would resonate with everyone. An extraordinary tribute towards a commemorated superhero team that’s excellent, it’s an exceptional reminder about an impressive franchise that has always provided entertainment.
3. X2: X-Men United
Sequels rarely ever live up to the high standards of their predecessors. When a movie is extremely successful, it often becomes hard to craft a sequel. Most sequels fail to live up to their predecessors in quality. The issue is that the first film sets a high bar that sequels cannot live up to. After all, it’s hard to replicate the success of a classic movie. That being said, “X2: X-Men United” is an exception. Ever since its release in 2003, Bryan Singer’s groundbreaking comic-book blockbuster has stood the test of time as one of the greatest sequels ever made. It isn’t easy to make a sequel to one of the greatest superhero movies ever made, but Bryan Singer pulled it off successfully. With the second X-Men movie, the filmmaker found a strong balance between character development and action that was missing from the previous film. One of the significant ways in which the sequel improves on the original is by developing the character of Magneto. If the previous film portrayed Magneto as a one-dimensional villain, the sequel gives him greater emotional depth. At the centre of it all is an exceptional performance from Ian McKellen, who embodies the menacing personality of the iconic supervillain. An exceptional comic-book sequel, it’s a powerful reminder about a commemorated superhero team that audiences have always considered to be special.
4. X-Men
When it comes to movies that have shaped my childhood, it’s worth discussing “X-Men”. Ever since its release in 2000, Bryan Singer’s movie has always held a special place in my heart. I recall with nostalgia fond memories of watching a movie that gave me a lifelong love for the comic-book genre. I remember spending valuable time with my cousin watching a movie that we grew up to treasure. When I watched the film recently, I found that it still held up albeit with some flaws. There’s no denying the impact that “X-Men” had on popular culture. Bryan Singer’s movie did an excellent job of introducing an iconic superhero team. One of the reasons why the film remains a comic-book classic today is because of the spot-on casting. Each and every actor in the cast was perfect for their roles. At the centre of it all is an amazing performance from Patrick Stewart, who embodied Charles Xavier. Ultimately, what makes “X-Men” a great comic-book movie is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about the roles teachers play. Nearly 60 years following the creation of an excellent team of heroes seeking to rescue the world from destruction, it’s a riveting reminder about a comic-book franchise that’s worthy of celebration.
5. X-Men: First Class
Teachers are inspiring figures that have shaped my identity. I remember forming a bond with an English teacher that inspired me to become a writer. I grew up to cherish an English teacher that made me believe there was nothing I couldn’t accomplish. His words of wisdom motivated me to pursue my dreams of film criticism. Teachers have always played a pivotal role throughout the X-Men franchise. Each film has captured the important roles teachers play in the X-Men team. This theme of teachers is most evident in “X-Men: First Class”. Released in 2011, Matthew Vaughn’s movie captured the important roles teachers have played in the series. It isn’t easy to create a prequel to one of the best comic-book movies ever made, but Vaughn succeeded tremendously. What makes “X-Men: First-Class” stand out in the comic-book franchise is its attention to character development. By focusing on Charles Xavier’s youthful years as a young man discovering his superpowers, the film gives emotional depth to the hero. At the centre of it all are a pair of amazing performances from James McAvoy and Michael Fassbender, who do an excellent job of portraying iconic comic-book characters. A fantastic prequel celebrating first-class superheroes that are heroic, it’s a remarkable reminder of a comic-book franchise that has left behind a legacy which is iconic.
6. Deadpool
Few comic-book heroes are as cool as Deadpool. Following his creation in the 1990’s, Deadpool has appeared in several movies. With his offbeat humour, strong character and heroic qualities, Deadpool has earned a huge following. In 2016, Ryan Reynolds did an amazing job of bringing Deadpool to the big-screen in his film “Deadpool”. Unlike any movie in the X-Men franchise, “Deadpool” stands out because it took a huge risk. It’s arguably the bravest film in the X-Men franchise because of the huge risks it took with the source material. It’s filled with profanity, bloody violence and bold themes that one doesn’t normally see in a comic-book movie. As strong as missions achieved by Deadpool, it’s a riveting reminder about a franchise that has thrived by breaking every rule which audiences have always considered to be cool.
7. The Wolverine
The Wolverine has always been my personal favourite member of the X-Men. With his charming personality, larger-than-life presence and razor sharp claws, the hero has always been compelling. In 2013, Hugh Jackman did an excellent job portraying the Wolverine in the standalone film “The Wolverine”. Unlike previous films in the X-Men franchise, “The Wolverine” gave the sharp clawed superhero emotional depth that was missing from previous movies. Jackman brought out an emotional vulnerability to the hero audiences hadn’t seen before. Although “The Wolverine” may not quite reach the heights of the greatest X-Men movies, it remains a film worth watching. As sharp as the claws of the Wolverine, it’s a remarkable reminder about a comic-book franchise that deserves to be seen on the big-screen.
8. X-Men: The Last Stand
When it comes to the most hated movies in the X-Men franchise that audiences can’t stand, it’s worth discussing “X-Men: The Last Stand”. Released in 2006, Brett Ratner’s comic-book blockbuster was widely considered by X-Men fans to be a disaster. With its over-the-top action sequences, cartoonish characters and lack of emotion, it’s fair to say “The Last Stand” is one of the worst X-Men movies. That being said, it’s not a total disaster. For all its faults, the film does feature a fine performance from Hugh Jackman. Jackman is one of those rare actors that elevates every movie he’s in regardless of its quality. It’s one of those films I’ve grown to appreciate more with multiple viewings. As powerful as the X-Men’s desire to take a stand, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated comic-book brand that has always been in high demand.
9. X-Men: Apocalypse
One of the worst movies in the X-Men franchise that is widely regarded an apocalyptic disaster is “X-Men: Apocalypse”. Released in 2016, Bryan Singer’s blockbuster was a disaster that didn’t resonate with critics or audiences. With its over-the-top action sequences, clumsy storytelling and lacklustre villain, “Apocalypse” is one of the worst comic-book movies ever made. For all its faults, however, the film does offer a strong sense of spectacle. Drawing inspiration from the commemorated doomsday genre, Singer creates breathtaking action sequences with strong stakes. While it’s far from a perfect movie, “Apocalypse” is still worth seeing for its spectacle. As strong as the X-Men’s desire to prevent an apocalyptic disaster, it’s a breathtaking reminder about a beloved franchise that comic-book fans treasure.
10. X-Men Origins: Wolverine
The Wolverine is one of those heroes that hasn’t always been portrayed perfectly. While most adaptations have become successful, others have failed to celebrate a hero whose sharp claws are powerful. Unfortunately, “X-Men Origins: Wolverine” is one of those films that falls into the latter camp. Released in 2009, Gavin Hood’s movie blockbuster was a disaster that failed to celebrate the legendary comic-book character. While it’s a flawed movie, “X-Men Origins: Wolverine” isn’t a total disaster. Hugh Jackman has always poured his soul into the role, and here he makes the movie at the very least watchable. As powerful as claws of the Wolverine, it’s an excellent reminder about a comic-book franchise that hasn’t lost its sheen which I will forever treasure for inspiring my love for writing about movies I have seen on the big-screen.
The Film Buff 