When it comes to comic-book movie franchises, “X-Men” will always stand as my personal favorite. I’m a huge fan of just about everything X-Men related, and this film series has meant the world to me. It’s had its share of stinkers to be sure, but when their good … they respect the source material, while keeping regular audiences entertained and invested. That’s no easy task, considering how many different characters, back stories, and plot threads go into the X-Men universe. All the actors bring their respected characters to life with class, elegance, and charismatic performances. I feel that this series has something special at the center that takes it one step higher than any other superhero franchise.
I’m naturally referring
to its sharp narrative focus, and issues that go beyond your usual defeat
villain scenario. The subject of prejudice and excepting what makes you
different is such a welcome concept for a superhero franchise, that it elevates
all the spectacular action sequences, and impressive effects. Whether you like
these films or not, one thing remains certain, this is the series that made
audiences realize just how smart a comic book adapted movie can be, and it will
forever be a staple in the comic-book genera. There have now been thirteen theatrical
X-Men Movies, and here’s my own personal ranking of least to favorite. I’m
not trying to make any official list, just my own personal ranking of each
movie from my favorite superhero franchise.
#13 X-Men: Dark Phoenix (2019)
The long running era of X-Men movies under the
production of 20th Century Fox comes to a close, and while the final product
could have been stronger (should have been stronger), I still felt like I had
to savor this one last outing with my favorite ensemble cast of X-Men
performances. Sophie Turner owns the screen in her dynamic portrayal of Jean Grey,
and along with some slight emotional highlights, as well as a fun train battle
finale … it kept the movie from being a complete waste of time. Unfortunately,
it’s still bottom of the barrel for this franchise, with little drive, a
one-note premise, and an overall experience that makes for a feeble curtain
call.
#12 “The New Mutants” (2020)
#11 X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009)
In general, Wolverine has always been my
favorite X-Men character, and Hugh Jackman’s portrayal of the character is my
favorite of any superhero portrayal in film. As such, a solo adventure with him
seemed like an awesome idea … to bad, even he’s not immune to a poor scrip, and
week execution. A by-the-numbers revenge story, obvious action clichés, and an
origin set-up that shatters the mystery of the franchises most intriguing hero
really brings the film down hard. Having said all that, Jackman still gives a
solid performance, I also need to savor seeing my second favorite X-Men character
Gambit in a movie, and there’s some mild entertainment to make it … nothing
great … but slightly passive.
#10 Deadpool (2016)
If you’re not a fan of really rude, overly violent, and needlessly sexual humor, you should probably skip this film entirely. However, if
you like extremely clever, forth wall breaking comic book satire, interjected
with lots of style, and charismatic performances, then "Deadpool"
will entertain the living crap out of you! As for me personally ... I'm caught
somewhere between the two extremes. I for one have personally never been a fan
of the Deadpool character, and as such, even though his movie was executed
correctly, it’s just not going to resonate with me as much. Still, a fun movie,
and I love how it worked smaller X-Men characters like Colossus into the picture.
I still have my reservations reserved for Deadpool and his foul sense of hummer, but I'm not going to pretend that "Deadpool 2" wasn't a fun time at the movies either, largely thanks to Ryan Reynolds infectious charm, a strong cast of colorful new side characters, white knuckled action, no shortage of fan-serves, and in-jokes for us long time readers of the X-Men comics. Again, I can’t rank this film too high, as I’m just not that big a Deadpool fan, but at least he can turn out some respectful adaptions of his source material, and still keep the X-Men present in his ventures.
#8 X-Men 3: The Last Stand (2006)
Even though this sequel wasn’t executed nearly
as well as it's predecessor “X2: X-Men United”, I honestly found this story more engaging,
and the experience was just more fun, even if it didn’t work as a whole. I think
there’s just enough worthy character interactions and storytelling to support
the films sheer spectacles, big concepts, ambitious direction, and thrilling
action scenes. While the deaths of certain characters weren’t handled with the
level of care they deserved, and the pace was rushed, I still feel this third
entry contains more of what I generally want to see in an exciting X-Men
film.
#7 X2: X-Men United (2003)
Universally regarded as one of the all-time great comic-book movies, and a benchmark for the franchise … I sadly just never felt the same level of love or admiration for this film. It's slower, and less action-packed then other entries in the series, and isn’t even that pleasing from a visual perspective with its lack of "color". Regardless, I do still like this movie enough, as it developed the characters further, has a larger story, a menacing human villain, and features our heroes on the run in a desperate fight for survival. It’s all around one of the more competently made entries in the “X-Men” series, but I always felt it could have used a little more kick.
#6 X-Men: Apocalypse (2016)
The initial conclusion to the "First Class"
films sent the series off in a spectacular blaze of epic blockbuster fashion, show
casing one of the comics most iconic villains, character depth, the welcome
return of old characters now played by young new talents, resonant themes, and a
final battle that absolutely cooks. Visually, this film looks and feels the most like an X-Men comic or cartoon
brought to life in live-action, and it’s the one I find myself simply enjoying
the most. Granted, the plot is straightforward and by the numbers, but for me,
it’s executed with flair, energy, great performances, some well placed comedy,
and it just makes for a highly entertaining, and explosive venture with my favorite
heroes.
Brutally violent, depressing, and some-what inconsistent in pacing, but still a poignant, powerfully acted send off for Jackman in his final role as the iconic hero. It's also a deeply thrilling introduction to X-23, making this a "not-fun", but satisfying, and strong entry in the series. I know most fans would rank this film higher … like one of the top three best, but this is one case in which, I just need to be in the right mind-set to watch and appreciate it. Otherwise, this film drains me with it’s brooding nature, but still … I know a good movie when I see one, and this is easily one of Wolverines most dignified ventures, securing his place as a respected icon of the comic-book genera.
#4 X-Men (2000)
While certainly not
one of the most re-watchable entries in the series, I'll always regard this as
the classic movie that started it all. I’ve always loved the X-Men comics, TV
shows, and seeing this live action film adaption at a young age was a real
treat. This is the movie that made me love comic book movies, a big Marvel fan,
an even bigger “X-Men” fan than I already was, a big action fan, and a fan
of the wonders of cinema. Plus, this film succeeds in bringing a crowded group
of characters together, with charm, humanity, and a sharp narrative focus. To
this day, it’s still one of my most important movie experiences that shaped me
into the fan I am today … and things have never been the same sense.
#3 The Wolverine (2013)
I know I’m a minority of this, but here’s my personal favorite of Wolverines solo adventures. In general, I love martial arts cinema, and it’s awesome to see Wolverine in Japan, almost like a guest superhero in one of my favorite action genera’s. The locations are beautiful, the action scenes thrill and are brilliantly staged. It’s also just the right pace that never feels rushed, yet it still gives me that extra kick. Plus, it’s a deeper character themed story revolving around a hero rediscovering his worth after losing everything he initially fought for. It makes “The Wolverine” a worthy standalone action flick, one that the classic character has always deserved, and it’s absolutely my favorite of his stand-alone ventures.
#2 X-Men: First Class (2011)
Combining the smart and competent writing of the first
two X-Men movies with the massive, explosive and action-packed tones of the
ladder two films make "First Class" a rare fifth installment
that manages to surpass all of its predecessors. Without question, this is one
of my favorite Superhero team origin stories ever captured on film, and helped
breath life back into a dying franchise. It also features some of the best
individual emotional highlights of the series, with performances that really hit
it out of the park. The ensemble cast is personally my favorite of any X-Men
movie, the energy is high, there’s great style in the direction, and there’s a
rewarding sense of fun to the whole experience. Seriously, I was losing hope in
this franchise, but this movie grabbed me, shook me up and down, and reminded
me why X-Men is one of my favorite fandom's.
This is hands down my favorite of the X-Men series, as it’s a mega crossover bringing together the Original Trilogy, the First-Class series, and even the Wolverine films together into one perfect package. It’s also a respectable adaption of its iconic source material, and raises the bar for X-Men at the movies. It took the series to new heights, with bigger spectacles, Oscar worthy visual effects, and sensational action, but it has a consistently strong story, a script that never forgets it’s characters, and it even boasts respectable moral themes at the center. Just a personal opinion, but in my view, "X-Men: Days of Future Past" highlights the best of the series, and gives you more … including powerful performances, an intriguing time-travel plot, alternate realities, plenty of high-stake action, and it never looses that substance at the center, which makes X-Men so special to me. Without question, this is my favorite of the X-Men film series by far, and it has a secure spot as one of my personal all-time favorite movies.
Thanks for
reading my Superhero themed countdown … and continue to enjoy the movies you Love!
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