From 'Logan' to 'Deadpool', here are 5 best X-Men movies of all time
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: 'Deadpool & Wolverine' marks a significant milestone as the first official standalone mutant movie within the MCU. It's set to release on July 28, 2024. Interestingly, it features characters from the cinematic X-Men franchise, though they'll maintain their portrayals from the 20th Century Fox Studios films.
The X-Men movies are a unique bunch in the superhero genre. Bryan Singer's 2000 film is praised for starting it all. But over time, the franchise got tangled in its own complex storylines, making it hard for new fans to dive in.
With various spinoffs, prequels, and different actors, the X-Men films can be confusing. However, their bold approach to chronology sets them apart from other superhero universes like the Marvel Cinematic Universe and DCEU (DC Extended Universe). Plus, the franchise boasts an impressive lineup of actors.
On that note, here are 5 of the best X-Men movies to watch while you wait for the premiere of 'Deadpool & Wolverine'.
Logan (2017)
'Logan' marks Hugh Jackman's final portrayal of Wolverine, setting itself apart from the rest of the franchise in many ways. It's the second 'X-Men' movie rated R, showing superhero action in its raw, violent form.
Director James Mangold crafts it into a modern Western, portraying Wolverine as a scarred anti-hero haunted by violence and regret.
Patrick Stewart's Charles Xavier is depicted as a frail 90-year-old, grappling with encroaching senility. X-23 played by Dafne Keen shines as a fierce young mutant under Logan's reluctant care.
This deeply affecting film broke new ground for comic book adaptations, influencing works like 'Joker' and HBO's 'Watchmen.'
It signals a significant shift for the 'X-Men' franchise, suggesting a new direction as it enters the MCU. Hopefully, it retains the essence of what made this iteration special as it moves forward.
X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014)
'X-Men: Days of Future Past' transports the franchise to the 1970s while honoring its roots. It delves into familiar themes of peace versus violence, with Mystique torn between Xavier's pacifism and Magneto's aggression, her choice crucial for mutant survival.
The idea of rebooting the series with younger actors while paying tribute to the original run—having Patrick Stewart and Ian McKellen meet their younger selves, played by James McAvoy and Michael Fassbender—turns into a fantastic standalone story. It's thrilling, funny, and charming.
We not only learn about the characters' origins but also see their impact on world history, with a scene at the Paris Peace Accords, a first for an X-Men movie. Bryan Singer, returning to the franchise, skillfully juggles scenes in both past and future, finding fresh angles on time travel.
Pumping up Jennifer Lawrence's role adds to the film's appeal. Despite occasional silliness and attempts at heavy themes, the movie strikes the perfect balance: substantial enough to matter but nimble enough to stay engaging.
Deadpool (2016)
'Deadpool' brought a refreshing change to the superhero genre at the time.
While it's the funniest of the X-Men films, 'Deadpool' also deserves praise for its portrayal of Wade's relationship with his girlfriend Vanessa. The simple revenge plot is elevated by Ryan Reynolds' captivating performance.
In contrast to the MCU and DCEU's focus on expanding universes, 'Deadpool' breaks away from canon and uses humor to poke fun at the saturated genre.
Director Tim Miller adopts a nonlinear storytelling approach, similar to 'Batman Begins', to delve into Wade's backstory. This makes 'Deadpool' a funny, dynamic, and self-contained story that challenges conventions, making it both entertaining and thought-provoking.
X2 (2003)
'X2' remains impressive even two decades after its debut. The film continues exploring social issues like discrimination, adding depth to its storyline. Brian Cox's William Stryker threatening mutant extermination raises moral dilemmas, making Magneto's violent methods seem justified.
Surprisingly, 'X2' includes intense scenes for a PG-13 movie, like the raid on Xavier's mansion and Nightcrawler's attack on the White House. Its frantic pace and thought-provoking themes make it stand out, a rarity in today's superhero landscape.
The blend of action, depth, and pace makes it highly rewatchable, offering a unique viewing experience.
X-Men (2000)
Forget about 'Spider-Man' (2002), 'Batman Begins' (2005), or even 'Iron Man' (2008). 'X-Men' is arguably the true starting point for today's superhero movie frenzy.
Coming just three years after 'Batman & Robin,' which signaled the decline of a certain type of comic-book film, 'X-Men' introduced us to a group of powerful, noble, and sometimes insecure mutants battling their evil counterparts.
The essence of these Marvel characters shines through from the very first film: Professor X's unassuming heroism, Magneto's sneering villainy, Wolverine's charm, and the underlying theme of the X-Men representing marginalized and endangered communities.
Funny and inspiring, 'X-Men' is refreshingly unaffected by the expectations that burden most superhero movies today. It stands on its own, unaware of the comic-book craze it was about to ignite in Hollywood.