Recently, the “X-Men” films have had a surge in popularity following the release of “Deadpool & Wolverine,” as well as the new “X-Men ’97” animated series. The film broke box office records, becoming the highest-grossing rated R film in history.
Prior to seeing “Deadpool & Wolverine” in theaters, the only other “X-Men” films I had ever seen were “Logan” (which I watched the morning of in preparation for the film) and “Dark Phoenix,” which I saw in theaters with a friend for no particular reason other than we were bored.
However, in the past month and a half, I have watched every single “X-Men” film, some multiple times (“Logan,” I adore you), and while I thoroughly enjoyed most of them, I have compiled this ranking from the least to most enjoyable viewing experience.
Disclaimer: I do not consider the films “Deadpool” and “Deadpool 2” to be “X-Men” films. They are completely separate entities with unrelated characters and storylines, so for the sake of this piece, they will not be included.
11. “Dark Phoenix” 4.5/10
I’ll admit, the first half of this movie is really interesting. I love the build-up, as well as the inclusion of 8-year-old Jean Grey meeting Charles Xavier for the first time. However, the rest of the film is a complete disaster.
The messy plotlines and inconsistent timeline are beyond confusing and make this film difficult to keep up with. The dialogue is also poor and cringy, making the otherwise incredibly talented cast sound ridiculous.
10. “X-Men Origins: Wolverine” 5.5/10
Despite Wolverine being my favorite character and the love I have for Hugh Jackman, this movie just didn’t do it for me. The plot makes no sense and the characters are all over the place. This is the first time Ryan Reynolds is introduced as Deadpool and honestly, the character doesn’t even feel remotely close to the Deadpool we know today.
However, the development in this movie is interesting and it provides a fascinating backstory about Logan. I also find it hilarious that Australian pop icon Troye Sivan played young Wolverine.
9. “X-Men: The Last Stand” 6.5/10
The third installation of the “X-Men” films isn’t terrible and is definitely an entertaining watch. The San Francisco setting is cool and fits the universe well, and it was interesting to see the inclusion of locations such as Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge.
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However, the way they handle Jean Grey’s character really just doesn’t work. While it’s cool for development and important later in Logan’s story, it’s messy and confusing.
8. “X-Men: Apocalypse” 7/10
Once again, this one is watchable. James McAvoy delivers one of his best performances as Professor Charles Xavier, and Jean Grey has some of her best, most well-written development in this film.
Jackman does make a cameo as Logan in this film, but it makes very little sense and doesn’t really add much to the movie as a whole.
7. “X2” 7/10
The emotional depth of this movie is off the charts, and the tension is legitimately unmatched. Jackman delivers a heart-wrenching performance as Logan, performing alongside an incredible cast that mirrors his strong abilities.
There isn’t necessarily anything wrong with this movie, it’s just a bit slow at points and there is little-to-no tension to keep it interesting.
6. “X-Men: First Class” 7.5/1o
This one is most definitely a fan-favorite, and after watching the film, it’s clear why. The relationship between Erik Lehnsherr and Charles Xavier is beyond fascinating and the tension between them, as well as all of the lore this contributes leading to Lehnsherr becoming the villain Magneto, make for an incredible viewing experience.
However, this film introduces far too many new characters who end up being irrelevant later on, which is why I didn’t rank it higher. It also starts off slow and is a bit hard to get into.
5. “The Wolverine” 7.5/10
This is another emotionally complex film with a focus on Logan, except this time, the story actually makes sense most of the time. We get to see how Logan is haunted by his past and dreams of Jean Grey, while also embarking on a new adventure in Japan.
Wolverine’s abilities are put to the test in this installment, and Jackman once again delivers a brilliant, mind-blowing performance. The film can be a little hard to follow at points, but overall, it makes for an incredible watch.
4. “X-Men: Days of Future Past” 8/10
The combination of timelines in this film has the potential to be a complete disaster; however, it ends up being brilliant. Seeing the dynamic of a struggling, hopeless young Charles Xavier and present-day Logan was really interesting. Charles had saved Logan, so it was Logan’s turn to save him.
This is another film that doesn’t really have any issues, but the ending was a little emotional, and some fans may not like it.
3. “X-Men” 9/10
Sometimes, it’s hard to top the original, and that definitely remains true with the “X-Men” films. Released in 2000, the first film of the series introduces fan-favorite characters as well as Xavier’s School for Gifted Youngsters.
“X-Men” highlights the relationship between Wolverine and Rogue, one of the most complex yet wholesome father-daughter-like dynamics in the films, and honestly, it’s one of the best parts. However, Patrick Stewart’s Charles Xavier and Halle Berry’s Storm are also standouts in this film.
2. “Deadpool & Wolverine” 9.5/10
“Deadpool & Wolverine” is the first rated R film and “X-Men” installment in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Jackman and Reynolds both deliver fantastic performances and hilarious one-liners, and their dynamic is one of the funniest, most perfect pairings in cinematic history.
The entire 128-minute runtime is just silly, fun and laugh-out-loud moments, with moments of emotion and sentimentality sprinkled throughout. It’s the perfect, fun film with incredible cameos and a brilliant cast.
1. “Logan” 10/10
No film has ever impacted me as much as “Logan.” The first time I watched it, I didn’t really know too much about the characters, but I was able to appreciate the cinematography and complex writing and development. Then, after seeing “Deadpool & Wolverine” in theaters, I got emotionally attached to the character of Logan and have watched “Logan” four more times since.
It’s incredible, heartbreaking and brilliant in every way possible. Jackman delivers his best performance by far, and the film is a major contrast from the rest of the “X-Men” films, almost being set up more like a western than a super hero film.
Even for people who don’t usually like this type of film, everything is structured in a way that’s so brilliant that it’s almost impossible not to love.
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