Ranking the X-MEN Movies From Worst to Best

Hello, fellow users! Since I've been covering a lot of movie news and comic previews, it's been a while since I wrote an editoral. But after seeing the excellent X-Men: Days of Future Past, I've decided to list the films in the series from crappy to zappy (exciting!). While, overall, I am a fan of the franchise, there have been some low points. So sit back, relax, and prepare your typing fingers for some conversation (or arguing) in the comments.

 

7. X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009)

Let’s start with the worst of the worst: the misguided attempt to bring Weapon X to screen is one of the worst comic book movies I can remember. Poor effects, weak writing and a slew of forgettable, useless mutants. What kills it, though, is that it’s painfully dull and predictable. Not even Hugh Jackman, who does an admirable job all things considered, or Ryan Reynold’s entertaining Deadpool (not the boss battle version) could save it.
VERDICT: Rubbish

 

6. X-Men: The Last Stand (2006)

Brett Ratner’s tonally muddled trilogy-closer frustratingly hampers the source material and the story potential. It’s not a terrible movie per se, rather a big disappointment. Characters are either poorly acted, poorly written or completely wasted, and in its attempts to squeeze two big stories in there (The Dark Pheonix Saga and Joss Whedon’s Gifted), it squanders both. Ratner’s dull direction doesn’t help.
VERDICT: Disappointing

 

5. X-Men (2000)

Though aspects of it have become dated, Bryan Singer’s first X-Men movie should not be understated. Taking the characters and material very seriously, it paved the way for many comic book movies to come. It acts as a great introduction to the mutant world, establishing the struggle between humans and mutants and the fantastic interaction between characters.

VERDICT: Solid

 

4. The Wolverine (2013)

Taking inspiration from Chris Claremont and Frank Miller’s run on the character, James Mangold’s two-thirds sombre character piece, one-third OTT videogame smack-down is a very different sort of superhero film, and that’s what makes it great. Taking away Logan’s invincibility and exploring more fragile aspects of this ronin, the Japanese setting allows for some interesting development and beautiful cinematography. And I love that mid-credits sting.

VERDICT: Great
 

3. X2: X-Men United (2003)

For many, this ranks as one of the high points of the genre, and it is certainly a fantastic film. It raises the stakes, improves the visuals and fleshes out the characters and themes. Singer directs some spectacular set-pieces, from the captivating White House attack to the raid on the X-Mansion, and we cover plenty of mutant ground (Wolverine going berserker in the Mansion is my personal favourite moment in this movie). 
VERDICT: Fantastic

 

2. X-Men: First Class (2011)

With the franchise in limbo after The Last Stand’s dead-end conclusion and Origins: Wolverine’s, well, everything, Matthew Vaughn managed to reignite the X-films with style. A prequel set in the swinging ’60s, the wonderful cast explore the early days of Professor X, Magneto and the X-Men, combining fantastic character moments and spectacular action. It was my favourite for a few years, until…
VERDICT: Awesome

 

1. X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014)

This is the one. The very best X-Men movie yet. Based on Claremont and John Byrne’s classic storyline, it has the best aspects of the series (unique characters, complex themes and big set-pieces) and adds dystopia and lava lamps with time-travel, as well as the giant, mutant-hunting robots known as the Sentinels. Though I may change my mind over the #1 ranking (I haven’t fully made up my mind, it’s either this or First Class), Days of Future Past is a still a superb film.
VERDICT: Incredible

And that's the list! Thank you for reading. I know there will be people who have different opinions, so please, leave your thoughts in the comments. I'll the start the discussion with this: what's your favourite X-Men movie, and your favourite moment from the series?