Best X-Men Movies (September 2025)

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If you’re excited about the X-Men teaming up with the Avengers in the impending Doomsday scenario, now might be a great opportunity to refresh your memory by watching some top-notch portrayals of the X-Men. Let us share with you some outstanding X-Men films we highly recommend.

Best X-Men movies as of 2025

The competition for popularity has been intense between the Avengers and X-Men franchises. Although the Avengers have surpassed the X-Men’s global box office earnings significantly, it’s important to acknowledge that the X-Men movies were instrumental in boosting the superhero genre back in the early 2000s. This was prior to Spider-Man’s arrival and Christopher Nolan’s groundbreaking Batman trilogy reshaping comic book adaptations. Additionally, let’s not forget the significant impact of Blade during that period. Yet, the X-Men movies still managed to gross over $100 million more than their counterparts.

Just like any top-tier list, our chosen X-Men films as the best can vary based on personal preference. Inquire multiple fans, and you’ll find diverse opinions.

Logan (2017)

In most X-Men movie rankings, Logan stands out as the top choice due to its portrayal of a western-style character who’s more accustomed to life on the ranch than wielding weapons. However peaceful his life might be, he is forced to break free from retirement when circumstances demand action. While the film does share elements with the Old Man Logan comic series, it offers a unique narrative apart from that.

As a devoted movie enthusiast, I must say that “Logan” takes us on an intriguing journey where our favorite mutant, Wolverine, is living a secluded life, seemingly the last of his kind. It’s been a quarter of a century since any new mutants have been reported, and those who remain are hiding in plain sight. Logan, now working as a chauffeur, finds himself thrust into chaos when some ruffians attempt to jack his car. Bullets may not harm him as they would others, but they certainly serve to trigger his indestructible adamantium claws. Prepare yourself for the bloodiest and most brutally intense portrayal of Wolverine ever graced on the silver screen. A true masterpiece in action-packed storytelling!

In essence, the narrative revolves around Logan (played by Hugh Jackman) and an elderly Professor X (portrayed by Patrick Stewart), who’s susceptible to harmful seizures that pose a threat not only to himself but also those around him. Together, they embark on a journey to find a girl named Laura (Dafne Keen) and take her to a sanctuary for mutants called Eden. However, they are pursued by a ruthless gang of mercenaries known as the Reavers, led by a cyborg named Donald Pierce (played by Boyd Holbrook), who is determined to track them down. Yet, it’s not just the storyline that makes this film stand out; it’s also the masterful direction of James Mangold that sets it apart from typical superhero genre films, as it pushes the boundaries with its R-rated content for violence and mature themes.

X2: X-Men United (2003)

Roger Ebert deemed the film as “intelligent yet simplistic,” which is quite praiseworthy considering his critique. Indeed, it falls under the genre of a high-octane superhero action flick – precisely what we’ve come to expect!

Movie: X2: X-Men United is frequently recognized as one of the superior early superhero sequels due to its effective escalation of the storyline from the original X-Men film in numerous aspects. Nightcrawler, portrayed by Alan Cumming, makes an attempt to assassinate a president resembling George W. Bush at the White House, leading to a series of events that endanger mutants even further. With discrimination already present, the government gains more motivation to suppress them. Subsequently, a cold-hearted military scientist, played by Brian Cox, strikes Xavier’s school and captures Professor X. The X-Men then join forces with their longtime adversary, Magneto (Ian McKellen), to thwart him.

X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014)

In an alternate comic book narrative titled Days of Future Past, we find ourselves in a dystopian world where mutants are being systematically eliminated by robots known as Sentinels, invented by Dr. Bolivar Trask (portrayed by Peter Dinklage) during the 1970s. Believing that mutants pose a grave danger to humanity, Trask ordered the construction of these lethal machines to eradicate them. As time passes, these Sentinels have become increasingly sophisticated, posing a significant threat in the present day. In response, the X-Men must concoct a strategy to alter the past and prevent this grim future from coming to pass.

Days of Future Past brings together many familiar faces for an enjoyable, snack-filled superhero adventure. Although there are a few plot holes, the engaging parts more than compensate for them.

X-Men: First Class (2011)

X-Men: First Class marked the reboot of the X-Men series and introduced Kevin Bacon as a villain, making it one of the top X-Men movies. Two significant elements contributing to its success are the setting in the 1960s and the introduction of younger versions of Charles Xavier (played by James McAvoy) and Erik Lehnsherr (Michael Fassbender), who eventually became Professor X and Magneto. The duo assembles a group of mutant superheroes to avoid a nuclear war during the Cold War, but their differing viewpoints eventually strain their relationship.

Deadpool (2016)

The first Marvel movie to carry an R-rating was not part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but rather a film based on Marvel comic characters produced by 20th Century Fox. Notably, Deadpool breaks away from typical superhero norms with its crude, humorous protagonist Wade Wilson (portrayed by Ryan Reynolds). This character was once a special forces soldier who learned he had terminal cancer. A mad scientist named Ajax (played by Ed Skrein) offered him a questionable cure in the storyline.

The experiment, in essence, aims to stir dormant genetic mutations within Wade. Accompanied by a degree of distressing treatment, Ajax’s experiment results in Wade being disfigured yet gifted with extraordinary healing speed. With the support of some companions, Deadpool embarks on a mission to locate the man who may hold the key to a cure for Wade’s condition.

Apart from the plot, Deadpool significantly surpassed our assumptions regarding superhero films, with The Punisher (2004) falling short in this aspect. Distinguished by explicit scenes containing nudity, crude but clever dialogue, humor, intense violence, and numerous instances of breaking the fourth wall, Deadpool stands out as a unique take on the genre.

How we picked the best X-Men movies

In our selection process, similar to many other lists, we chose what we believe to be the top X-Men movies, considering fan preference, critical acclaim, and their impact on the franchise. While there might be debates over films like X-Men (2000) or The Wolverine (2013), our choices aim to cover the cream of the crop in the X-Men movie series.

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2025-09-03 02:59