With the new trailer for X-Men: Days of Future Past being released, it only seems necessary to rank all of the mutants in order from worst to best. Starting thirteen years ago in 2000 the very first X-Men movie was released, and not only did it spawn a whole new generation of superhero movies, and a new franchise, but it also proved that comic book movies can be done well and make for hearty entertainment. Now thirteen years later we're still getting heavy doses of the mutants, and all sorts of gifted youngsters. Of course some outings are much, much better than others.
6) X-Men Origins: Wolverine
What was suppose to be a brand new franchise and spawn all sorts of origin films (because we haven't seen enough of those), only turned into a big fat dud. With terrible writing, terrible direction, and mediocre acting, it all felt like a cash grab and a giant paycheck for Hugh Jackman. The only good thing about this one is that it's a good base of what not to do with an X-Men film.
5) X-Men: The Last Stand
Not nearly as bad as the last one, but still pretty bad. Director Brett Ratner took all the emotion out of the first two and made a giant sandbox movie with pure special effects and explosions. There's hardly any heart here, and what little there is, is squandered before the atrocious third act.
4) The Wolverine
Not a terrible film, surprisingly. It's a little too long, and at points overly dramatic. But it is a nice back to form for the series. There's good solid set pieces, and solid deft direction. It doesn't feel sloppy, but lean and precise. I could see a sequel spawning from this one. Hugh Jackman looks ripped as ever, too. How old is he again?
3) X-Men
The one that started it all. With an all star cast, and impressive direction this is the film that personified comic movies. The stepping stone into the next generation of comic book and superhero films, it started a flame and boy did it ignite. Fantastic special effects, and enough one-liners to keep even the biggest nerd happy, the original X-Men still holds up today as one of the best.
2) X-Men: First Class
An all new, younger cast is put to the test and comes out successful. With an absolutely brilliant script and all around wonderful performances, this comes close to being the best film of the franchises long running history, but it doesn't quite beat out the number one spot.
1) X2: X-Men United
Undoubtedly one of the best sequels ever, especially a superhero sequel. Taking a much darker approach to the formula, X2 has the writers at the top of their game and direction from Bryan Singer that is unarguably his best. X2 still holds today as the best in the franchise, but with Singer taking the reigns for Days of Future Past this list could be changing very soon.
Photo Courtesy of EPK