The Ultimate Guide to Streaming The X-Men Animated Series: Unveiling the Best Ways to Watch
Discover the timeless appeal of the X-Men Animated Series, now available for streaming after 30 years Delve into iconic episodes like 'Night of the Sentinels' and 'The Phoenix Saga' while uncovering whether 'X-Men '97' continues the animated series Find out where to watch this beloved classic today!
The X-Men have undergone various adaptations on screen. They first appeared in the 1966 animated series titled The Marvel Superheroes. Since then, they have had their own movies, including spin-offs such as Logan and The Wolverine. However, a significant part of their story is told through the original X-Men animated series. This animated series features a stellar lineup of mutants, including Wolverine, Cyclops, Storm, Beast, Rogue, Gambit, Jubilee, Jean Grey, and Professor X, among others.
For those who only grew up with the 2001 live-action film and its sequels, there is still an opportunity to catch up on all the adventures of the X-Men from the animated series. Furthermore, there is exciting news about a new animated installment that will be available for streaming soon.
When Did the X-Men Animated Series First Air?
The X-Men made their debut in the comic world in 1963. Shortly after, they appeared on The Marvel Superheroes TV show. After a break, they returned to television in 1981 with appearances on Spider-Man and His Amazing Friends. However, they only had their own stories in comic books at that time.
It wasn't until Halloween in 1992 that the mutants finally got their own TV show, known as X-Men: The Animated Series. The show ran for 5 seasons and aired on Fox Kids. The voice actors from the series, such as Cathal J. Dodd, Lenore Zann, and the late Norm Spencer, went on to have successful careers in both animated and live-action entertainment.
What Are The Best Episodes of the X-Men Animated Series?
Night of the Sentinels
Some of the finest episodes of X-Men are often debated due to the show's extensive five-season run, comprising a whopping 76 episodes. This superhero animated series follows the tradition of narrating storylines that unfold over multiple episodes, often divided into distinct parts. Consequently, selecting the cream of the crop becomes a difficult task. Nevertheless, the following episodes hold a special place in the hearts of many X-Men enthusiasts.
The two-part series premiere begins with the X-Men saving Jubilee, a teenage mutant who is betrayed by her foster parents and handed over to the authorities. However, their rescue mission is not without its challenges as they face off against the relentless mutant-hunting robots known as Sentinels. Amidst the chaotic events, Jubilee discovers the existence of the X-Men and learns about Professor X's School for Gifted Youngsters. Ultimately, she makes the life-changing decision to join the team and plays a vital role in the subsequent episodes of the series.
The Phoenix Saga
The content:
The Phoenix Saga is composed of five parts that occur during season 3, specifically episodes 3 to 7. Initially starting as a mission to rescue mind-controlled astronauts held captive by an alien entity known as Erik the Red, the situation quickly becomes complicated when Jean Grey becomes possessed by the powerful Phoenix Force, granting her extraordinary abilities. The subsequent chapters of the saga introduce space pirates, a malevolent Professor Xavier, and a crystal that transforms a power-hungry alien into a god-like being who harbors a desire to annihilate the X-Men. As a captivating narrative, the Phoenix Saga serves as a thrilling prelude to the Dark Phoenix storyline that unfolds later in the series.
Days of Future Past
This timeless X-Men saga has been featured in various storytelling formats, including comics, television, and even its own series of films. Within the narrative of the X-Men animated series, Bishop travels back in time from a future where Sentinels reign supreme. His vital mission is to prevent the assassination of a prominent political figure, whom he suspects is ultimately murdered by a member of the X-Men. Enriched by the presence of characters like Mystique and Apocalypse, this thrilling two-part episode from season 1 is brimming with electrifying action.
Honorable mentions include "Slave Island" (season 1, episode 7), "Beauty and the Beast" (season 2, episode 10), and "One Man's Worth" (season 4, episodes 9 and 10).
Is X-Men '97 a Continuation of the Animated Series?
The X-Men are experiencing a resurgence in the entertainment landscape, with Wolverine making an appearance in the highly anticipated Deadpool 3, in addition to the release of the new animated series, X-Men '97, expected to debut between late 2023 and early 2024. The return of the majority of the original cast from X-Men: The Animated Series, coupled with minimal changes to the mutants' wardrobe, raises the question: Does this fit into the broader X-Men narrative? The answer is a resounding yes.
X-Men '97 will continue the story from where the original series ended. Moreover, some exciting details have been unveiled about the show, such as Jean Grey's pregnancy and the imminent return of the Sentinels. Although the premiere date for the series is still uncertain, the second season is already being written. Therefore, there's no doubt that X-Men '97 is eagerly on its way.
Where Can You Watch the X-Men Animated Series?
This is the ideal moment to revisit the episodes that established the standard for Marvel's extraordinary group of mutant heroes in anticipation of the release of X-Men '97. The timeless X-Men: The Animated Series can be streamed on Disney+ or purchased on Apple TV or Amazon Prime Video.
