Top 9 Iconic X-Men Movie Performances

Hugh Jackman's Wolverine

Hugh Jackman's portrayal of Wolverine has become synonymous with the character, despite not initially resembling the comic book version. Jackman's iconic performance as the gruff and fierce mutant has left a lasting impression on audiences for over two decades.

Hugh Jackman's Wolverine topless in X-Men

In 2017's Logan, Jackman seemingly retired from the role, but he is set to reprise Wolverine in Deadpool 3, signaling a one-time return. However, the MCU will need a fresh take on the character, possibly opting for an actor who closely resembles the traditional depiction of Wolverine in Marvel Comics.

Hugh Jackman standing shirtless as Logan in The Wolverine

Patrick Stewart's Charles Xavier

Patrick Stewart's portrayal of Charles Xavier has become inseparable from the character, capturing the stoic confidence and reserved charisma of the X-Men leader. Stewart's performance perfectly brings to life the iconic Charles Xavier from the pages of Marvel Comics.

Patrick Stewart's Charles Xavier from Earth-838 in his hovering yellow chair in Doctor Strange 2

While James McAvoy did a commendable job as a younger version of the character, Stewart remains the most iconic interpretation, setting a high standard for any new actor taking on the role of Charles Xavier.

Professor X using Cerebro in X-Men

Michael Fassbender's Magneto

Michael Fassbender's portrayal of Magneto in the X-Men prequel series succeeded in elevating the character while honoring the performances of his predecessors. Fassbender's Magneto is steeped in righteous rage and consistently stands out, even in the franchise's more disappointing films.

Michael Fassbender Magneto in front of destroyed metal in X-Men Days of Future Past

The complexity and depth Fassbender brought to the role redefined the character, making it a tough act to follow for any future actor taking on the role of Magneto in the MCU.

Ian McKellen's Magneto in X-Men trilogy

Ian McKellen's Magneto

Ian McKellen's portrayal of Magneto offered a unique and world-weary take on the classic Marvel villain. McKellen's performance captured the nuance of Magneto, presenting a fresh interpretation that resonated with audiences, especially in the early 2000s.

Michael Fassbender as Magneto wearing his helmet in X-Men First Class

The immense talent and chemistry between McKellen and Stewart played a pivotal role in establishing the X-Men franchise, making it challenging to envision a different take on an older Magneto carrying the same gravitas.

Ryan Reynolds as Deadpool

Ryan Reynolds' portrayal of Deadpool is inseparable from the character, with his unique personality and style of humor perfectly embodying the Merc with a Mouth. Reynolds' quick wit and improvisation skills brought Wade Wilson to life in a way that resonated with audiences.

Ryan Reynolds in Costume as Deadpool in Deadpool 2

Reynolds' embodiment of Deadpool has set a high standard for the character, making it challenging for any future actor to step into the role and capture the same essence that Reynolds effortlessly brought to the screen.

Deadpool as an X-Men trainee with Colossus in Deadpool 2

Evan Peters' Quicksilver

Evan Peters' portrayal of Quicksilver showcased a whimsical confidence that instantly resonated with audiences, despite not strictly adhering to comic book accuracy. Peters' version of the character became the more talked-about interpretation, setting a bold and distinctive new direction for Quicksilver.

Evan Peters wearing a leather jacket and glasses as Quicksilver in X-Men: Apocalypse

Peters' iconic performance as Quicksilver has set a precedent for the character, making it challenging for any future actor to match the whimsical charm and confidence that Peters brought to the role.

Kelsey Grammar's Beast

Kelsey Grammar's interpretation of Beast perfectly captured the character's intellect and political savvy, setting a high standard for the role. Grammar's performance as the original X-Men member stands out as the performance to beat, making it a challenging task for any future actor taking on the role of Beast.

Kelsey Grammer as Beast in X-Men 2.

While Nicholas Hoult did an admirable job in the prequel series, Grammar's portrayal remains a benchmark for the character's on-screen portrayal, presenting a formidable challenge for any newcomer to surpass.

Josh Brolin's Cable

Josh Brolin's portrayal of Cable in Deadpool 2 perfectly captured the character's 90s-era grit and legitimate swagger. Brolin's performance as the time-traveling mutant set a high standard for the role, making it a tough act to follow for any future actor taking on the character of Cable.

A close-up of Josh Brolin as Cable in Deadpool 2

Brolin's remarkable portrayal of Cable in Deadpool 2 showcased his versatility and depth, presenting a formidable challenge for any new actor to embody the same level of grit and swagger that Brolin brought to the character.

Cable carries a giant gun through a city street in Deadpool 2

Brian Cox's William Stryker

Brian Cox's portrayal of William Stryker in X2 elevated the potentially boring character, infusing him with gravitas and complexity. Cox's performance as the morally gray military man set a high standard for the role, making it a challenging task for any future actor to replicate the same level of depth and nuance.

William Stryker inside the X-Mansion in X-2

Stryker's mental and emotional manipulation, as portrayed by Cox, added a unique dimension to the character, presenting a formidable challenge for any new actor to capture the same level of complexity.

Alan Cumming's Nightcrawler

Alan Cumming's portrayal of Nightcrawler in X2 redefined the character, showcasing a tortured complexity that resonated with audiences. Cumming's take on the character left a lasting impact, significantly influencing how Nightcrawler is written in Marvel Comics.

Alan Cumming as Kurt Wagner Nightcrawler threatening a man in X-Men 2 X2 opening scene

While Nightcrawler was portrayed by Kodi Smit-McPhee in the prequel series, Cumming's interpretation remains a benchmark for the character, setting a high standard for any future actor taking on the role of Nightcrawler.