Each X-Men movie boasts a perfect scene that soon became an iconic moment in Marvel movie history. The X-Men film franchise has been a staple of the superhero genre since its inception in 2000. With a mix of epic battles, intense character development, and emotional moments, the X-Men movies left an indelible mark on superhero cinema. From the origins of iconic characters to the tragic end of a beloved hero, these films have offered numerous memorable scenes that have defined the series.
The X-Men franchise spans multiple movie series and a television spin-off, depicting the famed Marvel mutants as they protect a world that hates and fears them. This article focuses on the primary X-Men movies, including the Wolverine trilogy, and omits other projects such as The New Mutants and the Deadpool movies. Though set within the same universe, these have a markedly different tone and only connect to the main X-Men timeline through cameos and references.
Related Every Upcoming Marvel Movie: Full MCU Phase 5 & 6 List (& Beyond)
Between Marvel Studios and Sony Pictures Entertainment, here is every upcoming Marvel movie release date and what we know about the projects so far.
2
10 Xavier And Magneto Play Chess
X-Men (2000)
One of the most iconic scenes in the original X-Men movie is the chess match between Professor Charles Xavier and Magneto. This moment perfectly encapsulates the complex relationship between the two characters, who are both friends and ideological opponents. Throughout the film, Magneto and Xavier represent two sides of the same coin – one believing in peaceful coexistence between mutants and humans, and the other advocating for mutant dominance to ensure their survival.
The chess match becomes a metaphor for their ongoing battle, with each move representing a calculated step in their ideological struggle. The scene’s quiet tension contrasts with the film’s more action-packed moments, allowing the audience to appreciate the depth of their conflict. This scene became a recurring theme in the X-Men franchise, symbolizing the perpetual struggle between hope and fear, making it a touchstone for the entire series.
X-Men PG-13 Where to Watch
- stream
- rent
- buy
Not available
Not available
Not available
*Availability in US
X-Men is the first film in the long-running superhero franchise centering on the iconic Marvel team. Wolverine and Professor X take center stage as they and the other X-Men attempt to stop Erik Lehnsherr (aka Magneto) after he has a violent response to the proposed Mutant Registration Act. Hugh Jackman stars as Wolverine, alongside Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen, Halle Berry, Famke Janssen, James Marsden, and Anna Paquin.
Director Bryan Singer Release Date July 14, 2000 Runtime 104 Minutes
9 Nightcrawler’s White House Assault
X2: X-Men United
X2: X-Men United opens with one of the most exhilarating sequences in superhero cinema: Nightcrawler’s assault on the White House. This scene is often regarded as the pinnacle of the X-Men franchise, combining breathtaking action with a thrilling introduction to one of the series’ most intriguing characters. Alan Cummings perfectly captured Nightcrawler’s sinister potential before later revealing his tender and gentile character.
The fight choreography in this scene is a masterclass in superhero action, blending fast-paced movement with Nightcrawler’s unique teleportation ability. The use of slow motion allows the viewer to fully appreciate the intricacy of each movement. The scene also perfectly combined practical techniques with CGI, creating a captivating and faithful effect as Nightcrawler teleports around the scene, leaving chaos in his wake. This established the tone segue for X2: X-Men United and its central themes, in which heroic mutants are coerced to act heinously.
X2: X-Men United PG-13 Where to Watch
- stream
- rent
- buy
Not available
Not available
Not available
*Availability in US
X2: X-Men United is the follow-up film to Fox’s 2000 X-Men starring Hugh Jackman, Ian McKellen, and Patrick Stewart. The film features the introduction of Colonel William Stryker (Brian Cox) as he kidnaps Charles Xavier, which leads the X-Men to team up with Magneto. Most of the cast from the original film returned for the sequel, along with the introduction of Alan Cumming’s Nightcrawler.
Director Bryan Singer Release Date May 2, 2003 Runtime 134 Minutes
Related Where Are The X2: X-Men United Cast Now, 21 Years Later
X2: X-Men United had an especially mighty cast, each with of whom has continued to have a mighty career throughout the entertainment industry.
8 Training In The Danger Room
X-Men: The Last Stand
While X-Men: The Last Stand is often criticized for its convoluted plot and mishandling of beloved characters, the opening scene in the Danger Room stands out as a rare highlight. This sequence, which finally brings the legendary training room to life for the first time, is filled with exciting details. For the first time in the franchise, audiences see the X-Men team up against a formidable Sentinel.
This scene proffers a look at what a full-blown Sentinel battle could look like, a promise not fulfilled until X-Men: Days of Future Past. One of the most notable moments in the Danger Room sequence in The Last Stand is the “Fastball Special,” a classic move from the comics where Colossus hurls Wolverine into the enemy. This scene is a perfect blend of fan service and creative action choreography, showing the teamwork and camaraderie among the X-Men.
X-Men: The Last Stand PG-13 Where to Watch
- stream
- rent
- buy
Not available
Not available
Not available
*Availability in US
X-Men: The Last Stand is the third and final installment in Bryan Singer’s original X-Men trilogy. It adapts Marvel’s famous “Dark Phoenix” storyline, with Famke Janssen’s Jean Grey embracing her supernatural power to unleash chaos on mutantkind. Fox’s 2006 superhero movie brings back franchise mainstays such as Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine, Patrick Stewart’s Professor X, and Ian McKellen’s Magneto, and it introduces major mutant characters such as Kelsey Grammer’s Beast, Ben Foster’s Angel, and Vinnie Jones’ Juggernaut.
Director Brett Ratner Release Date May 25, 2006 Runtime 104 Minutes
7 Magneto Hunts Nazis
X-Men: First Class
In X-Men: First Class, one of the most chilling yet captivating scenes is when Magneto hunts down Nazis in Argentina. This sequence is pivotal in showing Magneto’s transformation from a tortured soul into the vengeful antihero we see throughout the franchise. The film masterfully builds tension as Magneto, played by Michael Fassbender, talks with the Nazi officers in a bar with a determination that is both terrifying and sympathetic.
The scene demonstrates Magneto’s growing mastery over his powers, but it is also a moment of moral ambiguity. As he ruthlessly dispatches the men responsible for the atrocities that Jewish people faced in WW2. The audience is left conflicted – understanding his rage while also recognizing the darkness that is breeding within him. Michael Fassbender’s performance is mesmerizing, capturing the internal conflict that will eventually lead Magneto to his role as a villain.
X-Men: First Class PG-13 Where to Watch
- stream
- rent
- buy
Not available
Not available
Not available
*Availability in US
X-Men: First Class charts the epic beginning of the X-Men saga in the 1960s. Before mutants had revealed themselves to the world, and before Charles Xavier and Erik Lehnsherr took the names Professor X and Magneto, they were two young men discovering their powers. Before they were archenemies, they were close friends, working together with other Mutants (some familiar, some new), to prevent nuclear Armageddon. In the process, a rift between them opened, beginning the eternal war between Magneto’s Brotherhood and Professor X’s X-Men.
Director Matthew Vaughn Release Date June 3, 2011 Runtime 131 minutes
6 Quicksilver’s “Time In A Bottle”
X-Men: Days Of Future Past
In X-Men: Days Of Future Past, Quicksilver’s “Time in a Bottle” sequence quickly became one of the most iconic scenes in the entire X-Men franchise. Evan Peters shines as the lightning-fast mutant, bringing a playful energy to the film that contrasts with its darker themes. The scene, set to Jim Croce’s “Time in a Bottle,” is both visually stunning and technically impressive. The visual effects are top-notch, showcasing Quicksilver’s powers in a way that feels fresh and exciting.
Every detail, from the slow-motion droplets of water to the playful way Quicksilver rearranges the guards, adds to the scene’s charm. It’s a moment of pure fun that stands out in Days of Future Past’s tension and high stakes. Quicksilver’s “Time in a Bottle” sequence not only solidified the character as a fan favorite but also raised the bar for superhero movies to be more creative.
X-Men: Days of Future Past pg-13 Where to Watch
- stream
- rent
- buy
Not available
Not available
Not available
*Availability in US
The fifth installment in the X-Men movie franchise, X-Men: Days of Future Past, is a time-traveling superhero film that takes place between two points in time in the series. With mutants (and almost humans) on the brink of extinction due to the Sentinel robot menace, the last remnants of the X-Men send Logan back in time to stop the assassination of the man who created the Sentinels to save their future from certain doom.
Director Bryan Singer Release Date May 22, 2014 Runtime 132minutes
5 Magneto’s Family Are Killed
X-Men: Apocalypse
The most emotionally charged scene in X-Men: Apocalypse is the moment when Magneto’s family is killed. This sequence is a devastating portrayal of loss and the intense grief that drives Magneto back to his darker tendencies. Michael Fassbender delivers an extraordinary performance, capturing the raw pain and anger of a man who has lost everything. The scene is beautifully shot, with a haunting score that underscores the tragedy of the moment.
The death of Magneto’s family in X-Men Apocalypse is a heartbreaking event that pushes Magneto to his breaking point and back into villainy. When he unleashes his rage and kills the soldiers in a fit of grief, the audience is reminded of the deep well of pain that has always driven Magneto’s actions. This scene reinforces Magneto’s tragic backstory and humanizes him in a way that makes his later actions more understandable, if not justifiable.
X-Men Apocalypse PG-13
The third installment of the X-Men prequel films, and the ninth film in the overall X-Men movie franchise, X-Men: Apocalypse once again sees Professor Xavier and Magneto on opposite sides of a catastrophic conflict. Having been raised from the dead, the ancient mutant Apocalypse wishes to wipe out all of humanity, and recruits four mutants including Magneto to help him in his quest, leading Xavier and his young team of X-Men to try and stop them. James McAvoy and Michael Fassbender reprise their roles as Professor Xavier and Magneto, with a larger ensemble cast that includes Jennifer Lawrence, Nicholas Hoult, Olivia Munn, and Oscar Isaac.
Director Bryan Singer Release Date May 27, 2016 Runtime 144 Minutes
4 The Train Fight
Dark Phoenix
The train fight sequence in Dark Phoenix is the film’s standout moment, offering intense action and depicting the full range of the X-Men’s abilities. The scene is a rare instance in the movie where the entire ensemble cast is given the opportunity to shine, with each character getting a moment to demonstrate their powers in a visually compelling way while interacting with the other characters.
The choreography of the train fight in Dark Phoenix is impeccable, with fluid camera movements that keep the action clear and engaging. The sequence manages to capture the team dynamic that was often missing in the rest of the film, providing a glimpse of what Dark Phoenix could have been with better execution. Magneto, once again, takes center stage with several moments of dynamic action in which Fassbender is effortlessly cool. Magneto crushing an entire train compartment is a particular highlight.
X-Men: Dark Phoenix PG-13 Where to Watch
- stream
- rent
- buy
Not available
Not available
Not available
*Availability in US
In this continuation of the rebooted X-Men movie series, Jean Grey begins to develop incredible powers that corrupt and turn her into a Dark Phoenix. Now, the X-Men will have to decide if the life of a team member is worth more than all the people living in the world.
Director Simon Kinberg Release Date June 7, 2019 Runtime 113 Minutes
3 The Wolverine And Sabretooth Montage
X-Men Origins: Wolverine
The opening credits montage of X-Men Origins: Wolverine is the best part of the entire movie, setting up a much more promising film than what ultimately followed. This sequence, which depicts Wolverine and Sabretooth fighting together through various wars, is a clever and captivating way to introduce the characters’ long and complicated history. The montage is set against a backdrop of historical conflicts, from the American Civil War to World War II, reflecting the brothers’ agelessness and their evolving relationship.
What makes this scene so effective is its ability to convey decades of history in just a few minutes, using striking visuals and a powerful score. The contrast between Wolverine’s growing weariness and Sabretooth’s increasing savagery is palpable, hinting at the inevitable conflict between the two. While the rest of X-Men Origins: Wolverine failed to live up to the promise of this opening, the montage remains a standout moment.
X-Men Origins: Wolverine pg-13 Where to Watch
- stream
- rent
- buy
Not available
Not available
Not available
*Availability in US
After Bryan Singer’s X-Men trilogy, Hugh Jackman returns as the titular clawed mutant in X-Men Origins: Wolverine. The 2009 superhero movie explores Logan’s origins with a look back at Weapon X, the experiment that covered his skeleton with adamantium. It marks Ryan Reynolds’ first appearance as Wade Wilson a.k.a. Deadpool, and it precedes James Mangold’s The Wolverine and Logan, which retroactively make Origins the first installment in a solo trilogy for Jackman’s iconic Marvel hero.
Director Gavin Hood Release Date April 30, 2009 Runtime 107minutes
Related Smart Wolverine Theory Fixes The Fox X-Men Movies’ Many Timeline Problems
Fox’s X-Men movies are riddled with timeline changes and inconsistencies. A genius fan theory uses Logan to fix them in the simplest way possible.
2 The Bullet Train Fight
The Wolverine
In The Wolverine, the bullet train fight is a standout scene that combines high-octane action with innovative choreography. As Wolverine finds himself battling Yakuza assassins atop a speeding bullet train, the sequence pushes the character’s physical abilities to the limit. The fight is a thrilling blend of danger and creativity, with Wolverine using his claws to cling to the train and fend off attackers while using his unique surroundings to his advantage.
The confined space and high stakes create an atmosphere of constant peril, as Wolverine must navigate both the assassins and the train’s incredible speed. The visual effects are seamless, effectively immersing the audience in the heart-pounding action. This sequence provides a unique and memorable set piece that stands out in a film filled with intense moments. The bullet train fight The Wolverine is a perfect example of how to elevate a standard action scene into something truly extraordinary.
The Wolverine PG-13 Where to Watch
- stream
- rent
- buy
Not available
Not available
Not available
*Availability in US
Based on the 1982 comic event “Wolverine,” The Wolverine takes place after X-Men: The Last Stand and follows Logan on a journey to Japan at the behest of a former acquaintance. Living in isolation after the world-changing events in the prior movie and haunted by the death of the woman he loved, Logan is found and asked to travel to Japan to meet with a man named Ichiro, who he had saved during World War II. At the end of his life, Ichiro offers Logan a chance to free himself of his healing abilities to finally die by taking them for himself. However, Logan soon learns that Ichiro’s intentions for immortality are far less honorable than he had expected, leading him to struggle to face off with a former ally.
Director James Mangold Release Date July 26, 2013 Runtime 2h 6m
1 Wolverine Dies
Logan
The final scene in Logan, where Wolverine dies, is one of the most tragic scenes in the X-Men franchise. After years of suffering and fighting, Wolverine finally finds peace in death, leaving behind a legacy as one of the greatest performances in superhero movie history. The scene is emotionally charged, with stellar performances from both Hugh Jackman and Dafne Keen. As Wolverine lies dying, his final moments are filled with a mixture of pain, relief, and a touch of fatherly love.
It provided a fitting end to Wolverine’s story, allowing him to rest after a life of violence and loss. The raw emotion in this scene is palpable, making it one of the few genuinely tragic moments in the franchise. The cinematography, combined with the powerful score, enhances the impact of this final farewell, ensuring that Wolverine’s death will be remembered as one of the most poignant moments in the X-Men movies.
Logan R Where to Watch
- stream
- rent
- buy
Not available
Not available
Not available
*Availability in US
Logan sees the titular hero, AKA Wolverine, in his twilight years as his healing factor has begun to fail him, and he has begun to age more rapidly. Set several years in the future, Logan finds himself caring for an ailing Professor Xavier, whose mind has begun to succumb to dementia, making him an incredibly dangerous mutant that can cause widespread destruction accidentally. But when the preoccupied Logan is asked to meet with a woman that requests he transports a young girl to a mutant haven known as Eden, he learns that she may have his DNA and that the fate of mutant-kind may rest in her hands.
Director James Mangold Release Date March 3, 2017 Runtime 137 Minutes
Upcoming MCU Movies
- Captain America: Brave New World
Release Date February 14, 2025
- Thunderbolts*
Release Date May 2, 2025
- The Fantastic Four (2025)
Release Date July 25, 2025
- Blade (2025)
Release Date November 7, 2025
- Avengers: Doomsday
Release Date May 1, 2026
- Avengers: Secret Wars
Release Date May 7, 2027