Fox Marvel Movies RANKED
With the release of Deadpool and Wolverine coming very soon many fans including myself are very excited to see Ryan Reynolds return as the titular Merc with the Mouth, as well as the very welcomed return of Hugh Jackman donning the claws of his iconic Wolverine role after “retiring” the role from 2017’s Logan. With this movie serving as a swan song of the original set of X-Men films from 20th Century Fox and potentially seeing the return of the studios Fantastic Four and Daredevil films I decided to view their entire catalog of movie and rank what I consider the best and worst of Marvel this studio had to offer.
Fan4stic (2015)
In dead last is 2015’s Fantastic Four reboot. This was a shameful and pathetic attempt of revitalizing Marvel’s first family. When viewing this movie, it’s obvious it was only made just so the studio can keep the Fantastic Four film rights. From its overuse of bad cliches, dreadful writing, boring action, and a lack of fun and personality this is one Marvel movie people should avoid.
Elektra (2005)
2005’s Elektra was the follow up to the Daredevil movie starring Ben Affleck (which will be discussed shortly) and it was the most pointless spin off I have ever seen. This movie was very boring and a slog to sit through. Jennifer Gardner is not an action star, and this movie enforces that notion. With its plot, uninteresting characters, and pointless retcons that were established in the previous movie this is one spin off that should be quickly forgotten as it was on arrival.
X-Men: Dark Phoenix (2019)
X-Men: Dark Phoenix was the last main X-Men movie to be released and in my opinion the worst out of all of them. Watching this movie no passion was put into it and none of the actors look like they want to be there. With this being the second failed attempt at adapting the iconic Dark Phoenix Saga from the comics should come as no surprise. With its cheap looking effects and sets, stilted acting, and not having a strong connection with version of Cyclops, Storm, Jean Grey, and Nightcrawler this made it not only an effortless experience but also a rage inducing one for any massive X-Men fan like me. Hopefully Kevin Fiege and crew will take notes and not rush into doing their own adaption of the original story whenever the X-Men make their MCU debut.
X-Men Origins: Wolverine
2009’s X-Men Origins: Wolverine was Fox’s attempt at branching out into a series of prequel origin films starring X-Men characters and after this disaster of a film it’s shown why they didn’t pursue it any further. Hugh Jackman, despite being the definitive Wolverine for many fans, he was at his worst in this and feeling like he doesn’t want to be there, and other elements of this movie doesn’t help either. With its uninteresting plot, questionable place in the overall timeline, bad effects, and the mishandling of Gambit and Deadpool made this the worst of the X-Men movies for some. However, this movie does come close to redeeming itself with Liev Schreiber as Sabretooth being a highlight.
The New Mutants (2020)
2020’s The New Mutants was the last Marvel movie released from 20th Century Fox (now 20th Century Studios) and it tried to do something different but ultimately it didn’t work. I do applaud that they tried to make a Marvel horror movie, but the New Mutants was not the right source material for it. With none of the main cast outside of the lead being interesting or even likeable, bad CGI, being too similar to Ang Lee’s Hulk movie, and little action this a movie that came and was easily forgotten.
Daredevil (2003)
Before Netflix’s Daredevil there was Daredevil starring Ben Affleck. This movie is declared one of the worst superhero movies of the early 2000’s and after viewing it again after so many years I do believe it and with that being said, I had a total blast watching this from start to finish. Granted the editing was choppy, writing was bad, action was laughable, and Ben Affleck being an alright Daredevil (which he improves the same character archetype as the DCEU’s Batman) I consider this it’s so bad that it’s good. From the portrayal of Colin Farrell as Bullseye and the late Michael Clarke Duncan as Kingpin stealing the show from their performances and the peak early 2000’s soundtrack this is a movie that is fun to watch and pick apart.
Fantastic Four (2005)
2005’s Fantastic Four was Marvel’s first family first OFFICAL venture into the silver screen and it could’ve been better. Granted the main cast as the team was great with Chris Evans and Michael Chiklis as the Human Torch and the Thing being the MVP’s. However, the flaws greatly overshadow the entertaining elements. With very little super heroics taking place, no stakes, and the laughable portrayal of the legendary villain Doctor Doom this is a take on the team though some fans around my age have a soft spot for, it utlimately wasn’t all that “fantastic”.
Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer (2007)
It’s sequel 2007’s Rise of the Silver Surfer was a slight improvement from its predecessor. However, it still fails in many areas. With the good coming from the Silver Surfer himself voiced by Lawrence Fishburne, the team acting more like superhero than they did previously, and the unique plot element of Human Torch power swamping with the other members tried doing something new. But with the dreadful depiction of Galactus being a space cloud and Doctor Doom once again being brushed over it made this a forgettable viewing experience which hopefully the upcoming 2025 reboot under Marvel Studios starring Pedro Pascal will learn from these mistakes and the take the team in a brand new and FANTASTIC direction.
X-Men: Apocalypse (2016)
X-Men: Apocalypse I was personally very excited for because of the introduction of the teams most terrifying villain and not to mention it was same year when Captain America: Civil War, Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice, Deadpool, and many others were being released. Though not the worst superhero movie in 2016 it was definitely the most forgettable. It was not interesting; it did a lot of what was done before in previous films, making the assassin Mystique the X-Men field leader not making sense, and the worst crime this movie committed was its bad portrayal of the villainous Apocalypse played by Oscar Issac (who thankfully redeemed himself by playing the MCU’s Moon Knight and voicing Miguel O’Harra in the Spiderverse movies). Stakes not feeling real, stale action, stilted acting, and poor reintroductions of classic X-Men from the original films not leaving a strong impression made this very forgettable. With some small cool scenes making it enjoyable and of course the acting of Macavoy and Fassbender as Professor X and Magneto.
9. X-Men: The Last Stand (2006)
The Last Stand was finale of the OG X-Men trilogy, and it could’ve ended on a better note. The problem I have with this movie it had way too much going on for its own good and the plotlines that were taking place should’ve made it separate films. With the mutant cure being the most interesting plot element taking place. However, the fact that they crammed in the Phoenix made this one of the worst in the series for a lot of fans. However, I do defend that this movie does have cool moments and powers being displayed, despite all of it not gelling well together and Cyclops being killed off screen. Not to mention the genius casting of Kelsey Grammar as Dr. Hank McCoy AKA Beast being one of the movie’s best moments.
X-Men (2000)
The movie that started it all. 2000’s X-Men not only started the series, but it was one of the pioneers of the modern superhero movie boom that was followed by 2002’s Spider-Man. This movie introduced the world to Hugh Jackman as Wolverine and became a legendary portrayal and fan favorite for fans. With its great casting of Patrick Stewart and Ian McKellen as Charles and Magneto, cool powers being displayed, this movie was a good introduction of the team for audiences at the time. However, the effects are outdated and there are some elements after so many years could’ve made this movie better, but this was overall a solid flick.
The Wolverine (2013)
2013’s The Wolverine was a big improvement from the previous attempt at a solo Wolverine film. The movie had great action and Hugh Jackman really got to shine in the role that put him on the map. However, the movie suffers from having an identity crisis starting off as a drama about grief, then becoming a John Wick style action movie, and then towards the end becoming a CGI infested superhero blockbuster with villains that don’t really work with the overall movie. Despite all that it’s a solid standalone and allows Jackman to branch out some more. If you want the true viewing experience of this, I recommend seeking out the unrated extended cut of this movie.
Deadpool 2 (2018)
Deadpool 2 was a great sequel to an already great movie, with some considering as good if not better than what came before. I personally believe the first was better, but this one has its strengths. I thought the jokes were funnier, the action was more visceral, and Ryan Reynolds really got to flex his acting muscles as Deadpool himself. However, the only things that I had problems with this movie was no consequences of actions taking place felt real and Deadpool’s main motivation in the movie doesn’t feel organic and feels more forced and mandated than anything. Despite that it’s a great viewing experience and I recommend checking out the Super Duper Cut of the movie to give it the proper experience.
X2: X-Men United (2002)
Much like Raimis Spider-Man 2 being the best of the OG Spider-Man trilogy the same goes for X2. This movie took what worked in the previous one and greatly improves on it. Greater action, cooler powers, the iconic opening scene of Nightcrawler storming the White House, and Hugh Jackman going full Wolverine mode in the mansion siege easily became highlights for all X-Men fans. However, what didn’t work from the original also made its way here. Cyclops was sidelined and brainwashed for the majority of the movie and the Wolverine villain Lady Death Strike could’ve been handled better. Despite that it’s a cool and fun movie experience for any X fan.
Deadpool (2016)
2016’s Deadpool as unexpected surprise for audiences and became a smashing success. It really showed that R rated superhero movies can be successful with the right talent, care, and dedication. Ryan Reynolds was born to play Deadpool much like how RDJ was born to play Iron Man. He was funny, charming, and was a great lead. While also unapologetically taking jabs or “stabs” at the superhero genre. With great action, comedy, and a villain you would love to hate and being a good origin story this one superhero romp no one should miss.
3. X-Men: First Class (2011)
At this point the X-Men series of movies were struggling with two back-to-back failures with The Last Stand and Origins Wolverine. Thankfully the creative mind of Matthew Vaughn stepped in and brought new life to the X-Men. This movie showed how to do a proper prequel/reboot right. With it’s a creative plot involving the Cuban missile crisis, cool powers, and the brilliant portrayals of James Macavoy and Michael Fassbender as Charles Xavier and Erik Lehnsherr. With Fassbender in particular being my favorite performance of the movie. However, a lot of the effects could’ve been improved, and the villains could’ve been better. But with everything that this movie did right those faults are easily forgivable.
X-Men: Days of Future Past (The Rogue Cut) (2014)
Days of Future Past in my opinion is the best out of the main X-Men movies. It was great bridging of the OG cast and the younger counterparts with high stakes, themes of changing destiny, and great acting and action. The Quicksilver scene alone was one of the best things to come out of the franchise as a whole. It was just so cool seeing the old and the new being mixed in a way that felt organic, natural, and earned. Despite Hugh Jackman being the lead it’s only all about Macavoy’s Charles and Fassbender’s Magneto. With Macavoy in particular having a great character arc of having hope again and becoming the leader of the X-Men that Patrick Stewart was before. I can’t recommend this movie enough and should be a must watch for everyone. For the best Days of Future Past experience, I recommend the Rogue Cut.
Logan (2017)
2017’s Logan is not only the best Fox Marvel movies, but one of the best superhero movies ever made period. It was strong and fitting end of an era to Jackman’s Wolverine after playing the role for nearly two decades. The movie was gripping, dark, heartfelt, and raw. With the action having real stakes tot plot, Jackman bringing in a gruffer and wore down take of the character with the introduction of Dafne Keen as Laura AKA X-23 being one of the films highlights. However, the only flaw I had with the movie was the reveal of its secret villain. But it’s quickly swept under the rug with everything else the movie did right. For fans of Wolverine and Jackman this is one no one should miss and I’m excited to see him come back with the claws in Deadpool and Wolverine.
That’s my rankings what is your favorite Fox Marvel movie and feel free to leave a comment and share!!
Great job! I am definitely behind on seeing some of these.