Where To Start Watching X-Men? You Must Begin Here
The best entry point into the iconic X-Men franchise is the 2000 movie simply titled X-Men. It serves as the perfect introduction to the world of mutants for those who are unfamiliar with the comics while also giving long-time fans an incredible live-action X-Men experience. Directed by Bryan Singer, the film lays the foundation for the complex dynamics between mutants and humans.
Created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, the X-Men are a group of mutants (individuals born with extraordinary abilities) who are often misunderstood and persecuted by society due to their differences. Led by the enigmatic Professor Charles Xavier, they strive to use their powers for the betterment of humanity while countering the radical beliefs of Magneto and his Brotherhood of Mutants.
X-Men seamlessly weaves the mutants’ presence into the fabric of society, allowing viewers to understand the tension between mutants and humans without being overwhelmed by information.
The X-Men movie sets the stage for everything that follows in the franchise. The story centers on Wolverine (played by Hugh Jackman), a rugged loner with self-healing abilities and retractable adamantium claws, who eventually teams up with Professor Charles Xavier (Patrick Stewart) and the X-Men to battle the malevolent Magneto (Ian McKellen).
While X-Men is set in a world populated by mutants, it doesn’t drown in exposition. Instead, it seamlessly weaves the mutants’ presence into the fabric of society, allowing viewers to understand the tension between mutants and humans without being overwhelmed by information. The film also introduces the Xavier Institute for Higher Learning, offering a glimpse into the X-Men’s way of life.
The X-Men film also includes characters like Storm (Halle Berry), a mutant who can control the weather. Cyclops (James Marsden) is a mutant with the ability to emit powerful optic blasts from his eyes. Rogue (Anna Paquin) can absorb the abilities and memories of anyone she touches. Jean Grey (Famke Janssen), one of the most powerful mutants, has telepathic and telekinetic powers.
Released at a time when the superhero genre was still finding its footing, X-Men paved the way for the cinematic universes we know today.
The heart of the film lies in these characters, each with their own struggles and moral compasses. Hugh Jackman’s portrayal of Wolverine is particularly noteworthy, as he captured the essence of the iconic character’s gruff exterior and internal turmoil. Patrick Stewart’s Professor Xavier and Ian McKellen’s Magneto provide an entertaining clash of ideals, showcasing the depth of their friendship-turned-rivalry.
Released at a time when the superhero genre was still finding its footing, X-Men paved the way for the cinematic universes we know today. The movie’s success can be attributed to its balanced approach to storytelling, with the mutants serving as a metaphor for marginalized groups, drawing parallels to real-world issues that are still relevant today.
The foundation set in 2000’s X-Men will enhance viewers’ appreciation of subsequent movies within the franchise. Released in 2003, X2 deepened the exploration of mutant identity and prejudice while unveiling secrets about Wolverine’s past. Nightcrawler’s mesmerizing White House infiltration and the tension between mutants and humans set the stage for larger conflicts.
The 2000 X-Men movie is the perfect gateway to the mesmerizing super-powered world of mutants.
X-Men: The Last Stand, released in 2006, tackled the divisive Dark Phoenix Saga, delving into Jean Grey’s internal struggle with immense power and darker impulses. While the film was criticized for not fully realizing the potential of its source material, it continued to explore themes of mutation, acceptance, and the consequences of power.
The X-Men prequel trilogy, consisting of X-Men: First Class (2011), X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014), and X-Men: Apocalypse (2016), offered a fresh perspective on the origins of the mutant characters and the events that shaped the world they inhabit. While each film stands on its own, there are crucial elements and character arcs that gain additional depth when viewed in the context of the 2000 movie.
First Class offers insight into the origins of Charles and Erik’s friendship, enhancing their dynamics in the 2000 film. Days of Future Past alters the timeline established in X-Men, adding weight to the changes by building upon the original’s character relationships and stakes. Apocalypse complements the 2000 film by showcasing the evolution of young mutants as they come into their powers.
The 2000 X-Men movie is the perfect gateway to the mesmerizing super-powered world of mutants. Not only does it fashion the bedrock of mutant-human relationships, but it is also the ideal introduction to one of the most enduring comic books ever written. The film’s legacy radiates across the franchise, making it the only starting point.
