Lasting 20 years, the X-Men film series is going to be discussed for years to come regarding matters of its legacy in film and superhero cinema. It boasts such inventive highs as Deadpool and Logan yet sinks to the horrendous lows of X-Men Origins: Wolverine.
However, one critique that cannot be levied against the films' creators: they chose some of the most legendary comic book storylines to mine for inspiration or adaptation. Regardless of the quality, readers should find hope in the filmmakers' deep dives into comics for the plotlines cinemagoers saw onscreen. The majority of successful movies in the franchise stem from hallmark stories in the X-Men canon.
10 God Loves, Man Kills Primarily Inspires X2: X-Men United
A story packed with religious overtones, God Loves, Man Kills is toned down in its loose adaptation in X2: X-Men United. It is presented in Marvel Graphic Novel #5 and details mega pastor William Stryker's campaign against mutantkind. The X-Men take notice, thanks in large part to the insistence of frequent foe Magneto. The film chooses to rebrand Stryker as a military scientist responsible for the Weapon X experiments primarily because of its focus on Wolverine as its protagonist. Regardless, X2 pays homage to its source material in its pairing of the X-Men with Magneto and Stryker's plan to murder every mutant using Professor Xavier's telepathic power.
9 Logan Finds Its Namesake In Old Man Logan
Mark Millar's Old Man Logan is prized literature in Wolverine fandoms and is paid respect in James Mangold's Logan. Boasting Hugh Jackman in his final (and perhaps, finest) performance as the titular mutant, the film resembles its source material in its plot and characterization: an older, defeated, grumpier version of Wolverine is forced to take a road trip to save those he loves.
The movie diverges quite a bit in the leniency that description provides, crafting its own narrative mixed with elements from Craig Kyle's X-23: Innocence Lost and Target X. Nevertheless, the film makes a point to deconstruct Logan as a character, edging out X-23's stories as the most influential on the film.
8 Days Of Future Past Redefined The X-Men Films
A mix of prequel, sequel, and reboot, X-Men: Days of Future Past revived the ailing film franchise when it was released in 2014. Like the comic that bears its name, Days of Future Past follows the X-Men as they fight a battle on two fronts, the past and future, to avoid the dystopian fate awaiting most mutants. The characters are moved around and their importance reimagined, but the structure of the plot and themes explored are identical. Uncanny X-Men #141-142 sees Kitty Pryde going back in time rather than Wolverine, as the filmmakers wanted to capitalize on the latter's character's mainstream popularity. The events of the movie make subsequent films possible and cements its lasting impact by doing so.
7 The Films Buckle Under The Weight Of The Dark Phoenix Saga
The Dark Phoenix Saga is the most well-known and critically acclaimed X-Men story of all time. Found in Uncanny X-Men #129-138, Jean Grey wrestles with the cosmic entity developing inside of her with her friends suffering as collateral damage.
The storyline received two adaptations in the X-Men films: first in X-Men: The Last Stand and again in Dark Phoenix. Both interpretations are lacking in respect for the source material and substance, condensing the arc's dramatic heft in favor of action. However, the journey of the X-Men is perpetually tied to that of Jean Grey's as the Phoenix; it would've been surprising if the filmmakers never adapted the story.
6 Weapon X Received Two Adaptations
Wolverine is arguably the central protagonist of the X-Men film series and as a result, he's received the most screen time of any character. The character's origin is explored in Marvel Comics Presents #72-84 and is presented in the films with the release(s) of X-Men Origins: Wolverine and X-Men: Apocalypse. The former is more thorough in its handling of the material, though the latter ultimately proves more faithful. The torture and experimentation of Wolverine is central to the X-Men film universe, as the character's impact is irrevocably shaped by his history.
5 "I'm Wolverine" Takes Logan Back To Basics
The character's first solo series in 1982 establishes Wolverine as a failed samurai, taking him on a transcontinential trip to Japan to look after his love, Mariko. Wolverine #1-4 sees him met by Lord Shingen, Mariko's father, who deems him unworthy and proceeds to antagonize the mutant over the four issue miniseries.
The Wolverine loosely adapted this landmark story, keeping the films on life support after the abysmal X-Men Origins: Wolverine. Nearly every character that appears in the comic shows up in the film, allowing it to act as a precursor to James Mangold's coming superhero epic, Logan.
4 Magneto's Tragic Past Came From Classic X-Men #12
X-Men and X-Men: First Class patiently take the time to examine the primary villain of the mutant team, Magneto. The character's beginnings during the Holocaust and subsequent actions on behalf of mutantkind are scrutinized in an attempt to redeem the relatable villain. Classic X-Men #12 explores his origins whilst simultaneously curating a present battle with the X-Men. Magneto didn't start out powerful, finding his strength in the weakness of his circumstances. Actors Ian McKellen and Michael Fassbender admirably portray the character's hostility in relentlessly human ways and grant some gravitas to the character's intentions.
3 Origin Leads To Better Days
Wolverine: Origin answers questions Marvel readers have held onto ever since Wolverine was introduced opposite the Hulk. How did his mutant powers manifest? How old is he? Where did he grow up? Complicated and tragic, this story received a full, albeit lighter adaptation in X-Men Origins: Wolverine. Adherence to the source material aside, the film comes up short in its portrayal of multiple characters and its overall nonsensical tone. Messing up a character's origin is a specific kind of crime in comic fandom, but thankfully Wolverine is able to recover with better films succeeding this one.
2 Deadpool Reboots With A Kiss, A Curse, A Cure
Deadpool was a surprise hit when it released in 2016. The first iteration of Wade Wilson in the X-Men film series appeared in X-Men Origins: Wolverine and was heavily panned for its complete disconnection from the comics.
Producer and star Ryan Reynolds led a new attempt to bring the Merc with a Mouth to the big screen and the resulting solo film paid homage to a rather obscure Deadpool comic arc. The film sees Wade coming into conflict with Francis/Ajax during his time at their experimentation labs, much like the character does in Deadpool and Death Annual #1. The character is proven to be in reputable hands given this deep dive into the character's history.
1 Uncanny X-Men Established The Standard
The comic that started it all, Uncanny X-Men #1 establishes the titular team and their archenemy Magneto. A natural starting point for film adaptations, X-Men substitutes some characters with others but retains the same basic plot. The original film in the series is widely considered one of the best superhero films ever made, especially in the modern era, and perhaps no better team exists to bring awareness to the super community than the X-Men. Setting the stage for the highs and lows to follow, Uncanny X-Men #1 is hallmark lore for comic book fandom.