Ranking The Main Cast From X-Men: The Animated Series

X-Men: The Animated Series debuted over 25 years ago, yet it still remains one of the most popular cartoons featuring comic book characters all time. In fact, it may be one of the most popular cartoons of all time, period. Though have been other X-Men cartoons to follow, none have remained as relevant as the Fox Kids show. Whether it was the Jim Lee-inspired art, the cast of characters Julia and Eric Lewald ran with or just seeing the X-Men come to life on-screen, the show remains beloved.

Speaking of the characters, X-Men: The Animated Series' lineup was stacked. The show was pivotal in the development of some fan favorites. The show put powers and personalities on display in a way not seen before. Factoring every attribute in makes it hard, but not impossible, to Rank The Main Cast From X-Men: The Animated Series.

9 9. Jubilee

The main thing holding Jubilation Lee back from the rest of the group is her mutant ability. Although blinding, explosive energy blasts can be useful in a pinch, Jubilee's powers don't quite stack up against the rest of the X-Men: The Animated Series cast.

At the same, one of her greatest qualities is she's ambitious to help her friends and fight alongside them. She's much like most of those who tuned into the show, wanting to work with Wolverine, Cyclops and the rest of the group. Like so many younger individuals, Jubilee was constantly told to wait for her time, while the grown-ups took care of business.

She did, however, prove her worth in battle more than once - including one run-in with Gambit and Wolverine in the Danger Room, when she took out Wolverine with a blast of fireworks.

8 8. Professor X

The X-Men aren't possible without Professor Charles Xavier, that goes without saying. As usual, his telepathy in X-Men: The Animated Series is among the strongest in the show. Same goes for his brilliance.

But this list isn't solely based on powers. Otherwise, Professor X would be higher up. The cast of individuals he surrounds himself with individuals who carry the show with their array of personalities. While there are times Professor X is at the forefront and has to take on a more significant role, he's the voice of reason more often than not, guiding his students down the right path.

7 7. Beast

Much like Professor X, Henry McCoy is one of the smartest among this group of X-Men. This may also be the best he's ever looked - including comics and especially, live action.

Beast's powers may not be as flashy as everyone else's, but he can be helpful in almost any situation. He's always good for some witty repartee in a fight, too.

What makes Beast unique among this group is the fact his mutations are also on the exterior, as well. It's something he battles through, much like Nightcrawler and the Morlocks who don't look like everyone else. He's a symbol for those who stand out in the crowd for reasons they may not want to. But he's a constant reminder to take pride in what makes one special, and to never be ashamed for being different.

6 6. Storm

Ororo Munroe has donned multiple looks since bursting on the comic book scene in 1975, but for those who love X-Men: The Animated Series, this will forever be the outfit she's known for.

Her ability to control the weather makes her one of the most versatile characters in the show, striking fear into the hearts of her opposition. And whether she summoned the arctic winds or brought for thunder and lightning, the Mistress of the Elements always like to let villains know exactly what was coming their way. Sometimes they were a bit much though.

Give Storm credit, no matter what it was, few had an answer for what she threw their way.

5 5. Cyclops

Much like Storm, Scott Summers' blue and yellow outfit has become the one he's most associated with. His optic blast packs an intense punch -and helps make for a sick appearance in the show's unforgettable intro.

Cyclops' leadership skills made him the perfect general for the X-Men team in the field. He also had a tendency to let that trickle into his relationships with his fellow X-Men while at the mansion, too.

Through and through, you know Cyclops would do what he thought was best. he may have not shown it as well as he could have, but he truly cared for those closest to him and always wanted to do what was right.

4 4. Gambit

X-Men: The Animated Series may have been most important for the development of Remy LeBeau above everyone else. He's frequently underutilized in the comics, but in demand because of the way he's brought to life in this show.

Gambit is mysterious, making him hard to trust at all times. His constant back-and-forth with Wolverine places him at the forefront frequently. His consistent pursuit of Rogue is both enticing and comical because she doesn't immediately fall for his Cajun charm.

Can't forget he's a world-class thief and can turn playing cards into powerful explosive devices. A relatively easy power to control, effective and helpful in most situations.

3 3. Jean Grey

Jean Grey is the most powerful character on the show, no two ways about it. Unfortunately, she can't put that on full display, like everyone else does with their powers. When she did, that unleashed The Phoenix. She created a lot of headache for the X-Men throughout that whole affair.

Jean's greatest characteristic is her compassion for others. Where her boyfriend Cyclops can be unforgiving, she is there to help those who've fallen astray. She is the kindest soul on the show and the perfect example of what Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters can produce.

2 2. Rogue

Anna Marie, in a way, is the opposite of Beast. While Rogue is beautiful on the outside, powers don't allow her to get close to anyone. Her constant fear of hurting those important to her, like Gambit, hold her back from letting her true self free.

However, her powers don't stop her from throwing Remy out of a car when necessary. Nor do they prevent her from taking down sentinels single-handedly, or knocking out any guy who underestimates her just because she's a pretty face.

Rogue is an easy character to get attached to, and her powers are up there with any character that appears on X-Men: The Animated Series.

1 1. Wolverine

Generally speaking, there are a handful of characters that draw people into comic book culture in the first place. Superman, Batman, and Spider-Man may be the top three. Iron Man has inserted himself into the conversation since the start of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

If the comics hadn't done the job already, X-Men: The Animated Series certainly put Wolverine among the top five. In some cases, he was likely No. 1, especially in the '90s after the show's debut.

Logan is mean, he is tough and he has a combination of highly useful and captivating powers.

And listen, bub, you better believe Wolverine had a long list of killer moments. There's the time he turned Cyclops' car into a convertible. He's also been known to take down a sentinel or two. And on more than one occasion he was the guy saving his teammates - sometimes all at once.

Also, don't forget, "The nose knows, tough guy."