On Monday,The Giftedpremiered on Fox, and so far critics have had nothing but universal praise for the pilot episode set within the X-Men universe. The ratings that were just released followed that critical acceptance with plenty of viewers.
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Starring Stephen Moyer (True Blood) and Amy Acker (Alias), the series revolves around two parents who must take their family on the run from the government once they realize their children are mutants.
The series is expected to debut many new mutants within the X-Men universe that many fans have never seen before, which got us here at ComicBook.com thinking now would be an excellent time to rank the 10 best X-Men mutants!
And fair warning, reader: due to the sheer volume of both former and current X-Men members, this is a list that will undoubtedly be met with varying degrees of disagreement. With over a hundred possible candidates, it was far from easy to select only ten, and there were mutants that came very close to cracking the list.
Ultimately, we made our choices, and we’re sticking to them. Who are your favorite mutants in the X-Men? Check out the video at the top of the article to see if they cracked the list, or simply scroll on down to see who made the cut.
10. Gambit
It’s really hard to have a “10 Best” X-Men mutants list and not include the Ragin’ Cajun. What’s not to love about the guy? He’s suave, wears a cool trench coat, and always flirts with Rogue even though he knows she’ll most likely drain him of his life force.
Since first appearing in Uncanny X-Men #266, Gambit has consistently remained one of the more popular members of the team, yet he’s always floundered a bit on attempts to go out on his own. Even his rumored solo movie starring Channing Tatum can’t seem to get off the ground. But at least there have been attempts to bring him to the big screen. Is anyone trying to make a solo Strong Guy movie? Didn’t think so.
9. TIE – Colossus / Kitty Pryde
These two lovebirds have broken up and gotten back together more times than Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez. So much so, in fact, that it’s nearly impossible to think of one without the other, which is why the ninth spot is a tie between the two.
Individually, they are both powerful mutants with awesome powers — Colossus with his metal skin, and Kitty were her ability to “phase” through objects. They both bring a lot to the table as members of the team. With that said, it’s almost impossible to claim one is better than the other, and ultimately, it’s when they are together that they are at their best.
8. Rogue
The southern belle first appeared in Avengers Annual #10, and like many of the more interesting X-Men members, she began her comic book career as a villain. It didn’t take long, however, for Rogue to see the error of her ways, and she would soon have a change of heart to become a vital member of the X-Men.
She’s a perfect example of how important the Xavier Institute for Gifted Youngsters truly is in helping mutants cope with their abilities while teaching them to use their powers for the betterment of mankind.
7. Jean Grey
It’s hard to argue that few mutants have had a more lasting effect on the X-Men than Jean Grey. One of the team’s original members, Jean Grey would have probably ranked higher on this list if she hadn’t, you know, spent so much time trying to kill her teammates as the Phoenix.
Now granted, it’s not really Jean’s fault as much as she was just a vessel of sorts for the Phoenix Force, but it stands to reason that when your most famous story arc is you turning into a mega villain, then you go down a couple notches on the “best” list.
6. Deadpool
Originally, Deadpool was thought of as more of a villain, but then somewhere along the line, fans really started to appreciate the fourth wall-breaking zaniness of the “merc with a mouth,” and his popularity just skyrocketed. He’d actually probably rank higher on this list if he’d spent a little more time as a member of the team. Nearly everyone else on this list has been a part of the team for decades, so Deadpool is still a newb comparatively.
5. Storm
She rocks a white mohawk better than anyone, and, oh yeah, did we mention she can control lightning and thunder and pretty much all of the weather? Yeah, Storm is that awesome.
Perhaps no other member of the X-Men is as layered and complicated as Ororo Munroe is, though you wouldn’t know that if you’re only familiar with her portrayal by Halle Berry in the films. She’s been both a lowly thief and worshipped as a goddess, but more often than not has proven herself to be one of the most reliable members of the group.
4. Nightcrawler
Is there a cooler character in the X-Men universe than Nightcrawler?
Let’s discuss: First off, he has all of the classic traits of a villain: yellow eyes, a blue demonic appearance, and a German accent. He should be downright scary, but, in fact, he’s quite selfless, and at times, he’s downright lovable. He’s everyone’s favorite drinking buddy. Secondly, his teleportation “BAMF” is one of the more awesome mutant powers, and finally, his weapon of choice is a swashbuckling pirate sword.
Who wouldn’t want to be Nightcrawler’s best friend?
3. Professor X
Is he the coolest of the X-Men? No. Is he the flashiest? No. Charles Xavier, most of the time, can’t even walk. But without him, you simply don’t have the X-Men. He’s often considered the “Martin Luther King” of mutants, and with good reason. It’s his very beliefs and ideals that provide the foundation for the team.
He paved the way for everything the X-Men stand for, and up until very recently, provided the others with wisdom and guidance. Also? Professor X has the power to obliterate anyone he wants into nothingness with the power of his mind, and usually refrains from doing so. So, yeah…
2. Wolverine
There are mixed opinions when it comes to Logan. While the ol’ Canuck is unquestionably the most popular mutant there is, many fans also feel like he’s oversaturated the market in recent years due to Marvel’s reliance on making him the focal point of so many titles.
But let’s not forget what made Wolverine so popular in the first place: his over-the-top gruff exterior is straight out of a Clint Eastwood movie, yet this hard-ass persona he presents is almost always a defense mechanism to cover up the fact that, deep down, he’s a guy who truly cares for those he loves, and he’s more than willing to die for them. Ignore the fact that Wolverine’s nearly impossible to kill, the point is, he would die if need be. What’s more noble than that?
1. Cyclops
I know, I know…. Put your pitchforks down and hear me out. Scott Summers has been around since the beginning, debuting in The X-Men #1. Even though, traditionally, Cyclops has been one of the least popular mutants on the team, it’s hard to argue he’s become synonymous with the X-Men as their leader. While in the past he took on the role of a do-gooder “boy scout” type who was less a leader, and almost more of a sidekick to Professor X, he’s grown as a character since then.
In recent years, he’s become much more outspoken and audacious, even earning the respect of his longtime rival, Wolverine, and when Professor X is overtaken by the Phoenix Force, Cyclops is the man who puts him down.
