All 10 Hugh Jackman Wolverine movies ranked from worst to best (including Deadpool 3)

All 10 Hugh Jackman Wolverine movies ranked from worst to best (including Deadpool 3)

As a long-time fan of the X-Men franchise and Wolverine in particular, I must say that my journey through these films has been nothing short of exhilarating! From the early days of the original trilogy to the more recent outings like Deadpool and Wolverine, each movie has brought its own unique flavor to the table.


In a thrilling comeback, Hugh Jackman once again embodies the role of Wolverine, surpassing all expectations! The esteemed actor reprised his iconic character in the film “Deadpool and Wolverine“, marking the legendary hero’s entry into the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Needless to say, fans are ecstatic about this return.

Back in 2000, I first saw Hugh Jackman bring Logan to life on the big screen in X-Men, and boy, did it make an impact! It ignited a long-lasting franchise phenomenon that’s still going strong today. His portrayal of Wolverine was critically acclaimed, with many considering it the standout element of the Fox film series. Honestly, it’s tough to find fault with that assessment. So popular was he, in fact, that he got his own trilogy of Wolverine movies spun off from the main X-Men series.

In 2017’s “Logan”, his stint as the character concluded, offering a gripping, tender, and emotional finale for both Wolverine’s storyline and the contemporary X-Men film series. However, we were surprised when Jackman revealed that he would be reprising his role as the adamantium-clawed mutant in “Deadpool and Wolverine”.

However, let’s compare the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) journey of Wolverine with his past big-screen battles. We’ll rate each movie featuring Jackman to determine where it ranks!

All 10 Hugh Jackman Wolverine movies ranked from worst to best (including Deadpool 3)

10. X-Men: Apocalypse

In summary, although “X-Men: Apocalypse” isn’t the poorest X-Men film overall, it ranks last in this specific list for two main reasons. Firstly, it struggles somewhat with its interpretation of the Apocalypse storyline and overstays its welcome by being excessively long. Secondly, it offers limited screen time for Wolverine, which isn’t necessarily a negative aspect, but makes it challenging to evaluate its effectiveness as a Wolverine-centric film.

In an unexpected twist for fans of X-Men prequels, Hugh Jackman makes a surprise appearance as Logan – a character typically associated with older versions of the characters – during a scene set at Stryker’s facility where the team is imprisoned. Confused about his identity due to lost memories, Logan erupts into a violent rage, slaughtering soldiers indiscriminately. However, Jean Grey manages to jog his memory, enabling him to flee into the darkness.

As a longtime fan of the X-Men franchise, I must say that the moment in the prequel films where Hugh Jackman made an appearance was truly a delightful surprise. Coming from someone who has watched every single film adaptation of this beloved series since the early 2000s, it was refreshing to see the creators finding another innovative way to include Jackman’s iconic character in the storyline. While I appreciated the unique twist, I couldn’t help but feel that it wasn’t quite a full-fledged Wolverine movie. But overall, it was still a fun and enjoyable addition to the Apocalypse adaptation.

All 10 Hugh Jackman Wolverine movies ranked from worst to best (including Deadpool 3)

9. X-Men Origins: Wolverine

As a gamer, I’ve got to say that despite the bad rep it gets, the X-Men film you might not hear much praise for – X-Men Origins: Wolverine – is surprisingly underrated. This movie, you guessed it, dives deep into the origins of our beloved Logan, a role expertly portrayed by Troye Sivan in his youthful flashbacks. The legendary Hugh Jackman reprises his role as the grown-up Logan, marking the beginning of this film that charts the transformation of the mutant we all know as Wolverine from his initial X-Men movie appearance into the indestructible adamantium-bearing warrior he became.

The movie deviated from the traditional comic book narrative in several ways, not all of which were favorably accepted. While Liev Schreiber’s portrayal of Victor Creed was highly lauded, his character differed significantly from the Sabretooth we knew from the X-Men films, a difference that wasn’t warmly received. The script earned mixed opinions, and some special effects drew criticism.

Hugh Jackman’s performance serves as the binding force in this film. He delivers an outstanding portrayal in the lead role, demonstrating that Wolverine, the dependable X-Man, is more than capable of carrying a movie on his own. His impactful presence was crucial to the film’s success, and it set the stage for its two successful sequels as well.

8. X-Men: First Class

In “X-Men: First Class,” Wolverine’s screen time is minimal compared to other X-Men films, with his brief appearance consisting mainly of him exchanging sharp words with Charles Xavier and Erik Lehnsherr. Despite the limited Wolverine content, this movie stands out as a fantastic film on its own merit. However, due to its reduced focus on Wolverine, it ranks lower on this particular list.

Introduced in 2011, the film “First Class” served as a fresh start for the X-Men series, although Wolverine’s adventures continued independently through his trilogy. By being set in earlier times, it functioned as a prequel to the original trilogy, offering insights into how Professor Charles Xavier and Magneto assembled their mutant team, capable of saving the world and demonstrating their heroic qualities.

In typical fashion of X-Men narratives, the tales never follow a simple path, instead weaving intricate plots that highlight the contrast between Professor X and Magneto’s strategies. This constant dilemma forces readers to decide where their allegiance lies on the battlefield. It’s captivating and keeps you invested, as you find yourself supporting the X-Men for victory while also sympathizing with Magneto’s motivations behind his cold, strategic actions.

7. X-Men: The Last Stand

The movie titled “X-Men: The Last Stand” marked the conclusion of the initial trilogy in the X-Men film series. However, its ending wasn’t entirely satisfactory as it struggled to handle two significant storylines from the Marvel Comics simultaneously, which ultimately weakened both narratives. While it may not be as terrible as critics initially claimed, it unfortunately failed to deliver a compelling tale for either of these stories, each of which could have benefited from more focused treatment.

The main event revolved around Jean Grey’s resurrection and her metamorphosis into Dark Phoenix. This led her to perform horrific actions against those dear to her and ally with Magneto. Simultaneously, the emergence of a supposed mutant “cure” that stripped mutants of their powers was gaining traction. In this narrative, Wolverine played a pivotal role as he endeavored to safeguard the X-Men. Notably, he was the one with the resilience needed to approach Jean and Magneto in an effort to halt them.

The movie titled “X-Men: The Last Stand” was initially underestimated, but has gained more recognition from viewers over time since its debut. Although it has some flaws, it’s an engaging film that manages to maintain interest and quality throughout its entire run.

6. The Wolverine

As a devoted X-Men fan, I was thrilled when the franchise opted to delve into prequels, offering a chance to revisit familiar ground post-X-Men: The Last Stand. In The Wolverine, we find ourselves with Logan, who’s still grappling with Jean Grey’s loss. An opportunity arises for him to meet an old friend on the verge of death, and despite his reservations, he embarks on a journey to Japan in search of closure. Unfortunately, this voyage introduces a fresh danger that The Wolverine must confront, even as he shields innocents who’ve found themselves ensnared in the conflict.

In this rendition, “The Wolverine” stands out as an exceptionally engaging Logan tale, possibly the most captivating on screen so far. The character undergoes significant trials, both psychologically and physically, which gradually weigh upon him as he ponders his impending demise. This narrative serves as a prelude to the fights he encounters in the 2017 sequel “Logan,” while also presenting a rich and intricate storyline that deserves more recognition for its potency – a facet we often overlook.

While it’s acknowledged that the third act seemed less engaging compared to the rest of the film, largely due to the unexpected shift from a personal narrative to a battle between Logan and a giant robot over immortality. This sudden change in direction felt somewhat out of place and weakened the compelling storyline established earlier. Nevertheless, despite this questionable transition, the movie overall showcases impressive qualities that warrant more recognition.

5. X-Men

Let’s revisit where the X-Men storyline originated with the initial film from the franchise, released back in 2000. This movie was a significant milestone for the superhero genre, revitalizing it after the less successful Batman and Robin had seemingly set it back. The question then arose: Could comic book characters make the transition into the new millennium? Movies like Blade and X-Men proved that they could, laying the groundwork for future hits such as Spider-Man and Batman Begins in the early 2000s.

The X-Men film stands as a more mature and thought-provoking take on superhero movies compared to modern ones, delving into themes found in the original comics. Despite some criticism regarding the costumes not being entirely faithful to the source material, they contributed significantly to the movie’s success by appealing to a broader audience (given that black leather suits were popular in action films at the time). It’s possible that this adaptation played a crucial role in establishing the X-Men as blockbuster hits.

One problem with the initial X-Men films is they tend to focus heavily on Wolverine, making them more of a solo story rather than an ensemble piece. However, this gave Hugh Jackman the perfect opportunity to shine, as he provided a captivating, multi-dimensional performance that closely mirrored the original character. It was a strong foundation for both the series and the iconic portrayal of Wolverine.

4. X2: X-Men United

In the second installment of the X-Men series, known as X2: X-Men United, they significantly expanded on what made the first film successful, particularly in terms of Wolverine’s role. This meant that Logan was given an even greater prominence, and they explored his backstory more deeply. The franchise had previously hinted at these origins, but this movie went further by revealing how he came to be known as Weapon X, the man behind this transformation being Colonel William Stryker, who also erased Wolverine’s memories in the process.

The reaction to the 2003 film was largely favorable, and it’s not hard to understand why numerous people believe it stands among the exceptional sequels that surpass its original. It manages to expand and improve upon its predecessor, yet maintains a personal touch, especially for Logan’s storyline. The film’s climactic battle is one of the series’ most daring accomplishments, and they executed it exceptionally well (an even more impressive feat given that there weren’t many blueprints for large-scale superhero films in the 2000s).

Once more, the balance of screen time among the characters in the group was debatable, however given that this film was primarily focused on Wolverine (and exceptionally well-executed as such) and Jackman shone brilliantly under the limelight, it can be overlooked. The second installment proved to be a success for the series; after this, there was no looking back. The mutants continued to scale new heights on the silver screen, leaving an indelible mark in film history along the way.

3. X-Men: Days of Future Past

In the thrilling tale of X-Men: Days of Future Past, I found myself immersed in a breathtaking fusion of the franchise’s rich history and exciting new chapters. As a fan, it was awe-inspiring to see characters from the original trilogy mingling with those from the prequel spinoffs, all woven into a narrative that unfolded across two distinct timeframes. The linchpin of this intricate web was none other than Logan, who, in a desperate bid for survival, was dispatched from a dystopian future to interact with his past self and the X-Men of yesteryears. This time-travel adventure not only offered an exhilarating ride but also underscored the enduring relevance of the X-Men saga.

Ever since the epic conclusion of the original X-Men trilogy, there was this lingering curiosity about where the franchise was heading. We had the Wolverine movies and the prequel film, X-Men: First Class, but it all felt like pieces of a puzzle yet to be assembled. Well, here we are now, with this movie serving as that missing piece. It seamlessly ties together the past chapters, creating a fresh narrative – one that not only continues the X-Men saga but also rectifies some mistakes made in the final installment, The Last Stand.

As a dedicated gamer of the X-Men cinematic universe, I must admit that there were numerous peaks throughout their movie adventures. However, none have surpassed the perfection that this particular film achieved. It was pulse-pounding, captivating, and nerve-wracking, keeping me on tenterhooks from start to finish while showcasing the brilliance of its ensemble cast. Moreover, it provided a satisfying conclusion to the original X-Men narrative, paving the way for an exciting new chapter in the saga. To top it off, it delivered an exceptional adaptation of one of the X-Men’s most iconic storylines.

All 10 Hugh Jackman Wolverine movies ranked from worst to best (including Deadpool 3)

2. Deadpool and Wolverine

The long-awaited moment had arrived: Hugh Jackman stepped into the famous yellow and blue costume straight from the comics, this time for the Marvel Cinematic Universe alongside Deadpool. With expectations skyrocketing and Marvel enthusiasts worldwide on tenterhooks, everyone hoped, waited, and prayed that the pairing of Deadpool and Wolverine would be satisfying. To the delight of fans everywhere, it exceeded all anticipation – and surpassed even those high hopes.

As a devoted fan, I couldn’t contain my excitement when Hugh Jackman returned to his iconic role as Logan after a seven-year hiatus. Given that “Logan” was flawlessly crafted, the anticipation for a perfect reprise was palpable. And let me tell you, seeing him back in the suit exceeded all expectations! It was exactly what we’d all been yearning for. Hugh Jackman continues to solidify his place as the ultimate embodiment of that character, leaving no doubt in anyone’s mind.

Apart from their tale being engaging, it effectively suited the grand personas of both characters. It kept us captivated for the full two hours, offering nothing but raw, undiluted fun – precisely what one expects from a Deadpool and Wolverine film.

All 10 Hugh Jackman Wolverine movies ranked from worst to best (including Deadpool 3)

1. Logan

Hugh Jackman’s first stint as Wolverine concluded in a poignant manner with the 2017 film, Logan. This movie was inspired by the “Old Man Logan” storyline from Marvel Comics and took on a more somber, realistic tone, resembling a traditional Western film rather than a typical superhero flick. The outcome was truly exceptional, providing an unforgettable cinematic experience.

Under the guidance of director James Mangold, this poignant narrative unfolds with a weary Logan, who, having lived and fought for many years, is now grappling with the repercussions of his action-packed life and the toxicity of Adamantium in his system. However, at his most fragile, he finds himself responsible for safeguarding a youthful clone – essentially, a daughter figure – from a colder, more emotionless, superior variant of himself. One is an innocent child, while the other is a remorseless replica of Logan, engineered for destruction.

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but express my profound admiration for “Logan,” a poignant tale that serves as the swansong for the world’s top X-Man. This weary, near-extinct X-Man, played masterfully by Hugh Jackman, finds himself in a bleak world that once embraced him and his comrades, but now turns its back. Yet, amidst despair, this dying X-Man seizes one last opportunity to embody heroism. This film is an adrenaline-pumping, brutal, and powerfully moving experience, showcasing the pinnacle of Hugh Jackman’s acting prowess.

It is, without a doubt, the best Wolverine movie ever made.

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2024-08-05 15:32

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