10 Most Impressive Displays Of Power In All 7 X-Men Movies

The X-Men franchise has delivered some of the most jaw-dropping displays of power in superhero cinema. Across seven mainline films – from X-Men (2000) to X-Men: Dark Phoenix (2019) – Marvel’s mutants have shown the incredible potential and destructive force of their abilities. Indeed, the X-Men timeline highlights how superhuman powers can awe, inspire, and devastate in equal measure.

The X-Men films span nearly two decades of storytelling, exploring themes of acceptance, prejudice, and the responsibility that comes with power. Each movie has introduced audiences to characters whose abilities defy imagination, from elemental manipulation to reality-warping destruction. By focusing on the mainline X-Men films, this article narrows in on the most iconic moments of power within the primary timeline, omitting the Deadpool and Wolverine movies. While the MCU timeline has its share of epic battles, the X-Men series carved its own niche in superhero cinema with its grounded, emotional, and often catastrophic displays of superhuman abilities.

10

Storm Takes Down Fighter Pilots

X2: X-Men United

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Storm’s power truly shines in X2: X-Men United during the intense Blackbird pursuit scene. Faced with incoming missiles, Storm summons her command of weather to unleash a series of violent tornadoes. The powerful storm she creates is not just visually spectacular but also a testament to her precision and control. By forcing fighter jets off course, she saves her team from certain death, proving her critical role within the X-Men.

Hugh Jackman was Wolverine in X-Men (2000)

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This moment captures Storm’s calm, commanding nature, depicting her as more than just a weather manipulator. She demonstrates both the destructive potential and the life-saving capacity of her abilities. As one of the most iconic mutants in the franchise, this scene in X2: X-Men United cements her status as a powerhouse, blending spectacle with narrative significance. It’s a standout sequence that combines action and character depth flawlessly.

9

Quicksilver’s Kitchen Brawl

X-Men: Days Of Future Past

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Quicksilver’s kitchen scene in X-Men: Days of Future Past is a masterclass in super-speed storytelling. As armed guards close in, Quicksilver activates his abilities, turning a potentially dire confrontation into a moment of sheer creativity. The slow-motion cinematography gives viewers a rare glimpse into his perspective, making his actions feel almost playful.

Set to Jim Croce’s “Time in a Bottle,” Quicksilver effortlessly disarms guards, redirects bullets, and rescues his teammates – all with a mischievous demeanor that’s incredibly endearing. The sequence blends humor, action, and breathtaking visuals, encapsulating why Quicksilver became a fan favorite. Beyond the entertainment value, this scene highlights the practicality and joy of his powers, showing how a mutant’s abilities can completely alter the dynamics of a situation. It remains one of the most memorable and beloved moments in the franchise.

8

Nightcrawler’s White House Attack

X2: X-Men United

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The opening scene of X2: X-Men United sets the tone for the entire film with a jaw-dropping display of Nightcrawler’s teleportation skills. Under mind control, Nightcrawler infiltrates the White House to assassinate the president, blending agility and strategy in a sequence that leaves security teams utterly helpless. The choreography masterfully combines acrobatics and bursts of teleportation, creating a dynamic and fluid action scene.

X-Men the animated Series with Magneto from X-Men '97

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This moment not only establishes Nightcrawler’s incredible power but also hints at the vulnerability beneath his actions. As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that he is a pawn in a larger plan, adding depth to his character. The scene stands out for its balance of high-stakes action and emotional complexity, making it one of the most memorable mutant displays in the franchise’s history. For a long time, this scene was considered the paragon of superhero opening scenes.

7

Magneto Lifts A Submarine

X-Men: First Class

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Magneto’s power reaches its peak in X-Men: First Class during the film’s climax when he lifts an entire submarine from the ocean’s depths. This monumental act occurs as Magneto confronts Sebastian Shaw, using his magnetic abilities to drag the massive vessel to the surface. The feat is awe-inspiring, highlighting the sheer scale of his control over metal.

This moment is not just a demonstration of strength but also a pivotal point in Magneto’s character arc. It foreshadows his transition from ally to adversary, as his anger and determination drive him to new extremes. The visual spectacle of the submarine rising from the water is matched by the emotional weight of the scene, capturing the complexity of Magneto’s motivations. It’s a defining moment that solidifies his place as one of the franchise’s most powerful and compelling characters.

6

Apocalypse Takes Control Of Cerebro

X-Men: Apocalypse

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One of the most terrifying moments in X-Men: Apocalypse occurs when the titular villain commandeers Cerebro. By taking control of Charles Xavier’s telepathic powers, Apocalypse uses the device to connect the world’s military and launches all the world’s nuclear weapons into space. This chilling sequence highlights the catastrophic potential of both Xavier’s abilities and Apocalypse’s ambitions. It underscores how even the most noble powers can be twisted under the wrong influence.

Rogue looking worried with the X-Men: The Animated Series team

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It’s truly unsettling to see the powerful and stoic Xavier being manipulated and controlled. The visuals, coupled with Xavier’s visible struggle, create a sense of dread and urgency. This scene not only establishes Apocalypse as a formidable antagonist but also serves as a reminder of the fragility of humanity when confronted with godlike power. It highlights Apocalypse’s awesome powers and ability to adapt to the modern world.

5

Magneto Moves The Golden Gate Bridge

X-Men: The Last Stand

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In X-Men: The Last Stand, Magneto delivers one of the franchise’s most jaw-dropping moments by moving the Golden Gate Bridge. In preparation for the climactic battle at Alcatraz, Magneto uses his magnetic powers to rip the iconic bridge from its foundations. The Master of Magnetism repositioned it to connect the mainland to the island while also ferrying his army of mutants.

The scale of this feat is staggering, exhibiting Magneto’s immense capabilities. It’s not just a display of raw power but also a strategic move, transforming the bridge into both a weapon and a pathway for his mutant army. This scene perfectly encapsulates Magneto’s character: a blend of revolutionary determination and destructive force. The visual effects and emotional stakes combine to make this moment unforgettable, solidifying Magneto’s reputation as one of the most powerful mutants in the X-Men universe.

4

Phoenix Destroys Apocalypse

X-Men: Apocalypse

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Jean Grey’s transformation into the Phoenix was teased in X-Men: Apocalypse when she unleashes her full power to defeat the ancient mutant. As her teammates struggle against Apocalypse, Jean steps forward, tapping into the Phoenix Force to end the battle. The resulting explosion of energy is breathtaking, both in its beauty and its destructive force. Apocalypse is disintegrated, and the sheer scale of Jean’s power becomes evident.

Psylocke and Havok in X-Men the animated series

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This moment serves as a foreshadowing of her arc in Dark Phoenix, highlighting the struggle between her humanity and her uncontrollable abilities. It’s a scene that balances character-driven storytelling with epic action, leaving a lasting impression. Jean’s decision to embrace her power at this critical moment not only saves her team but also sets the stage for future conflicts, making it one of the franchise’s most pivotal moments.

3

Magneto Moves A Stadium

X-Men: Days Of Future Past

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In X-Men: Days of Future Past, Magneto’s power takes center stage as he lifts an entire stadium and uses it to encircle the White House. This incredible act occurs during the film’s climax, as Magneto attempts to assert mutant dominance over humanity. The scene is visually breathtaking, demonstrating the sheer magnitude of his abilities. Magneto’s actions also reflect his ideology, using his powers not just as a weapon but as a statement of mutant superiority.

This Days of Future Past sequence encapsulates the central conflict of the X-Men series: the tension between coexistence and domination. By blending narrative stakes with awe-inspiring visuals, the scene reinforces Magneto’s role as both a revolutionary and a force of destruction. It’s a powerful moment that highlights the complexity of his character and the overarching themes of the X-Men franchise.

2

Phoenix Destroys Alcatraz

X-Men: The Last Stand

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Jean Grey’s transformation into the Phoenix reaches its devastating peak during X-Men: The Last Stand’s climactic battle at Alcatraz. Overwhelmed by the Phoenix Force, Jean disintegrates everything in her path, including allies and enemies alike. The visual effects capture the raw, uncontrollable nature of her power, with waves of energy radiating outward in an unstoppable surge.

This moment underscores Jean’s inner conflict as a kind-hearted individual struggling against an all-consuming force. The destruction at Alcatraz serves as a tragic reminder of the dangers of unchecked power, making this scene one of the franchise’s most emotionally charged. Jean’s rampage demonstrates her immense abilities while also laying the ground work for her ultimate sacrifice, highlighting the personal stakes within the larger narrative. It’s a poignant and unforgettable display of power and one of the highlights in X-Men: The Last Stand.

1

Magneto Destroys Auschwitz

X-Men: Apocalypse

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One of the most emotional and devastating displays of power appears in X-Men: Apocalypse with Magneto’s destruction of Auschwitz. After being coerced into joining Apocalypse’s Horsemen, Magneto is taken to the concentration camp where he was imprisoned as a child. Overcome by grief and rage, Magneto taps into his magnetic powers at an unprecedented level, dismantling the camp in a swirling storm of destruction.

This act is more than just a display of raw strength; it’s deeply symbolic. Magneto’s destruction of Auschwitz represents his attempt to obliterate the trauma and pain of his past while embracing the darkness Apocalypse has awakened in him. The scene is chilling in its intensity, blending emotional weight with a frightening demonstration of his abilities. It underscores Magneto’s tragic complexity as a character in the X-Men franchise – driven by loss, anger, and a desperate desire to reshape the world.

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    X-Men

    PG-13
    ActionAdventure Sci-FiSuperhero

    Release Date

    July 14, 2000

    Runtime

    104 Minutes

    Director

    Bryan Singer

    Writers

    Tom DeSanto, Bryan Singer, David Hayter

    Sequel(s)

    X2: X-Men United, X-Men: The Last Stand, X-Men: First Class, X-Men: Days of Future Past, X-Men Apocalypse

    Cast

    • Hugh Jackman Profile Picture

      Hugh Jackman

    • Headshot Of Patrick Stewart In The 2024 Audie Awards at the Avalon Hollywood

      Patrick Stewart

    • Headshot Of Ian McKellen In The USA Rights Only

      Ian McKellen

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    X-Men is the first film in the long-running superhero franchise centering on the iconic Marvel team. Wolverine and Professor X take center stage as they and the other X-Men attempt to stop Erik Lehnsherr (aka Magneto) after he has a violent response to the proposed Mutant Registration Act. Hugh Jackman stars as Wolverine, alongside Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen, Halle Berry, Famke Janssen, James Marsden, and Anna Paquin.

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    7.2/10

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    X2: X-Men United

    PG-13
    ActionAdventure Sci-FiSuperhero

    Release Date

    May 2, 2003

    Runtime

    134 Minutes

    Director

    Bryan Singer

    Writers

    Zak Penn, David Hayter, Bryan Singer

    Prequel(s)

    X-Men

    Cast

    • Hugh Jackman Profile Picture

      Hugh Jackman

    • Headshot Of Ian McKellen In The USA Rights Only

      Ian McKellen

    • Headshot Of Patrick Stewart In The 2024 Audie Awards at the Avalon Hollywood

      Patrick Stewart

    • Cast Placeholder Image

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    X2: X-Men United is the follow-up film to Fox’s 2000 X-Men starring Hugh Jackman, Ian McKellen, and Patrick Stewart. The film features the introduction of Colonel William Stryker (Brian Cox) as he kidnaps Charles Xavier, which leads the X-Men to team up with Magneto. Most of the cast from the original film returned for the sequel, along with the introduction of Alan Cumming’s Nightcrawler.

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    5.8/10

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    X-Men: The Last Stand

    PG-13
    ActionAdventureSuperhero

    Release Date

    May 25, 2006

    Runtime

    104 Minutes

    Director

    Brett Ratner

    Writers

    Brett Ratner

    Prequel(s)

    X-Men, X2: X-Men United

    Cast

    • Hugh Jackman Profile Picture

      Hugh Jackman

    • Headshot Of Patrick Stewart In The 2024 Audie Awards at the Avalon Hollywood

      Patrick Stewart

    • Headshot Of Ian McKellen In The USA Rights Only

      Ian McKellen

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    X-Men: The Last Stand is the third and final installment in Bryan Singer’s original X-Men trilogy. It adapts Marvel’s famous “Dark Phoenix” storyline, with Famke Janssen’s Jean Grey embracing her supernatural power to unleash chaos on mutantkind. Fox’s 2006 superhero movie brings back franchise mainstays such as Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine, Patrick Stewart’s Professor X, and Ian McKellen’s Magneto, and it introduces major mutant characters such as Kelsey Grammer’s Beast, Ben Foster’s Angel, and Vinnie Jones’ Juggernaut.

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    7.4/10

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    X-Men: First Class

    PG-13
    Sci-FiActionAdventure

    Release Date

    June 3, 2011

    Runtime

    131 minutes

    Director

    Matthew Vaughn

    Writers

    Bryan Singer, Matthew Vaughn, Zack Stentz, Jane Goldman, Ashley Miller

    Prequel(s)

    X-Men, X2: X-Men United, X-Men: The Last Stand, X-Men Origins: Wolverine

    Cast

    • Headshot Of Jennifer Lawrence In The 35th Annual GLAAD Media Awards

      Jennifer Lawrence

    • Headshot Of Caleb Landry Jones In The 80th Venice International Film Festival: ‘Dogman’ premiere.

      Caleb Landry Jones

    • Headshot Of Michael Fassbender In The UK premiere of 'Kneecap'

      Michael Fassbender

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    X-Men: First Class charts the epic beginning of the X-Men saga in the 1960s. Before mutants had revealed themselves to the world, and before Charles Xavier and Erik Lehnsherr took the names Professor X and Magneto, they were two young men discovering their powers. Before they were archenemies, they were close friends, working together with other Mutants (some familiar, some new), to prevent nuclear Armageddon. In the process, a rift between them opened, beginning the eternal war between Magneto’s Brotherhood and Professor X’s X-Men.

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    X-Men: Apocalypse

    PG-13
    SuperheroActionAdventureFantasySci-Fi

    Release Date

    May 18, 2016

    Runtime

    136 minutes

    Director

    Bryan Singer

    Writers

    Michael Dougherty, Dan Harris, Simon Kinberg, Bryan Singer

    Producers

    Hutch Parker, Josh McLaglen, Lauren Shuler Donner, Stan Lee

    Cast

    • Headshot Of Jennifer Lawrence In The 35th Annual GLAAD Media Awards

      Jennifer Lawrence

      Charles Xavier / Professor X

    • Headshot Of Michael Fassbender In The UK premiere of 'Kneecap'

      Michael Fassbender

      Erik Lehnsherr / Magneto

    • Headshot Of Nicholas Hoult

      Nicholas Hoult

      En Sabah Nur / Apocalypse

    • Cast Placeholder Image

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    X-Men: Apocalypse follows the X-Men as they confront the ancient and powerful mutant Apocalypse, who intends to unleash destruction on the world. Set against a backdrop of global threat, the team of mutants must unite to prevent his catastrophic vision from becoming reality.

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    X-Men Dark Phoenix Poster

    X-Men: Dark Phoenix

    PG-13
    Adventure Sci-FiAction

    Release Date

    June 7, 2019

    Runtime

    113 Minutes

    Director

    Simon Kinberg

    Writers

    Simon Kinberg

    Prequel(s)

    X-Men: Apocalypse, X-Men: First Class, X-Men: Days of Future Past, X-Men: The Last Stand

    Cast

    • Headshot Of Jennifer Lawrence In The 35th Annual GLAAD Media Awards

      Jennifer Lawrence

    • Cast Placeholder Image

      Tye Sheridan

    • Headshot Of Michael Fassbender In The UK premiere of 'Kneecap'

      Michael Fassbender

    • Cast Placeholder Image

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    In this continuation of the rebooted X-Men movie series, Jean Grey begins to develop incredible powers that corrupt and turn her into a Dark Phoenix. Now, the X-Men will have to decide if the life of a team member is worth more than all the people living in the world.

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    X-Men Days of Future Past Movie Poster

    X-Men: Days of Future Past

    pg-13
    Action Sci-Fi

    Release Date

    May 22, 2014

    Runtime

    132minutes

    Director

    Bryan Singer

    Writers

    Simon Kinberg

    Prequel(s)

    X-Men: The Last Stand, X2: X-Men United, X-Men, X-Men: First Class

    Cast

    • Hugh Jackman Profile Picture

      Hugh Jackman

    • Headshot Of James McAvoy

      James McAvoy

    • Headshot Of Michael Fassbender In The UK premiere of 'Kneecap'

      Michael Fassbender

    • Cast Placeholder Image

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    The fifth installment in the X-Men movie franchise, X-Men: Days of Future Past, is a time-traveling superhero film that takes place between two points in time in the series. With mutants (and almost humans) on the brink of extinction due to the Sentinel robot menace, the last remnants of the X-Men send Logan back in time to stop the assassination of the man who created the Sentinels to save their future from certain doom.

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