With a new animated series, X-Men '97, set to hit Disney + next year, it's clear that the X-Men are still fan favorite characters. The show will be a sequel and pick up where the 1992 show, X-Men: The Animated Series, left off.
Professor X has recruited various mutants and trained them to use their powers to fight against villains. Whether it's reading minds or super strength, each character has their own power they use in battle that has left the Marvel community wanting more. Being arguably one of the best teams of superheroes, which X-Men characters are most beloved by fans? Ranker has determined which X-Men have been the most unforgettable.
Note: Ranker lists are fan-voted, live, and continue to accrue votes, so some rankings may have changed after this publishing.
Colossus
Piotr "Peter" Rasputin better known as, Colossus, was recruited by Professor X when he was forming his second generation of X-Men. Working on a farm in Russia, Piotr learned that like his brother, he was a mutant too.
Fans are drawn to Colossus because of his caring nature. Spending most of his normal life working to care for his mom and sister gave him a soft side for humanity. Despite his giant, flesh of steel appearance, he is a compassionate character putting his own concerns aside to help his team. Only using confrontation and fighting when necessary, he tries to keep the peace with others. His tender qualities set him apart from other giant superheroes filled with rage.
Iceman
At a young age, Robert Louis "Bobby" Drake discovered he was a mutant with superhuman abilities to control the water vapor and turn himself to ice. Recruited by Professor X and Cyclops, he was the second member to join the X-Men.
Iceman is a relatable character for many fans. He deals with the mountains of work and stress from college. While some fans take on the additional stress of extra curriculum activities, he joined a team that fights evil. Being the youngest in the group makes him feel he has to prove himself to keep up with his older teammates. Sometimes getting emotional and showing his softer side, he never fails to crack a joke, even in the most inappropriate times.
Cyclops
Scott Summers earned his name Cyclops, due to his super ability of shooting optic blasts. Recruited by Professor X to join his developing team of superheroes, he became the first of the X-Men.
Experiencing many rough patches and heartbreak in life, Cyclops has won the hearts of many people. Fighting through every struggle he faces; he comes back much stronger. His persistence in never giving up and bravery helps him take charge of any situation. Through his training and life experiences, he developed a sense of responsibility and a taste of true love. His loyalty and devotion to protecting others make him a character who fans can connect with.
Professor X
Dr. Charles Francis Xavier specializes in mutant biology. To help achieve his goal of equality between mutants and humans, he starts Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters. He uses his mind-reading and mind-controlling powers for good.
Professor X brings a comforting feeling to the X-Men. He expresses his compassion and caring nature by teaching others to be their best selves and fight for their dreams. He has dedicated his life to making sure others are cared about and treated equally, putting aside his own needs. Sharing his generous wealth and knowledge he reminds fans what helping others is all about. With his passion for protecting and helping others, he serves as a mentor to everyone.
Marvel Girl/Phoenix
Jean Grey or better known as Marvel Girl, was the last X-Men and first female to join the original team. As Marvel Girl, she possesses telepathic and telekinetic powers. When she dies to save her team, the Phoenix Force takes over and she becomes Phoenix, giving her immortality.
Full of strength and intelligence Phoenix is the face of female empowerment. She faces major changes ultimately allowing her to find her true self and show off her full potential. With compassion and warmth, she protects her friends and loved ones. Putting others before herself without thinking of the consequences, proves to fans she is fearless and full of girl power.
Gambit
Remy LeBeau also known as Gambit, started as a member of the New Orleans Thieves Guild. Learning their villain-like ways he gains the reputation of a master thief. Using his power, he can change any inanimate object into an explosive device.
Known to be mysterious and charming Gambit takes on the cool guy role of the team. Making bad decisions at one point in his life he changed his life around redeeming himself and joining the X-Men. Taking in his second chance he uses his protectiveness and patience to prove he has a good heart. Even though he is on the good side of the tracks now, he still has moments of frustration and can be a bit sarcastic. Being the good guy with bits of annoyances and stress makes him a relatable character to fans.
Nightcrawler
Kurt Wagner better known as Nightcrawler is a mutant born in Germany. He has a recognizable appearance of blue skin, yellow eyes, and a pointed tail. Using his many powers, he has defeated many notorious villains.
Nightcrawler is a complex character. Not fully knowing his history and trying to find his own identity, he does some searching to find himself. Finding his home with the X-Men he shows a lot of compassion and loyalty toward his friends. Even with the negative events in his past he shows tons of optimism toward things and stays full of energy. Known to be a showman, he enjoys making people laugh by being a jokester and trickster.
Magneto
Max Eisenhardt, Magneto, is often associated as a villain to the X-Men. However, this is not actually the case. Magneto has teamed up with them to defeat common enemies. Having superpowers that come in all forms of magnetism gives him an array of abilities.
Setting his goals and running full force to achieve them, Magneto sometimes gets a bad reputation. Fighting for his beliefs with intensive strength, he can often be viewed as cruel. With his rough history in life, who could blame him for being vengeful? Having a passion for his own set of rules he is set in his way. Questioning the trust of others due to his past makes fans empathize with him.
Storm
Ororo Munroe, Storm, has often been referred to as one of the most powerful mutants on Earth. Experiencing the intense loss of her parents at a young age, she discovered that her powers can be controlled by her emotions. Controlling the weather and being able to fly, she has a set of the strongest powers on the team.
Storm brings a unique view to the team. She has experienced a rough past but, it has made her stronger than ever. Protecting her friends and team she can take on anything, fearlessly. She has compassion for others allowing her to empathize with them. She shows her strength and confidence as she steps into her leadership roles. Bringing a nature-based power and diversity to the team she brings new perspectives to fans.
Wolverine
James Howlett better known as Wolverine is one of the most notable X-Men. With the reputation of a great superhero and a violent killer, it's no wonder he is one of the hardest to defeat. With his vast abilities, he is the envy of any team.
Wolverine has a hardcore attitude. He is known for shielding his own team. He will go to no end to do what is right and save them. He is unapologetically fearless and courageous. Marching to his own beat he is invincible. His strong-willed and adventurous ways make him well-liked and admired by fans.