3. X2
- Release Year: 2003
- Director: Bryan Singer
- Cast: Patrick Stewart, Hugh Jackman, Ian McKellen, Halle Berry, Famke Janssen, James Marsden, Rebecca Romijn-Stamos, Brian Cox, Alan Cumming, Bruce Davison, and Anna Paquin
X2 is the sequel to X-Men, and it was released in theaters in 2003. We’re coming up on the 20-year anniversary of the X2 premiere on April 24, 2023. For 20 years old, this movie absolutely holds up as one of the best X-Men movies we’ve seen to date. I imagine it will remain that way for some time.
Building on the success of the first X-Men movie, X2 tells the story of the X-Men as they face off against the military scientist, William Stryker, who seeks to eradicate mutants from the world. As Stryker’s forces attack the X-Mansion, the X-Men must team up with their former enemy, Magneto, to stop Stryker’s plan and save mutants.
One of my favorite parts of the first two movies of the X-Men franchise is how the first film puts Professor X and Magneto at odds. Then, in the second movie, they are forced to work together.
X2 grossed more than $400 million in the box office. Honestly, I thought it performed better than that, but it was a different time after all. X2 is so good. You just have to rewatch this movie for the 20th anniversary in April 2023.