All 5 versions of Rogue ranked from worst to best

Oh, Rogue, the Southern belle of the X-Men universe.

She’s as charming as a sweet tea on a hot summer day, but don't let her soft drawl fool you - Rogue packs a mighty punch. With the ability to absorb anyone’s powers, memories, and abilities with just a touch, she’s the gal you’d want on your side in a superhero brawl. But, this power comes with a catch: she can’t touch anyone without zapping them of their life force, which makes her one of the most tragically isolated members of the X-Men. Imagine having the coolest ability at the party but not being able to high-five anyone. Bummer, right?

Despite her touchy (awful pun intended) situation, Rogue never loses her zest for life. Her thick Mississippi accent and sassy one-liners make her the life of any X-Men gathering. Whether she’s lifting tanks or flying at breakneck speeds - after snagging said powers from her fellow mutants - she does it all with a smirk and probably a witty quip. Rogue’s charm isn’t just in her powers, though; it’s in the way she’s managed to keep her sense of humor and heart, even when her abilities keep her from getting too close. She’s a walking lesson in resilience, wrapped up in a spunky package with a killer Southern twang!

Let's take a look at the 5 versions of Rogue we've seen on TV and movies and rank them from worst to best.

5. X-Men: Pryde of the X-Men (1989)

In X-Men: Pryde of the X-Men, Rogue kind of feels like she's just passing through rather than sticking around. This 1989 version of our favorite power-absorbing heroine doesn't quite hit the mark, and through no fault of her own. The show was more of a blink-and-you-miss-it affair that was more of a pilot that never took off into a full series.

This Rogue didn’t get much screen time to flex her usual charm or show off the complexities that make her such a standout in other portrayals. She pops up, says her lines, and before you know it, she's out, leaving fans wishing for just a bit more Rogue magic. It’s no surprise this version is often seen chilling at the bottom of the list, like the last biscuit in the basket that no one grabbed.

4. X-Men (2000), X2: X-Men United (2003), X-Men: The Last Stand (2006)

Anna Paquin’s Rogue in the X-Men movies is a version that's stirred up quite the mix of cheers and jeers. While Paquin did a fab job of bringing Rogue to the big screen, fans of the tough-as-nails comic book version of Rogue might've been left scratching their heads. This Rogue was more the shy, unsure type, big on the teen angst but not so heavy on the mutant muscle.

Sure, she got some spotlight, especially with that whole love triangle drama with Iceman and Kitty Pryde, as well as the scenes she shared with Wolverine, but if you were hoping to see her stealing powers left and right and throwing down with the bad guys, you might have felt a tad let down. It's no wonder this portrayal lands at the second-from-bottom spot in our ranking - it’s like expecting a fireworks show and getting a sparkler instead. There was potential there but it was never fully realized.

3. Wolverine and the X-Men (2008-2009)

The Wolverine and the X-Men version of Rogue grabs the bronze medal in our X-Men lineup. In this animated adventure, Rogue isn't just flipping her hair and throwing out zingers - she's caught up in a whirlwind of emotions and tough decisions. We see her wrestling with her allegiances, flipping from the good ol’ X-Men to the rebellious Brotherhood and back.

It’s like watching a superhero soap opera, and who doesn't love a bit of drama? This Rogue is more than just a power-sucking Southern belle - she’s a complex character dealing with real issues. Her journey through loyalty, betrayal, and redemption makes her super relatable and incredibly engaging to watch. No wonder this Rogue stands out - she’s got layers like a superhero onion.

2. X-Men: The Animated Series (1992-1997), X-Men '97 (2024)

Boy, does the Rogue from X-Men: The Animated Series and X-Men '97 shine like a firework on the Fourth of July. Ranking solidly in second place, this Rogue steals the show with her sassy Southern drawl and an unshakeable confidence that's as big as the state of Texas. She's not just any mutant - she's the one with the charm and the powerhouse strength to back it up.

Flirting with danger (and Gambit and Magneto) as easily as flipping her fabulous hair, this Rogue is one of the fan favorites because she's more than just muscle and mayhem - she's got heart, a whole lot of spunk, and a magnetic presence that makes every episode better just by showing up. Whether she's lifting heavy objects or lifting spirits, Rogue is the spirited X-Woman who can do it all, making the classic animated outing a memorable hit in the X-Men saga.

1. X-Men: Evolution (2000-2003)

Alrighty, let's chat about why the X-Men: Evolution Rogue is the top-tier, number-one portrayal of our favorite mutant belle in my humble opinion. This isn’t just your everyday superhero story - in this series, Rogue isn’t just tossing around powers like party favors; she's a full-on, deep-feeling, moody teenager grappling with the gnarly side of having super abilities. Imagine being a high schooler who can’t even high-five without knocking someone out cold. What makes this Rogue the cream of the crop is how real and relatable she is. She's got all the angst and drama of a teen diary, mixed with epic power-swiping action. Watching her struggle, grow, and eventually find her mojo in the mutant world is like cheering for your best friend who just learned to fly. This Rogue is not just cool - she’s ice-cold with a heart of gold, making her hands down the best of the best in the X-Men lineup.

So, there you have it - all animated or movie versions of Rogue, the Southern gem of the X-Men, ranked. Whether she's swooping into battle or tossing out zingers, she keeps it as cool as a cucumber in a bowl of hot sauce. With her heart as big as her hair and a wit as sharp as her combat skills, Rogue reminds us all that even when life gives you a power you can't handle, you can still fly high (literally, in her case) and face it with a smile.

Stay charming, sugar.