Ranking 10 Original X-Men Movie Characters by Their Effectiveness Against Thanos

Ranking 10 Original X-Men Movie Characters by Their Effectiveness Against Thanos

The introduction of the X-Men into the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) marks a significant shift in superhero dynamics, especially regarding the events of the Infinity Saga. With the recent Fox-Disney merger and the premiere of films like Deadpool & Wolverine, mutants from the original X-Men franchise can now officially impact the MCU. Had they been involved earlier, particularly during the battle against Thanos and his Black Order, these formidable characters might have turned the tide in favor of Earth’s defenders.

The original 2000’s X-Men lineup features mutants with widely varying powers. Some offer only marginal enhancements to combat abilities, while others wield formidable capabilities that can shift the balance of any confrontation. In the context of Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame, the presence of certain mutants could have dramatically influenced the outcome of Thanos’ relentless pursuit and the overall struggle against him. Thanos is undeniably a formidable adversary, but with the right mutants, the heroes may have had a stronger chance of thwarting his ambitions.

10 Mystique

Would Struggle to Outmaneuver Thanos

Rebecca Romijn as Mystique operating a computer in X-Men (2000)

Mystique’s unique abilities allow her to perfectly mimic the appearance and voice of nearly anyone she encounters. While her impressive acting skills and martial arts training make her a potent espionage agent, her powers are ill-suited for engaging directly with Thanos. Despite her potential for infiltration, even a well-timed ambush against Thanos would likely yield little success in a direct confrontation, especially before he gains any Infinity Stones.

While she could theoretically impersonate a member of Thanos’ Black Order, the risk remains that Thanos would see through her deception, particularly given his perceptive nature. Even if she managed to distract him momentarily, there would be limited advantage given Thanos’ overwhelming strength.

9 Toad

A Limited Combatant

Storm threatening Toad with her lightning powers in X-Men 2000

Toad, often seen as a comedic relief in the X-Men universe, possesses agility and a long tongue but lacks the combat effectiveness of his peers. As one of Magneto’s subordinates, Toad’s powers include quick movements and the ability to spit corrosive goo. However, these talents provide minimal aid against Thanos and his advanced warriors. In a scenario against Thanos, Toad would serve more as an inconsequential hurdle rather than a significant threat.

Even so, there could be a slim chance for Toad to distract Thanos momentarily, possibly allowing for a more skilled hero to step in and take the fight to the Mad Titan. Yet, against an army of powerful foes, Toad remains woefully outmatched.

8 Sabretooth

An Intimidating but Limited Melee Fighter

Sabretooth (Tyler Mane) holds up his claws in X-Men 2000

Sabretooth is often depicted as a brute force in battle, utilizing his superhuman abilities in strength, agility, and enhanced senses. While he may hold his own against lower-tier foes from Thanos’ army, the fierce reality is that his relentless melee combat style falls short against a titan like Thanos, whose resilience can withstand assaults from even the mightiest heroes, such as Iron Man.

His limited healing factor, though significant, may not suffice against the overwhelming power built into Thanos’ attacks. As much as he would thrive in close combat, he may find himself easily overwhelmed.

7 Wolverine

A Stronger Option Among Ferals

Wolverine in the Weapon X bath in X-Men Origins Wolverine

In contrast to Sabretooth, Wolverine presents a formidable challenge to Thanos. He shares similar feral traits with a better-calibrated healing factor and adamantium-laced claws, which can inflict genuine damage on Thanos. Notably, Wolverine’s enhanced senses and reflexes allow him to react swiftly to threats, making him a more resilient option in combat.

However, Wolverine also faces limitations in crossing the distance to Thanos quickly, often risking becoming merely an annoyance to the titan, unless he receives support from other heroes. In concert with allies, Wolverine could definitely prove to be a worthy adversary against Thanos.

6 Storm

One of the Most Potent Mutants

Halle Berry's Storm with white eyes in X-Men

Ororo Munroe, famously known as Storm, ranks among the most powerful mutants in the X-Men universe. Her capacity to manipulate weather elements, including lightning and winds, not only makes her versatile in battle but also a significant strategic asset against an opponent such as Thanos. Storm’s control of weather systems presents a unique approach to combat similar to Doctor Strange, but with an elemental twist.

While her mastery over atmospheric phenomena may serve as a considerable advantage, the efficiency of her coordination with other heroes would be crucial in leveraging her capabilities effectively against Thanos.

5 Rogue

A Risky yet Potent Ally

Rogue going for the cure in X-Men The Last Stand

Rogue embodies one of the more complex predicaments among mutants due to her ability to absorb life energy through skin contact. This unique power presents her with an opportunity to neutralize Thanos rapidly—if she can reach him. Her ability to drain Thanos’ powers would render her immensely powerful but also holds the risk of significant consequences if misused.

Despite this potential, Rogue’s inexperience and lack of physical prowess create barriers that complicate her effectiveness in battle, making her a risky option for the team.

4 Cyclops

An Underrated Force

James Marsden's Cyclops piloting the Blackbird in X-Men

Cyclops possesses an optic blast that channels significant destructive potential. Controlled through his visor, Cyclops could unleash devastating energy capable of penetrating enemy lines efficiently. A full blast from his powers might challenge even Thanos directly, but the Mad Titan’s experience and the power of the Infinity Stones may mitigate his attacks.

Nonetheless, Cyclops would be a valuable asset, offering artillery support as the heroes engage Thanos. His presence alone could disrupt the battlefield significantly in favor of the defenders.

3 Professor X

An Indomitable Psychic Force

Professor X trying to talk down Jean Grey in X-Men The Last Stand

As the central figure of the X-Men, Professor Charles Xavier wields unparalleled telepathic powers that enable him to control and communicate with individuals at will. His abilities provide an intriguing counter against Thanos, especially considering Thanos’ previous encounters with psychic capabilities, such as when Mantis subdued him temporarily.

However, should Thanos secure the Mind Stone, Professor X’s effectiveness would be greatly compromised, posing a considerable risk to the X-Men’s strategy. If properly utilized, Xavier could potentially turn the tide of battle swiftly.

2 Magneto

A Tactical Nightmare for Thanos

Magneto played by Ian McKellen and Michael Fassbender in front of a starburst effect
Custom image by Debanjana Chowdhury

Magneto, with his unrivaled mastery over magnetism, poses a substantial threat to Thanos and his forces. His capability to manipulate metal could nullify Thanos’ biggest advantage—the Infinity Gauntlet—by potentially disarming him. This strategic response would shift the balance of power in the conflict, turning Magneto into an instrumental figure on the battlefield.

Magneto’s influence expands significantly when considering the coordination with other heroes and utilizing advanced technology against Thanos’ forces. If the X-Men deployed Magneto correctly, he could wreak havoc on Thanos’ army while undermining the titan’s strength directly.

1 Jean Grey

The Pinnacle of Power

Jean Grey as the Dark Phoenix in X-Men The Last Stand

Jean Grey stands as one of the most potent mutants ever portrayed, capable of overshadowing nearly every inhabitant in the MCU. Her evolution from a novice telekinetic to an immense powerhouse—especially in her Dark Phoenix form—marks her as a unique threat capable of reshaping the battlefield with little effort.

If involved in the Infinity Saga, Jean’s capacity for telepathy and tremendous destructive force under the influence of the Dark Phoenix could have entirely changed the narrative of Thanos’ quest for dominance. The potential for her to avert the Snap entirely suggests her unmatched might amongst the X-Men.

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