While the X-Men movies were about the large ensemble of mutant heroes, it was not hard to see which character became the center of attention. Logan aka Wolverine was already a fan-favorite character from the comics and Hugh Jackman’s performance only helped to make him more iconic.
Though Wolverine might have overshadowed his fellow X-Men, it was understandable why the movies chose to focus on him. He was a badass, tragic, and entertaining character with a number of memorable quotes that cement him as the best hero in the X-Men movies.
10 A Survivor
“A Lot Of People Have Tried To Kill Me, And I’m Still Here.” (The Wolverine)
Even as the star of the show, the movies have really only scratched the surface of Wolverine’s journey. He has lived an exceptionally long life that has been filled with violence. Yet through it all, he still emerges above all his enemies.
In The Wolverine, Logan finds himself surrounded by enemies while in Japan with only Yukio as his new ally. When she expresses concern about him facing the constant danger, Logan assures her that danger is just part of his life.
9 Butting Heads With Cyclops
Wolverine: “Hey It’s Me.” Cyclops: “Prove It.” Wolverine: “You’re A D***.” (X-Men)
While the X-Men are a team, Logan is an interesting lone-wolf member who isn’t afraid to show his dislike for his teammates, especially Cyclops. The dynamic between these two is very entertaining and shows Logan’s rebellious side.
When fighting the shape-shifter Mystique, it becomes unclear who can be trusted. When Cyclops asks for proof that Logan is really who he appears to be, Logan responds by insulting him in a way that only Logan would do, satisfying Cyclops’s doubts.
8 Seeing Cerebro For The First Time
“It Certainly Is A Big Round Room.” (X-Men)
The family dynamics between the X-Men can be quite touching, but it is also fun to see an outsider like Logan being brought into the fold. It is especially funny how quickly he likes to shut down everything they built in a very dismissive way.
When Professor X shows off his incredibly advanced program, Cerebro, a machine that has the ability to locate anyone anywhere in the world, Logan lets it be known that he is not very impressed by it.
7 Protecting The School
“You Picked The Wrong House, Bub.” (X2: X-Men United)
As much as Logan might not like playing as a team member, that doesn’t mean he isn’t there for his fellow mutants when they need him. X2: X-Men United shows Logan growing into that role as a protector as he looks after some of the younger students when the mansion is attacked.
When one of the mercenaries attempts to take out Bobby Drake, Logan gets the drop on him. He growls, “You picked the wrong house, bub,” and proceeds to make good on that threat by single-handedly taking out the entire squad.
6 Leading The Team
“Then We Stand Together. X-Men, All Of Us.” (X-Men: The Last Stand)
As the movies continue, Logan becomes more of a willing member of the X-Men and even a leader. Though X-Men: The Last Stand is not a favorite among fans of the franchise, it did see Logan really step up and take charge with the young team of mutants.
As the heroes prepare to go into battle, Logan quite uncharacteristically gives a strong inspirational speech where he acknowledges the danger they are facing, but unites the team and truly embraces being an X-Man.
5 The Beast Within Him
“You Know, Sometimes When You Cage The Beast It Gets Angry.” (X-Men: The Last Stand)
The X-Men movies often explore the injustices the mutant community face in society and Wolverine is one of the best examples of the evil humanity is capable of. He was used as a pawn and experimented on to turn him into a weapon.
The experience is largely what causes Logan to embrace his animal instincts. When he sees Professor X attempting to control Jean Grey and her Phoenix powers, he is able to recognize those dangers as he is always in touch with that beast within him.
4 Threatening Sabretooth
“I’m Going To Cut Your God**** Head Off, See If That Works.” (X-Men Origins: Wolverine)
Logan is capable of being a noble and just hero at times, but he is also thrilling because of how vicious he can also be. He is certainly one of the most brutal X-Men and has no issues with violence if he is pushed to a breaking point.
When confronting his old foe Sabretooth, Logan is out for blood and not willing to show any mercy. Since Sabretooth has the same healing abilities, he questions how Logan will kill him. Logan responds, “I’m going to cut your god**** head off, see if that works.”
3 Short But Sweet
“Go F*** Yourself.” (X-Men: First Class)
X-Men: First Class was the first movie in the franchise in which Wolverine didn’t play a major role. However, in a cameo that lasts only a few seconds and features him delivering only a single line, he nearly stole the whole show.
When young Professor X and Magneto are recruiting mutants for their team, they find Logan in a bar and politely approach him. As soon as they introduce themselves, Logan responds with a curt, “Go f*** yourself” and they promptly leave. It demonstrates that lovable gruffness about the character that works so well.
2 Teaching Laura
“Don’t Be What They Made You.” (Logan)
Logan served as the perfect farewell movie for this iconic character and Jackman’s final performance in the role. Not only did the R-rated adventure allow them to embrace the dark aspects of the character, but it also featured an emotional relationship between Logan and the young mutant Laura.
For much of the movie, Laura seems to be a younger version of Logan, a violent mutant experimented on by the government. At the end of the movie, as Logan succumbs to his wounds and die, he is able to redeem himself by saving Laura and he gives her this heartbreaking advice as he dies, reminding her that, just because they made her into a monster doesn’t mean that’s what she is.
1 His Tragedy
“Nature Made Me A Freak. Man Made Me A Weapon. And God Made It Last Too Long.” (Logan)
Perhaps the reason Logan is such an interesting character is because of the tragic nature of his story. Logan really explored this aspect of him and this line perfectly speaks to how heartbreaking his journey has been.
While his healing ability is valuable to him as a fighter, he also sees it as a curse. His life has been filled with pain and regret which he is unable to escape. This final adventure finds him as a broken man, but with one last chance to prove himself a hero.
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