10 Saddest X-Men Deaths In Marvel Movies & TV Shows

Spoiler alert! This article contains spoilers for X-Men ’97 Episode 5 “Remember It”

The X-Men franchise has proffered some of the saddest deaths in comic book movie and television history. The X-Men franchise boasts numerous movies and television series depicting Marvel’s famed mutant heroes. Even X-Men ’97 has included some devastating losses, surprising many viewers with some high-profile mutant deaths, proving that even the most powerful X-Men may fall victim in their quest for mutant acceptance.

The X-Men movie and television franchise began with the 1990s X-Men: The Animated Series, which brought the mutants to life in stunning animated adventures. This has subsequently been revived by X-Men ’97, recommencing the narrative just months later. Meanwhile, several movies have depicted the X-Men team, including an original trilogy, a prequel series, and Wolverine’s solo trilogy. There have been many upsetting deaths in each of these, with the very saddest standing as some of the most poignant moments in the superhero genre.

10

Ice Man Sacrifices Himself To Save Rogue

X-Men: Days of Future Past – The Rogue Cut (2014)

In X-Men: Days of Future Past – The Rogue Cut, Iceman’s sacrifice was a poignant and heartbreaking moment that left a lasting impact on viewers. As the mutants face insurmountable odds in a dystopian future, Iceman, portrayed by Shawn Ashmore, and Magneto mount a daring heist to free Rogue from the Sentinels, which culminates in the trio being attacked. Iceman heroically used his powers to hold back the Sentinels, allowing Magneto and Rogue a chance to escape.

Iceman’s death scene in Days of Future Past – The Rogue Cut is imbued with emotional weight as Iceman honorably lays down his life, knowing that his actions may be in vain but choosing to sacrifice himself for the greater good nonetheless. Iceman’s bravery and selflessness resonated deeply, leaving a profound sense of loss after his startling death, making it one of the saddest and most noble in the X-Men movies.

9

Mystique Is Killed By Phoenix

Dark Phoenix (2019)

In Dark Phoenix, the demise of Mystique, portrayed by Jennifer Lawrence, was a heartrending moment that resonated deeply with audiences. Mystique was shockingly impaled on a broken fence during a confrontation with Jean Grey, possessed by the Phoenix. After several appearances in the X-Men prequels, Mystique has become a beloved and complex character. Her evolution from a conflicted anti-hero to a pivotal member of the X-Men fostered a strong bond with audiences, making her loss incredibly upsetting.

Mystique’s death in Dark Phoenix carried significant emotional weight, surpassing even Jean Grey’s death at the film’s conclusion. While Jean’s death was undeniably sad, it also felt unavoidable, meaning that in some ways it was Mystique’s death instead that left a lasting impression. Jennifer Lawrence’s portrayal brought depth and vulnerability to the character, carefully navigating a balance between hero and villain. This fostered a deeper affinity, enhancing the impact of her death.

8

Professor Charles Xavier Is Killed By Phoenix

X-Men: The Last Stand (2006)

The death of Professor Charles Xavier in X-Men: The Last Stand stands as a profoundly poignant moment in the franchise, evoking a sense of profound sadness and loss. Xavier’s death, at the hands of Jean Grey in her Phoenix persona, marks a tragic culmination of her descent into darkness, as she succumbs fully to her immense powers. The scene is heart-wrenching as Xavier, portrayed by the venerable Patrick Stewart, reaches out to Jean with reassurances, his voice carrying a potent sense of calm among the chaos.

Xavier’s repeated imploring that “it’s okay” underscores the tragedy substantially, as he meets his demise at the hands of his former protégé while trying to comfort her. Xavier’s death not only signifies the loss of a beloved character but also represents a pivotal moment in the film’s narrative. Xavier’s death in X-Men: The Last Stand set the stage for the climactic conflict between the X-Men and the Phoenix.

7

Jean Grey Is Killed By Wolverine

X-Men: The Last Stand (2006)

Jean Grey’s tragic death in X-Men: The Last Stand struck a deep emotional chord. When the uncontrollable Phoenix emerges within her, Jean’s struggle for control reaches its devastating climax. The moment of Jean’s clarity, where she begs Wolverine to end her suffering, imbues her death with a heartbreaking inflection. Wolverine, grappling with the weight of his decision, reluctantly fulfills her request, further intensifying the emotional impact.

Jean Grey’s death in X-Men: The Last Stand resonates profoundly, not only due to its sorrowful nature but also because of her prominent role in the X-Men franchise, portrayed by Famke Janssen. Having appeared in multiple films, her character was deeply entrenched in the hearts of viewers. Witnessing her passing at the hands of a fellow X-Man, especially one who loved her as much as Wolverine, added layers of complexity to the emotional turmoil surrounding her passing.

6

Morph Is Killed By The Sentinels

X-Men: The Animated Series (1992-1997)

The debut episode of X-Men: The Animated Series featured a shocking narrative – the tragic demise of Morph, a member of the X-Men team. His untimely death served as a powerful catalyst for the series’ overarching narrative and left a profound impact on audiences, setting an emotional tone that resonated throughout the show’s run. Morph’s death was a bleak reminder of the dangers faced by mutants in a world filled with prejudice and hostility.

Morph’s sacrifice highlighted the gravity of the X-Men’s mission and deepened the bonds between the remaining team members. Morph’s death rallied the X-Men, who vowed to honor his memory and continue the fight for mutant rights. Morph’s death was, of course, retconned in X-Men: The Animated Series season 2, but his initial death remains a pivotal moment in the series, symbolizing the sacrifices made by heroes in the pursuit of justice and acceptance.

5

Gambit Is Killed Sentinels

X-Men ’97 (2024-)

In the climactic scene of X-Men ’97 episode 5 “Remember It,” Gambit makes a heroic sacrifice to thwart a wild Sentinel and save Genosha, tragically losing his life in the process. Bravely facing the Sentinel alone, Gambit is impaled by its metal arm but defiantly channels his kinetic energy into it. The resulting explosion destroys the Sentinel, saving Genosha. Rogue discovers his lifeless form and mourns his passing, echoing their poignant final exchange: “I can’t feel you.”

This poignant moment recalls their earlier conversation about their inability to physically connect, deepening the emotional impact of Gambit’s demise. As an undisputed fan-favorite from X-Men: The Animated Series, Gambit’s death in X-Men ’97 is particularly devastating, further underscoring the tragic loss felt by both the characters and the audience. The episode’s title, “Remember It” even recalls a famed line of dialogue from X-Men: TAS: “The name is Gambit, remember it!”

4

Magneto’s Family Are Killed By Police

X-Men: Apocalypse (2016)

In X-Men: Apocalypse, the tragic loss of Magneto’s family was a poignant and emotionally resonant moment. After retreating to a quiet life, Erik Lehnsherr’s attempt to live peacefully is shattered when his wife and daughter are killed by police officers. The scene is gut-wrenching as Magneto cradles his daughter’s lifeless body, his anguish palpable in every frame. The lingering shots of Magneto’s devastated expression underscore the depths of his sorrow and the weight of his grief, which he subsequently violently unleashes on the police officers.

Magneto’s pain in this X-Men: Apocalypse scene is visceral, perfectly portrayed by Michael Fassbender. The juxtaposition of Magneto’s immense power with his vulnerability at this moment added nuanced layers to his character, showcasing the complexity of his emotions. This portrayal humanized Magneto, reminding viewers that beneath his formidable exterior lies a man grappling with profound sorrow and loss.

3

Magneto Is Killed By Sentinels

X-Men ’97 (2024-)

In a poignant moment before Gambit’s pivotal strike against the Sentinel in X-Men ’97 episode 5, Magneto valiantly defends the Morlocks, becoming the target of the towering machine due to his Omega-level powers. Despite his efforts, Magneto’s protective barrier ultimately fails, leading to a devastating explosion. As he reassures the frightened Morlocks with the words “Do not be afraid” in German, his resilience is evident, but it’s not enough to save him.

Magneto’s apparent demise was seemingly confirmed when the Sentinel declared the elimination of the Omega-level threat. Magneto’s death was so upsetting because of how powerful the character truly is, seemed invincible until his final moments. Yet, the possibility of Magneto’s resurrection looms, offering a glimmer of hope among the sorrow of losing such a pivotal figure in the X-Men’s struggle for mutant rights.

2

Xavier Is Killed By X24

Logan (2017)

In Logan, Professor Charles Xavier’s death was a poignant moment that left a profound impact on audiences. The once mighty and revered leader of the X-Men is portrayed in a vulnerable state, grappling with dementia and struggling to maintain control over his powerful psychic abilities. Xavier’s confusion serves as a stark reminder of his declining mental faculties, highlighting the heartbreaking reality of his frailty in old age.

As Logan, his longtime friend and caretaker, witnesses Xavier’s demise, the emotional weight of the scene is palpable. Xavier’s death represents the end of an era, signaling the loss of a beloved mentor and father figure to mutantkind. The tragedy of Xavier’s death in Logan is compounded by the sense of helplessness felt by both Logan and the audience, as they watch a once indomitable hero succumb to the ravages of time and illness.

1

Wolverine Dies Heroically

Logan (2017)

Wolverine’s death scene in Logan is an emotional gut-punch that reverberates throughout the X-Men franchise. Hugh Jackman’s portrayal of the iconic mutant for nearly two decades has endeared him to audiences, making his final moments all the more sorrowful. As Wolverine succumbs to his wounds while defending a group of mutant children, his death is not only heroic but also profoundly tragic – marking the end of an era for the audience who had grown up watching Jackman’s portrayal.

Logan’s raw and gritty portrayal, coupled with Jackman’s powerful performance, amplified the emotional impact of Wolverine’s demise. His sacrificial act to protect the next generation of mutants underscored his journey from reluctant loner in X-Men (2000) to selfless protector in Logan. In the wake of Wolverine’s death, the X-Men franchise mourns the loss of one of its most beloved and enduring characters, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest heroes in mutant history.