Top 10 X Men The Animated Series Episodes
Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we’ll be looking at the most celebrated and groundbreaking episodes of the original “X-Men: The Animated Series.” Beware, there will be mutant-sized spoilers ahead! Which episode of “X-Men: The Animated Series” made you a fan? Did we miss any standout stories? Share your picks in the comments below!
#10: "Night of the Sentinels: Part One"
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It’s quite fitting that one of the best episodes of “X-Men: The Animated Series” is the program’s first ever! The story focused on teenage foster child, Jubilee, as she runs away from home to evade the Mutant Control Agency. After a terrorizing attack from a Sentinel at a shopping mall, Jubilee is not only saved by a group of uncanny superheroes, but is taken in by them. It’s then that we are introduced to Professor X and his School for Gifted Youngsters. From the iconic characters on display to an epic theme song, the action-packed pilot truly was everything comic book fans were looking for in a cartoon adaptation of their beloved X-Men. Of course, the best was yet to come!
#9: "Till Death Do Us Part: Part One"
Much like the series’ premiere episode, the first episode of season 2 also made quite the impact. That’s because it featured the wedding of fan favorite characters Scott Summers (Cyclops), and Jean Grey. But that’s not the only reason this episode stands out. It’s also the first complete appearance of X-Men baddie, Mister Sinister. And, with anti-mutant sentiments at a fever pitch, we get up-close looks at some of the show’s political figures: President Robert Kelly and controversial mutant cynic, Graydon Creed. Add in the return of the presumed dead Morph, and you’ve got one heck of a way to kick off the show’s second season!
#8: "One Man’s Worth: Part One"
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Nobody does time travel like the X-Men! In this season four episode, "One Man's Worth Part One” kicked off a wildly compelling story that presented plenty of new dynamics for our heroes. Inspired by the “Age of Apocalypse” comic book event, the episode begins in an alternate timeline where Professor X is deceased, and the X-Men are led by the vengeful Magneto. Enter time travelers Bishop and Shard to prevent Professor Xavier’s execution. What proceeds is nothing short of classic X-Men fare. Along with familiar themes around prejudice and salvation, this episode showed that “X-Men: The Animated Series” was not afraid to tackle incredibly ambitious story arcs.
#7: "The Cure"
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If you’re looking for the most riveting episode of “X-Men: The Animated Series,” you perhaps don’t need to look any further than season one’s ninth episode. This emotionally wrought tale centers around Rogue and her tragic inability to touch anyone due to her powers. We quickly learn that not all mutants see their powers as a gift. Seeking out a cure for the mutant X-gene, our Southern Belle hero eventually comes to embrace who she is – despite the excruciating loneliness her power brings. It’s a surprisingly powerful journey and is also an example of how “X-Men: The Animated Series” often tackled storylines better than the X-Men feature films did. Yes, we’re looking at you “X-Men: The Last Stand.”
#6: "Nightcrawler"
“X-Men: The Animated Series” was beloved, in part, for its excellent character introductions. And, in this episode, we are given a fitting introduction to the standout X-Men character, Nightcrawler. While on vacation in a provincial German village, Rogue, Gambit, and Wolverine encounter the kind hearted demonic-looking monk. From there, the story expertly unravels themes around morality and self-acceptance. You see, Nightcrawler is discriminated against because of his appearance and must come to terms with the societal biases sent his way. It’s yet another instance of the animated program tackling complex issues with poignancy. Plus, the visual of tough guy Wolverine praying at a cathedral is extra touching!
#5: "Time Fugitives: Part Two”
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It’s highly likely “X-Men: The Animated Series” is one of the main reasons why 90s kids grew up loving the character Cable. This season two story arc marked Cable's first major appearance in the series. And, like other episodes, "Time Fugitives" adapted a popular comic book storyline – “Legacy Virus.” The two-episode tale pitted time travelers Bishop and Cable against one another in some time traveling one-upmanship. Yep, the series goes full sci-fi in this episode and delivers a wildly entertaining viewing experience in the process. It also displays just how good the show is at combining intricate storylines with challenging social commentary. Did we mention how badass Cable is?
#4: "The Phoenix Saga, Part Five: Child of Light”
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“The Phoenix Saga” – it’s a classic storyline from the X-Men comics that has been adapted many times over. And while none of the big screen retellings managed to capture the epic spirit of the fiery tale, the consensus is that “X-Men: The Animated Series” nailed it! In season three’s climactic "Child of Light," we are treated to Jean Grey’s ultimate transformation into the Phoenix. There’s also a pretty intense battle with the Imperial Guard! In the end, the series captured the essence of the saga with plenty of stellar visuals and emotionally stirring moments. Jean’s internal conflict was on full display, as was the gravity of the story.
#3: "The Final Decision"
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It can’t be stressed just how great “X-Men: The Animated Series” was straight out of the gate. And its first season finale did not disappoint. The episode is jammed with unforgettable moments like the X-Men teaming with Magneto to stop the Sentinels and Scott and Jean getting engaged. The most badass sequence, however, belongs to Wolverine. Battling a group of Sentinels in a pitch-black cavern of sorts, the fight is illuminated only by the giant robots’ laser blasts. And, in a fitting bookend to the series premiere, we get Jubilee joining the fight with invigorated passion. It really was the perfect button for the first season’s storylines.
#2: "The Dark Phoenix Saga Part Four: Fate of the Phoenix"
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“X-Men: The Animated Series” took its time with Jean Grey’s story and in doing so delivered two remarkable multi-episode Phoenix sagas. This late season three episode was the incredible (not to mention heartbreaking) conclusion. Jean’s tragic fate is played out faithfully to the events in the comics. It expertly captured all the key ingredients needed to tell the story. It was ultimately about Jean’s sacrifice and overcoming corruption, all while fighting constant inner turmoil. And, when the dust settled, the heartrending episode gave way to one of the most breathtaking endings of any TV show – ever. Taking notes movie studios?
#1: "Days of Future Past: Part One"
Remember what we said about “X-Men: The Animated Series” adapting classic storylines with ease? Well, this is yet another example. It also happens to be the finest episode of the show’s original run! Introducing Bishop, the story becomes a riveting time-travel journey where alternate timelines and dystopian futures are on full display. In fact, the show seamlessly weaves these alternate past and present worlds, all while keeping the action going with some dynamic sequences. And with different character motivations fully explored, the essence of the X-Men shines brightly. It all boils down to the best offering from the iconic animated series. And that’s saying something, bub!
