Created in 1963 by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, the X-Men are one of the most iconic and instantly recognisable superhero teams of all-time. A group of misfits hated and feared by those they are trying to connect, just about anyone and everyone is able to relate to them.
Their impact in the world of comics has been significant, but so too has their time spent on the big screen. The X-Men franchise has now been around for 15 years, spawning a number of box office hits and spinoffs. Right now, the series is showing no signs of slowing down with three instalments – X-Men: Apocalypse, Deadpool, and Gambit – lined up for 2016.
Originally introduced as just a team of five, the roster of the X-Men has expanded in a huge way over the years. It's now in the hundreds, so choosing just 50 of the best is obviously no easy feat. Some are alive, others are dead, and a few haven't been seen for some time.
However, these mutants are all great for very different reasons, and here you will find the heroes (and odd anti-hero) who should no doubt be considered among the best of the best.
50. Cyclops
The leader of the X-Men, Cyclops has not had an easy time of it. He'll ensure the future of the mutant race even if that means living long enough to see himself become the villain.