3. Magneto - X-Men Origins: Wolverine
Everyones always quick to say Wolverine is the only X-Man to appear in every X-Men movie, which isn't quite right. Hugh Jackmans the only actor to, yes, but the man who gives the team their name, Professor Charles Xavier, is in all six films too, although its less remembered because he was played by James McAvoy in First Class and plastic model of Captain Picard in Origins: Wolverine instead of Patrick Stewart. Xaviers former friend and ideological opposite Magneto is viewed by fans as important to the series, but he wisely missed out the franchises worst instalment. Its testament to Ian McKellens original performance (and Michael Fassbenders spot on younger version) that the villain has become as important as the titular heroes; he was a big presence in the comics, but not as essential in the same way as he is here. With the X-Men franchises recent zigzagging direction, jumping from one idea to another until something sticks well, its amazing some non-immortal characters have fared so well without it being painfully obvious.