X2: X-Men United is still arguably the best film in the series. Bryan Singer had delivered a solid first movie that established a brilliant tone, but for the follow up he improved upon that film in every way. X2 is a thrilling ride, an emotional and exciting story punctuated with superb action, a brilliant villain and great performances. It is also the only movie to feature Kurt Wagner aka Nightcrawler, a perennially popular X-Man. Scottish actor Alan Cumming's performance as Kurt is easily one of the best interpretations of a comic character on film. From his perfectly pitched German accent, to his heart and gentle nature, all contrasting with his demonic appearance (achieved through a laborious-but-superb make-up and prosthetic process), Nightcrawler is a dynamic character to watch on-screen, with his opening attack on the White House still being one of the greatest action set-pieces of the 2000's. Unfortunately, whether it was because of rumoured conflicts with Bryan Singer or Cumming's hatred of the lengthy make-up process, Nightcrawler didn't return for any future movies. Kelsey Grammar's Beast took up the role of 'animalistic blue-skinned mutant' for The Last Stand, and while he was one of the few bright spots of that movie, he was no Kurt Wagner. Shame.
