Despite being the most critically acclaimed movie in the franchise,Loganhas been outperformed at the worldwide box office by four otherX-Menmovies. WhenLoganhit theaters in 2017, it wasn’t just anotherMarvelmovie – it was a bold, R-rated farewell to Hugh Jackman’s iconic portrayal of Wolverine. However, while it became a critical and fan favorite, its box office performance was impressive but not quite enough to claim the top spot amongX-Menfilms.
TheX-Menfilm franchisehas been one of the longest-running and most influential in modern superhero cinema, starting withX-Men(2000) and continuing through various sequels, spin-offs, and reboots. One of the franchise’s biggest changes came when Fox leaned into R-rated territory withDeadpool(2016), proving that adult-focused superhero movies could be massively successful. This continued withLogan, which traded CGI spectacle for a mature, emotionally-driven story. However, despite its critical acclaim and cultural impact,Loganstill didn’t earn the highest box office total in theX-Menseries.
Logan Is One Of The Most Highly Regarded Superhero Movies Of All Time (& With Good Reason)
Loganstands as a unique entry in the superhero genre, often compared to classic westerns likeShanerather than typical comic book blockbusters. Directed by James Mangold, the film tells the story of an aging and weakened Logan in the near future, protecting a young mutant, Laura (Dafne Keen), while grappling with his own mortality. Unlike previousX-Menfilms,Loganfocusedless on world-ending threats and more on character-driven storytelling.
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Hugh Jackman’s performance was widely praised, with many considering it his best portrayal of Wolverine. Patrick Stewart’s heartbreaking turn as an ailing Charles Xavier added even more depth, makingLoganfeel likean emotionally charged swan song for both characters. The film won numerous awards, including an Academy Award nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay – an unheard-of achievement for a superhero movie at the time.
Logan’s Box Office Is Still Beaten By Every Deadpool Movie & X-Men: Days Of Future Past
Despite all this praise, box office success doesn’t always align with critical reception. WhileLoganmade a strong $619 million worldwide, it was still outperformed by four otherX-Menmovies – each of which had different factors working in their favor. According toThe Numbers,Loganwas outperformed by each of theDeadpoolmovies andX-Men: Days of Future Past.
$1.3 billion
$786 million
$782 million
$746 million
Logan(2017)
$619 million
The first three entries aren’t shocking.Deadpooland its sequels were massive box office hits, thanks to their mix of R-rated humor, action, and Ryan Reynolds’ pitch-perfect performance as the Merc with a Mouth. The success ofDeadpoolproved thatR-rated superhero movies could be financially viable, paving the way forLoganto receive similar treatment. The culmination of both of these was the crossover eventDeadpool & Wolverine, which proffered a more colorful and lighthearted celebration of Jackman’s Wolverine and the early Marvel movies.
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The most surprising entry isX-Men: Days of Future Past, which earned $746 million. UnlikeLogan, this film was a massive, time-traveling spectacle thatunited the originalX-Mencast with their younger counterpartsfromX-Men: First Class. The movie had huge stakes, a beloved ensemble cast, and significant franchise momentum, making it the highest-grossing ensembleX-Menmovie.
Why Logan’s Box Office Is Lower Than These 4 X-Men Movies
There are numerous factors as to whyLoganwas outmatched by otherX-Menmovies. One major factor was the R-rating, which was still a rare occurrence in the superhero genre. WhileDeadpoolthrived with an R-rating,Loganhad a much darker, less comedic tone, making itless accessible to a broad audience and precluding younger viewersoften associated with Marvel movies.
Deadpool, of course, demonstrated precisely how to do an R-rated superhero movie in a more dynamic and bombastic fashion while still embracing superhero roots.Loganhad a degree of separation from the comics to be “realistic.” This againlimited its potential appeal – at least compared toDeadpool.WhileLoganwas great, the responseDeadpool & Wolverinegot upon release (particularly regarding Wolverine’s comic-accurate costume) suggests that audiences were waiting for the violent and canary-colored Wolverine all along.
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The roaring triumph of theDeadpoolmovies is another factor inLogan’s comparative box office performance.Deadpool’s glorious receptiondrove many into the theaters for the sequel, despite the movie receiving a more neutral critical response. While the third entry rode this reputation and on the coattails ofLoganto promise a combination of these distinct tones.
Another factor could have been the standalone nature ofLogan.X-Men: Days of Future Pastbenefited from continuing two separate fractions of the franchise, drawing in audiences from both. Despite not claiming the top spot,Loganremainsone of the most beloved and critically acclaimedX-Menfilms. Its impact on the superhero genre, particularly in proving that mature, character-driven comic book movies could succeed, is undeniable. While it may not have been the highest-grossingX-Menfilm,Logan’s legacy far outweighs its box office numbers.
