X-Men: First Class
Before Charles Xavier and Erik Lensherr took the names Professor X and Magneto, they were two young men discovering their powers for the first time. Before they were arch-enemies, they were closest of friends, working together with other mutants (some familiar, some new), to stop the greatest threat the world has ever known.
Critics Sentiment
Charles Xavier is accidentally paralyzed during the beach confrontation
Shaw's team attacks Division X and recruits Angel
The film rises from its lowest point during the Division X attack to its emotional peak with Xavier's paralysis, gaining over 2 points as it shifts from generic action to profound character tragedy.
X-Men: First Class builds strong emotional investment through the Xavier-Magneto relationship and Erik's tragic backstory, with reviewers consistently praising the character development and performances. The film maintains solid quality throughout most of its runtime, reaching its emotional peak during the beach confrontation that establishes the future dynamic between the leads. Critics appreciated the blend of spectacular action with genuine character depth, calling it a successful franchise reboot.
Full cast
Showing 20 of 67
James McAvoy
Charles Xavier
Michael Fassbender
Erik Lehnsherr
Jennifer Lawrence
Raven / Mystique
Rose Byrne
Moira MacTaggert
Kevin Bacon
Sebastian Shaw
January Jones
Emma Frost
Nicholas Hoult
Hank / Beast
Lucas Till
Alex Summers / Havok
Zoë Kravitz
Angel Salvadore
Caleb Landry Jones
Cassidy / Banshee
Oliver Platt
Man in Black Suit
Jason Flemyng
Azazel
Edi Gathegi
Darwin / Armando Muñoz
Matt Craven
CIA Director McCone
Álex González
Janos Quested / Riptide
Rade Šerbedžija
Russian General
Glenn Morshower
Colonel Hendry
Laurence Belcher
Charles Xavier (12 Years)
Bill Milner
Young Erik
Morgan Lily
Young Raven (10 yrs)
Crew
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