Why X-Men 97 is the Most Overlooked Masterpiece of the Franchise!

Mon, 04 May 2026 02:15:05 +0000

Why X-Men 97 Is the Most Overlooked Masterpiece of the Franchise When discussing the most iconic installments in the X-Men film franchise, names like Logan, Dark Phoenix, or even X-Men: Days of Future Past immediately come to mind. But behind these blockbuster hits lies a hidden gem that deserves far more acclaim—X-Men 97 (commonly known by its release number, X-Men: The Animated Series or sometimes referenced by its production code #97). This underrated animated masterpiece remains one of the franchise’s greatest untapped treasures, often overlooked despite its cultural significance, artistic brilliance, and narrative depth. ### The Untold Legacy of X-Men 97 Released in 2000, X-Men 97 merges powerful storytelling with groundbreaking animation for its time. Created as part of a limited series aimed at introducing younger audiences to the X-Men’s complex world, the film transcends simple animated entertainment to deliver sophisticated themes of identity, prejudice, heroism, and courage. While the X-Men film series has followed multiple cinematic arcs, X-Men 97 stands alone as a pioneering work that captured the spirit of the original comics with rare authenticity.