9 Years Later, This Movie Is Still Called One of the Greatest Superhero Films Ever

Nine years ago, the superhero movie world got a powerful farewell when Logan premiered on March 3, 2017. Directed by James Mangold, it was the tenth installment in the X-Men series and the third solo film about Wolverine. From the start, the film was advertised as Hugh Jackman’s final performance as the iconic mutant, marking the end of an era for fans who had followed him for 17 years in the role.

Set in 2029, the story shows a world where mutants are nearly extinct. Logan is older and physically worn out, working as a limousine driver while taking care of a sick Charles Xavier, whose own powers are fading. The plot shifts when Logan meets a young girl named Laura, who shares his mutant abilities.

This pairing of the seasoned Wolverine and the fierce newcomer drives the emotional and action-packed core of the movie. Critics praised the film for its darker, more mature tone, which stepped away from CGI-heavy superhero spectacles and offered a raw, neo-western feel.

Financially, Logan was a major success. The film earned $226.3 million in the United States and Canada and another $392.7 million internationally, totaling over $619 million worldwide against a $97 million budget. Its opening weekend in the U.S. saw $88.4 million, the highest for any Wolverine movie and one of the biggest R-rated openings in March at that time.

The movie also set records for R-rated IMAX releases, playing in 381 IMAX theaters and 4,071 total cinemas, the widest release ever for a film with an R rating. According to box office reporting by Fandango and Fox, the film outperformed expectations, with younger audiences and male viewers dominating ticket sales.

Internationally, the reception was just as strong. Logan opened in 81 markets with a five-day gross of $159 million. China was its biggest market outside the U.S., contributing $106 million despite restrictions requiring an age warning and a 14-minute cut. In Brazil, Korea, and Russia, the film had some of the largest openings for 20th Century Fox, while in the UK, it reached number one, surpassing The Lego Batman Movie. India also saw record ticket sales for an X-Men movie, making Logan one of the most successful superhero releases in early 2017.

The movie was not just a box office hit; it won critical acclaim. Rotten Tomatoes reports a 93% positive rating from 428 critics, with an average score of 8/10. Metacritic assigned it a score of 77 out of 100, indicating generally favorable reviews. CinemaScore audiences gave it an A−, while PostTrak surveys rated it five out of five.

Reviewers highlighted the emotional depth, the strong performances of Jackman, Patrick Stewart as Charles Xavier, and Dafne Keen as Laura, as well as James Mangold’s direction. IGN called it “an emotional, heavy picture, but also an uplifting one that reminds us that it’s okay to fight for something more, something better,” and suggested it might be the best X-Men movie yet.

Critics across the board noted the film’s unique approach. The A.V. Club praised it for combining intense Wolverine action with a poignant, thoughtful drama. Rolling Stone described it as a “hard-ass, R-rated rager,” while MTV called it “a phenomenal, throat-slashing, gut-stabbing superhero movie.”

Even publications like The Wall Street Journal ranked it among the best superhero films ever made. While some critics were less enthusiastic, pointing to a slightly overlong runtime or extreme violence, the general consensus recognized Logan as a mature, serious, and deeply emotional entry in the superhero genre.

The film also earned historic recognition, becoming the first live-action superhero film nominated for an Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay. Its combination of commercial success, critical praise, and mature storytelling made it a standout example of how superhero movies can explore real human emotion and moral complexity.

Looking back, Logan remains a high-water mark for the X-Men franchise and for superhero films in general. It is remembered as a fitting farewell to Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine, offering fans both thrilling action and heartfelt drama. Its legacy continues to inspire filmmakers to treat superhero stories with depth and seriousness.

Logan set a new standard for what a superhero movie can achieve, blending emotional storytelling with gritty action. It proves that comic book adaptations don’t have to rely only on CGI or spectacle—they can be raw, human, and unforgettable. What do you think about Logan’s place in superhero film history? Share your thoughts in the comments.