Summary

  • Magneto's impressive displays of power in X-Men movies highlight his formidable control over magnetism and his ability to rival the strongest Marvel villains.
  • Throughout his onscreen history, Magneto has showcased his lethal efficiency, unwavering resolve, and strategic brilliance, making him a force to be reckoned with.
  • From lifting a subway car to moving a football stadium, Magneto's scenes underscore the scale of his power, dominance over metal, and chilling precision in combat.

X-Men movie timeline.

Magneto, AKA Erik Lehnsherr, has appeared in a total of eight X-Men movies. He is expected to play a central part in the Magneto boasts powers that were not depicted in the X-Men movies, throughout his long onscreen history, Magneto has demonstrated the true extent of his ability on numerous occasions - often flaunting it in his enemies' faces.

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10 Magneto Raises A Subway Train

Dark Phoenix (2019)

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Cast
James McAvoy, Sophie Turner, Nicholas Hoult, Tye Sheridan, lamar johnson, Summer Fontana, Hannah Emily Anderson, Josh McLaglen, Todd Hallowell, Julianne Jain, Michael Kives, Karen Ivany, Lynne Adams, Alex Gravenstein, Daniel Rindress-Kay
Director
Simon Kinberg

In Dark Phoenix, Magneto's awe-inspiring display of power unfolds as he effortlessly lifts a subway car from beneath the concrete ground, dragging it behind him like a metallic behemoth. This remarkable feat not only showcases his formidable control over magnetism but also highlights his menacing potential as a force to be reckoned with. With the subway car trailing behind him, Magneto exudes an air of unstoppable determination as he advances toward Jean Grey, undeterred by the chaos surrounding him.

Magneto’s ability to effortlessly fend off Cyclops while maintaining his relentless pursuit further underscores his commanding presence and formidable strength. In this pivotal moment in Dark Phoenix, Magneto's actions serve as a stark reminder of the raw power at his command and the imminent threat he poses to anyone who dares to oppose him. The scene serves to demonstrate Magneto’s formidable abilities before facing Jean Grey.

9 Magneto Escapes The Plastic Prison

X2: X-Men United (2003)

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X2: X-Men United
Release Date
April 27, 2003

Cast
Shawn Ashmore, Anna Paquin, Kelly Hu, Michael Reid MacKay, Bruce Davison, Katie Stuart, Ty Olsson, Daniel Cudmore, Cotter Smith, James Kirk, Jill Teed, Alf Humphreys, Kea Wong, Chiara Zanni, Jackie A. Greenbank
Director
Bryan Singer

In X2: X-Men United, Magneto orchestrates a daring escape from his plastic prison in a breathtaking display of power and ingenuity. Showing an incredible awareness of metallic substances, Magneto senses an increased iron concentration in the guard's bloodstream, previously injected by Mystique. In a horrifying moment, Magneto taps into his magnetic abilities to draw out the metal, killing the guard and forming two lethal ball bearings.

With unparalleled precision, Magneto manipulates these objects, using them to shatter the seemingly impregnable confines of his cell. This breathtaking scene in X2: X-Men United reflects Magneto's unparalleled mastery over magnetism while underscoring his resourcefulness and strategic brilliance. Despite the formidable barriers erected to contain him, Magneto's unwavering resolve and extraordinary powers enable him to overcome any obstacle in his path, reinforcing his status as one of the most formidable and iconic villains in the X-Men universe.

8 Magneto Kills The Polish Police With A Necklace

X-Men: Apocalypse (2016)

X-Men Apocalypse Movie Poster
X-Men Apocalypse
PG-13
Action
Adventure
Superhero
Release Date
May 27, 2016

Cast
Olivia Munn, Sophie Turner
Director
Bryan Singer

X-Men: Apocalypse featured a chilling scene that truly reflects the deadly precision and control that Magneto has over his powers. Magneto's anguish erupts into a devastating display after Polish police accidentally kill his partner and daughter. Driven by grief and rage, Magneto uses his daughter's necklace as a lethal weapon, effortlessly dispatching numerous officers with deadly accuracy.

This haunting demonstration in X-Men: Apocalypse highlights Magneto's capacity for swift, decisive action in moments of intense emotion. As he unleashes his fury upon those responsible, it becomes clear that Magneto has forsaken any semblance of restraint or mercy, symbolizing his abandonment of humanity. The final shot of Magneto’s daughter’s blood-soaked necklace serves as a disturbing reminder of the depths of despair to which Magneto has been driven, as well as a stark warning of the consequences of provoking his wrath.

7 Magneto Fights The D'Bari & Crushes A Train Compartment

Dark Phoenix (2016)

In Dark Phoenix, Magneto's confrontation with the D'Bari on the train showcases the dynamic versatility of his powers and his lethal efficiency in combat. As the adversaries clash, Magneto demonstrates impeccable control over metal, effortlessly dispatching multiple foes with deadly precision. With each calculated move, he adapts his abilities to the rapidly shifting battlefield, using the environment to his advantage to devastating effect.

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In a climactic moment in the Dark Phoenix scene, Magneto's power reaches its zenith as he effortlessly crushes multiple train compartments, trapping several D'Bari inside in a stunning display of force. This breathtaking sequence emphasizes the versatility of Magneto’s power and a further chilling reminder of the destructive potential unleashed when his wrath is incurred. This stunning display enforces the notion that Magneto is a terrible force to be reckoned with, used to highlight Vuk’s power by culminating with Vuk defeating Magneto.

6 Magneto Lifts The Blackbird

X2: X-Men United (2003) & X-Men: Days Of Future Past (2014)

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Cast
James Marsden, Lucas Till, Mark Camacho, Zehra Leverman
Director
Bryan Singer

In both X2: X-Men United and X-Men: Days of Future Past, Magneto's ability to effortlessly lift and manipulate the Blackbird stands as a testament to his unmatched power. In X2, Magneto casually catches the falling aircraft after it is hit by a missile attack. While in X-Men: Days of Future Past, Magneto lifts the blackbird and hurls it at the encroaching Sentinels as an enormous weapon. In both examples, Magneto’s impressive abilities elevate him to a position of unparalleled dominance.

The awe-inspiring feats prompt shock and amazement from Storm in both X2: X-Men United and X-Men: Days of Future Past. These displays work to demonstrate Magneto’s superior power against the X-Men, effortlessly controlling their aircraft and, by extension, its engers. These scenes highlight the perpetual struggle between mutant factions and the monumental challenge posed by Magneto's indomitable will.

5 Magneto Moves The Golden Gate Bridge

X-Men: The Last Stand (2006)

X-Men the Last Stand movie poster
X-Men 3: The Last Stand
Release Date
May 25, 2006
Runtime
104minutes
Director
Brett Ratner

In X-Men: The Last Stand, Magneto's audacious act of moving the Golden Gate Bridge stands as a jaw-dropping demonstration of his mutant abilities. With a flick of his wrist, Magneto harnesses his mastery over magnetism to uproot the colossal structure, showcasing his ability to manipulate metal on a grand scale. As the bridge is lifted into the air and transported across the bay to Alcatraz Island, Magneto's defiance of conventional limits cements his status as one of the most formidable mutants in existence.

Indeed, Magneto is an Omega-level mutant, with unrestricted potential applications of his power. The breathtaking display in X-Men: The Last Stand not only serves as a bold declaration of Magneto's dominance but also symbolizes the magnitude of his ambition and the extent of his influence over the world around him. At this pivotal moment, Magneto emerges as a force to be reckoned with, reshaping the landscape and forever altering the course of history as his evil forces prepare for battle.

4 Magneto Lifts An Entire Baseball Stadium

X-Men: Days Of Future Past (2014)

X-Men: Days of Future Past proffered a further demonstration of Magneto’s immense power when he lifted a football stadium into the air. Transporting it to the Sentinel demonstration, Magneto uses the enormous structure to trap the United States President and his fellow politicians. The relative ease with which Magneto achieves the feat is contrasted against the gargantuan structure floating through the air, serving as a terrifying and lumbering example of Magneto’s power.

Magneto moving the football stadium in X-Men: Days of Future Past reflects his indomitable will, ingenuity, and foresight. The striking visuals highlight the scale of Magneto’s power and the extent of his formidable prowess. This scene is one of Magneto’s most impressive displays of power, in which he is specifically trying to flaunt his abilities to his human adversaries - making sure the homo sapiens are aware that homo superior has the power to upend their lives.

3 Magneto Destroys Auschwitz

X-Men: Apocalypse (2016)

In X-Men: Apocalypse, Magneto's haunting act of destruction at Auschwitz resonates as a poignant yet chilling demonstration of his power and pain. Fueled by the memories of his traumatic past, Magneto unleashes his fury upon the former concentration camp, obliterating it with a devastating display of magnetic force. As the iconic symbol of unspeakable atrocities crumbles beneath his wrath, Magneto's actions serve as a visceral manifestation of his anguish and his desire for retribution.

This haunting scene in X-Men: Apocalypse underscores the depths of Magneto's suffering but also highlights the enduring scars of history and the lasting impact of human cruelty – key themes regarding Magneto’s characterization. With Magneto’s powers amplified by Apocalypse, he taps into the Earth’s natural magnetism to tear the world around him apart. At this moment of profound catharsis and devastation, Magneto emerges as a tragic figure, forever shaped by the horrors of the past and driven by an unrelenting thirst for revenge.

2 Magneto Lifts A Submarine

X-Men: First Class (2011)

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X-Men: First Class
Release Date
June 3, 2011

Cast
James McAvoy, Caleb Landry Jones, Oliver Platt, Jason Flemyng, Edi Gathegi, Matt Craven, Álex González, Rade Šerbedžija, Glenn Morshower, Laurence Belcher, Bill Milner, Morgan Lily, Beth Goddard, Éva Magyar, Corey Johnson, Demetri Goritsas, Don Creech
Director
Matthew Vaughn

X-Men: First Class depicted one of Magneto’s most impressive magnetic acts – lifting Sebastian Shaw’s submarine from out of the ocean. Spurred on by Charles Xavier, Magneto effortlessly raises the massive vessel from the depths of the ocean and up into the air. Holding the enormous submarine aloft, Magneto’s powers flourish in this scene – serving as a visually stunning representation of his magnetic prowess.

The scene in X-Men: First Class epitomizes Magneto’s newfound control over his awesome power, learning to control his magnetism and the true extent of his power after training with Xavier and the X-Men. It serves as a stunning testament to his dominance, determination, and resourcefulness in the face of adversity. In this vital scene, Magneto emerges as a legitimate threat, reaffirming his status as one of the most formidable mutants in existence.

1 Magneto Reprograms The Sentinels

X-Men: Days Of Future Past (2014)

X-Men: Days of Future Past featured Magneto’s most impressive on-screen display of power – reprogramming the Sentinels. After studying the Sentinels’ schematics, Magneto learns their intricacies and how to reprogram them to hunt humans – which Magneto achieves by dismantling train tracks and inserting the metal into the giant mutant-hunting robots. Magneto later uses these Sentinels to threaten the US President and his politicians during the mutant summit.

This unbelievable act occurs across several scenes, each demonstrating a distinct element of Magneto’s ability. Firstly, Magneto’s technological ingenuity in learning how his powers could be applied to alter the mechanics. Then using, splitting, and manipulating train tracks into tiny wires and inserting them into the Sentinels – demonstrating an unbelievable degree of accuracy, control, and delicate precision. Finally, when Magneto deploys his Sentinels, he is actively goading the human onlookers, taunting them with his immense power and highlighting their relative weaknesses in the face of one of the most powerful mutants in the X-Men franchise.