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X-Men: Apocalypse

X-Men: Apocalypse is a 2016 American superhero film based on Marvel Comics’ X-Men characters.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

X-Men: Apocalypse is a 2016 American superhero film based on Marvel Comics’ X-Men characters. Directed by Bryan Singer, it is the ninth film in the X-Men film series and a sequel to X-Men: Days of Future Past. The story follows the ancient mutant Apocalypse as he awakens in 1983 and attempts to reshape the world, prompting the X-Men to stop him.

Premise

The film is set in the 1980s, when the ancient mutant Apocalypse awakens and seeks to remake the world in his image. The X-Men assemble to confront him and prevent global destruction.

Production

X-Men: Apocalypse was directed by Bryan Singer and written by Simon Kinberg. It continues the storyline established in X-Men: Days of Future Past.

Cast

The ensemble cast includes James McAvoy as Professor X, Michael Fassbender as Magneto, Jennifer Lawrence as Raven, Oscar Isaac as Apocalypse, Nicholas Hoult as Beast, Rose Byrne as Moira MacTaggert, and others.

Release

The film was released in 2016, with sources listing its release date as May 27, 2016 in the United States.

Key facts

  • It is the ninth installment in the X-Men film series.
  • It serves as a sequel to X-Men: Days of Future Past.
  • The film centers on the mutant Apocalypse, who awakens after thousands of years.
  • Apocalypse recruits other mutants, including Magneto, in an effort to destroy humanity.
  • The X-Men, led by Professor X and Raven, try to stop him.
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Canadian context

The film was widely distributed in Canada as part of the mainstream North American release of a major Hollywood franchise, and it remained available on Canadian streaming and digital platforms in later years.

Frequently asked questions

What is X-Men: Apocalypse?
A 2016 American superhero film based on Marvel Comics' X-Men characters.
Who directed X-Men: Apocalypse?
Bryan Singer directed the film.
Is it part of a film series?
Yes. It is the ninth installment in the X-Men film series and follows X-Men: Days of Future Past.
Who is the main villain?
The main villain is Apocalypse, also called En Sabah Nur, an ancient mutant who awakens in 1983.
What is the plot in brief?
Apocalypse tries to remake the world and gather powerful mutants, while the X-Men unite to stop him.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/X-Men:_Apocalypse
    Supports: Release year, franchise position, director, writer, cast, and plot overview.
  2. Marvel — https://www.marvel.com/movies/x-men-apocalypse
    Supports: Official synopsis, release date, and cast/character context.
  3. Disney+ — https://www.disneyplus.com/browse/entity-3ea207ed-b92e-4e71-9ce6-5c0d8afd4265
    Supports: Runtime, director, cast, genre, and synopsis.
  4. Movie Insider — https://www.movieinsider.com/m12312/x-men-apocalypse
    Supports: Franchise position, plot, and release information.