X-Men: The Last Stand (2006)

Serving as the third installment in the original X-Men film trilogy, *X-Men: The Last Stand (2006)* plunges mutantkind into its most profound crisis yet. When a controversial "cure" is discovered, capable of stripping mutants of their powers, the very essence of their identity and existence is threatened. This radical development forces lines to be drawn amongst the X-Men and The Brotherhood, a band of powerful mutants organized under Xavier's former ally, Magneto, escalating the long-standing conflict between humans and mutants to a perilous new level. Amidst this ideological war, the resurrected Jean Grey grapples with the terrifying power of the Phoenix Force, whose destructive potential threatens to obliterate friend and foe alike, setting the stage for a climactic battle with devastating consequences. For a list celebrating the "Best Brett Ratner Movies," *X-Men: The Last Stand* earns its place not necessarily for universal critical acclaim, but for its ambition, commercial success, and its demonstration of Ratner's capability to helm a massive, effects-driven blockbuster. Stepping into the shoes of Bryan Singer, Ratner inherited a beloved franchise and delivered a film of enormous scale and spectacle, featuring a star-studded cast and complex character arcs. While often divisive among fans for its narrative choices and handling of key characters, the film was a significant box office success, grossing over $450 million worldwide, cementing its status as a major cinematic event of 2006. Ratner's direction brought a propulsive energy to its numerous action sequences, particularly the climactic battle on Alcatraz and the iconic Golden Gate Bridge sequence, showcasing his aptitude for large-scale action choreography and delivering a visually impactful conclusion to the original X-Men trilogy that remains a prominent, high-profile entry in his diverse directorial career.