The 10 Most Evil Things Magneto Has Ever Done, Ranked

[[{“value”:”

The Master of Magnetism, Magneto, has been a powerful and polarizing figure in Marvel history for decades. Known for championing mutantkind while often clashing with the X-Men, he remains one of the most complex characters in the Marvel Universe. Throughout his long history, Magneto has accomplished extraordinary feats, but he has also committed numerous atrocities, some of which continue to shock readers.

Magneto is not one to pause for compromise. His past and unwavering resolve leave little room for moderation. This often leads to bold, radical, and at times horrific actions, as he pushes forward regardless of the cost. Occasionally, Magneto reflects on and regrets these choices, but not always, and either way, his worst actions are undeniably villainous.

10

Magneto Almost Killed a Young Kitty Pryde

Magneto Became What He Swore to Destroy

“Why did you resist? Why did you not understand?!”

-Magneto

Magneto has committed many acts over the years, some of which he’s come to deeply regret. One of the most striking examples occurs in Uncanny X-Men #150, when he launches a plan to destroy all of the world’s governments. That in itself isn’t what haunts him, but what follows. Consumed by rage, Magneto lashes out when the X-Men intervene, acting without considering the consequences.

The issue’s climax delivers a powerful emotional blow and sheds new light on Magneto’s backstory. In the heat of battle, Magneto strikes the young Kitty Pryde with a massive bolt of electricity. For a moment, it appears he has killed her. The horror of that moment hits Magneto hard, since he sees himself becoming the very monster he’s always fought against. In his eyes, he has committed the unforgivable: taking the life of a child in cold blood. It’s a moment of painful self-awareness, and one that marks a turning point in his ongoing struggle between villainy and redemption.

9

Magneto Blackmailed the UN

Did Magento’s Results Justify the Means?

“This is why you must join us!! Because I am–Power!!”

-Magneto

As mentioned above, Magneto has always tried to put the interests of mutants above all else. Others may not agree with his methods or the decisions he makes, but it’s hard to deny what is at the core. In one arc, Magneto went so far as to try to create a mutant nation on the island of Genosha. He wanted a safe place for mutants, and his idea likely led to Krakoa.

His methods, however, were extreme. To get Genosha recognized by the UN, he decided to blackmail the organization. He threatened the Earth’s electromagnetic poles, making sure everyone knew the price they’d pay for defying his wishes. While the UN capitulated, others would still provide resistance to Magneto’s machinations. This was a bit of a problem for the villain, as he had expended all his energies with the blackmailing efforts.

8

Magneto Shut Down All the Tech On Earth

Magneto’s Actions Here Are Much Worse Than They Sound

“The X-Men … The Avengers … and soon the world — ALL WITHIN MY GRASP!”

-Magneto

Over the years, Magneto has done a few things to keep readers aware of the depths of his powers and determination. During the events of Fatal Attractions, Magneto took his plotting to a whole new level. In a move that surprised everyone, Magneto unleashed a planet-wide EMP, effectively shutting down every piece of electronics on the planet.

Magneto’s attack wasn’t just a bold statement. It was a calculated power move meant to plunge the world into chaos, and it did far more than create a mere inconvenience for humanity. Consider the countless lives that depend on functioning electricity, such as hospitals, life-support systems, and emergency services. Now think about delicate infrastructure: nuclear reactors, flight systems, and sensitive technologies that should never be tampered with. With a single act, Magneto struck them all. The true scale of the damage is impossible to fully comprehend.

7

Magneto Sent Sentinels to San Francisco

X-Men Fans Who Know Sentinel History Know What That Means

“Sentinels. Attacks.”

-Magneto

The phrase “die a hero or live long enough to see yourself become the villain” comes to mind with Magneto. He’s long been a supervillain in Marvel Comics, but his goal has always been admirable. Unfortunately, he has absolutely crossed the line on more than one occasion. For example, Magneto once took the very thing infamous for tormenting mutants and used it on a city.

There was a time when Magneto got his hands on some Sentinels, and thanks to his magnetic influence, he was able to take control of them.He sent them to San Francisco. It’s worth noting that humans weren’t the only targets or victims. His perpetuation of this weapon is truly horrendous. It will live in the minds of many mutants for years to come.

6

Magneto Ripped the Adamantium From Wolverine’s Body

Magneto’s Attack Would Have Killed a Lesser Hero

“…A tragedy call life, Logan. But today, for you, perhaps for me– –the curtain falls… …and the play is finished!”

-Magneto

Fans will probably never forget the day Magneto ripped the Adamantium straight from Wolverine’s body. For years, readers had wondered why Magneto didn’t use Wolverine’s body (the metal inside, more accurately) against him more often. The scene in Fatal Attractions laid that debate to rest, making it pretty clear just how far Magneto can go when annoyed.

Truthfully, what Magneto did to Wolverine would have killed any other character. The only reason Wolverine survived was thanks to his healing factor, but even then, he was clearly in immense pain. Magneto did pay a price for what he did to Wolverine, but most readers would argue it wasn’t much. Meanwhile, this event started a new era of Wolverine’s story, introducing bone claws and more lore.

5

Ultimate Magneto Messed With the Earth’s Magnetic Poles

This Version of Magneto Unleashed the Ultimatum Wave

“For what they have done, they must pay the ultimate price!”

-Magneto

Marvel’s Ultimate Universe has unleashed many heroes and villains, introducing new stories unlike any other. In this universe, Magneto sought to destroy the entire world. His rage was fueled by grief, which has always made for the most dangerous version of Magneto. To destroy the Earth, Magneto first moved to reverse the Earth’s polarity. He needed a little help to achieve this, but with access to Mjolnir, he had what it took.

Reversing the Earth’s magnetic poles caused massive global catastrophes, including an infamous flood. This became known as the Ultimatum Wave, and it was a devastating blow to Earth. Not only did it take many civilian lives in the process, but it also killed many heroes. Daredevil and Nightcrawler died during the floods, and the death toll continued to rise as heroes stepped in and added to the conflict.

4

He Founded the Brotherhood of Evil Mutants

The Organization Has Been a Major Problem for the X-Men and Mutants

“I am growing my own mutant — the ULTIMATE mutant –“

-Magneto

While it’s easy to focus on all the direct actions Magneto has taken over the years, it’s important to also consider the snowball effect. Magneto is responsible for founding the Brotherhood of Evil Mutants. Everything they did was, in one way or another, because of Magneto. The Brotherhood of Evil Mutants acted in opposition to the X-Men in nearly every facet, sometimes to lethal extremes.

Honestly, it’s hard for even die-hard X-Men fans to defend the Brotherhood of Evil Mutants. It’s sort of in the name; they’re the evil side of mutant organizations. Magneto established a group that took his ideals and pushed them to an almost religious extreme, and that’s a dangerous place, no matter the intent. It’s safe to say they left their mark on history.

3

He Ruthlessly Sought Revenge Against Scalphunter

Magneto Found a Way to Circumvent His Healing Factor

“I want my arms and legs back.”

-Scalphunter

Marvel has given rise to many characters over the years, creating a complex web of backstories and interconnected plots. Enter John Greycrow, aka Scalphunter. Scalphunter doesn’t have the best history with the X-Men, having been a Marauder at one point in his life. Where the X-Men were willing to forgive him (at times), even considering him an ally, Magneto was not.

Magneto targeted Scalphunter, and the brutal precision with which he did so is horrifying, even to this day. He did more than injure the man, as he knew that Greycrow’s regeneration abilities would undo almost any damage done to him. The keyword is almost. Magneto cauterized the wounds he created, preventing Greycrow’s limbs from regenerating. He then left Scalphunter, minus his legs and arms.

2

He Killed Pietro in Anger

Magneto Murdered His Own Son (At the Time, Anyway)

“You’ve destroyed everything and everyone!! And you used my name to do it!!”

-Magneto

House of M is easily one of the most hard-hitting story arcs in Marvel Comics, and that may even be an understatement. At its center is Wanda Maximoff, the Scarlet Witch, who is manipulated by her brother Pietro into reshaping reality so that mutants become the dominant race on Earth. What begins as a twisted attempt at peace quickly spirals out of control, ultimately dragging mutants from their highest point to their lowest.

When Magneto discovers the truth behind this warped reality, he’s consumed by fury. In his eyes, his children had dismantled everything he had fought and bled for over decades. Years of sacrifice and ideology were erased. In a fit of rage, Magneto kills Pietro, an act fueled by grief and betrayal. At the time, both Wanda and Pietro were believed to be his biological children, a detail that has since been retconned, but in that moment, the emotional impact was undeniable. It remains one of the most tragic and defining scenes in Magneto’s history.

1

He Murdered Charles Xavier

Magneto Snapped the Neck of His One-Time Best Friend

“I knew when I came here tonight, this was inevitable.”

Thanks to Marvel’s multiverse, fans have seen countless alternate versions of iconic heroes and villains. One of the most striking reinterpretations comes from the Ultimate Universe, a modernized reimagining of Marvel’s characters set on Earth-1610. In this universe, Magneto crosses a line many believed he never would: he kills Charles Xavier.

The path to this moment begins with personal tragedy. After the death of his children, Magneto unleashes a campaign of global destruction. Earthquakes, floods, and widespread devastation follow as he uses his powers to bring the world to its knees. In a desperate attempt to stop him, Xavier confronts his old friend, hoping to reason with him. But Magneto, consumed by grief and fury, responds with finality, turning on Xavier and snapping his neck, silencing the one person who might have reached him.

“}]] Magneto, aka the Master of Magnetism, is a powerful force in Marvel comics; as such, he has done many horrible acts to leave his mark in history.  Read More