The X-Men film franchise has captivated audiences for over two decades with its thrilling blend of superhero action and social commentary. Since the release of the first X-Men movie in 2000, the series has expanded to include multiple timelines, prequels, and spin-offs. Watching the X-Men movies in chronological order provides viewers with a comprehensive understanding of the mutant saga’s complex narrative arc.
For newcomers and longtime fans alike, exploring the X-Men films in sequence offers a unique perspective on the characters’ evolving relationships and the broader mutant conflict. This journey through time spans from the 1960s to the near future, showcasing pivotal moments in mutant history and the rise of iconic characters like Wolverine, Professor X, and Magneto.
Navigating the X-Men movie timeline can be challenging due to its non-linear storytelling and alternate timelines. This guide aims to simplify the viewing experience by presenting a clear chronological order, allowing audiences to fully appreciate the intricate storytelling and character development across the franchise.

Movie Title | Release Year | Chronological Order |
---|---|---|
X-Men: First Class | 2011 | 1 |
X-Men: Days of Future Past | 2014 | 2 |
X-Men Origins: Wolverine | 2009 | 3 |
X-Men: Apocalypse | 2016 | 4 |
X-Men: Dark Phoenix | 2019 | 5 |
X-Men | 2000 | 6 |
X2: X-Men United | 2003 | 7 |
X-Men: The Last Stand | 2006 | 8 |
The Wolverine | 2013 | 9 |
Logan | 2017 | 10 |
Watching the X-Men Films in Chronological Order
The X-Men film franchise spans over two decades and includes 13 films (excluding the upcoming Deadpool 3). It features a complex web of timelines and characters, with films set in different decades and alternate realities. Notable examples include X-Men: First Class, set in the 1960s, and Logan, which takes place in a dystopian future. A chronological viewing order is suggested to help viewers understand the saga better, as the release order can be confusing due to prequels and time travel.
Understanding the X-Men Timeline
The X-Men film series has a complicated timeline. It includes prequels, sequels, and time travel. This can make it hard to know which movie to watch first. This guide will help you watch the X-Men movies in the order the events happen in the story, not the order they were released.
X-Men: First Class (2011)
This movie takes place in the 1960s. It shows how Professor X (Charles Xavier) and Magneto (Erik Lehnsherr) first met. They worked together to create a school for mutants. It shows the start of their friendship and how it fell apart. This is the earliest point in the X-Men timeline.
X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014) – Past Scenes
A part of this movie happens in the 1970s. It shows a younger Professor X struggling with his powers. It also shows Mystique’s important role in mutant history. This part of the movie sets up the future timeline.
X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009)
Most of this movie takes place in the 1970s and 1980s. It tells the story of Wolverine’s past. It shows how he got his adamantium claws. It also shows his connection to other mutants like Sabretooth. Some parts of this movie overlap with other X-Men films.
X-Men: Apocalypse (2016)
This movie happens in the 1980s. It introduces Apocalypse, one of the first and most powerful mutants. It also shows younger versions of Cyclops, Jean Grey, and Storm. This movie expands on the history of mutants in the X-Men universe.
X-Men (2000)
This is the first X-Men movie that was released. It takes place in the early 2000s. It introduces the main X-Men team, including Wolverine, Cyclops, Jean Grey, and Storm. It also shows the conflict between Professor X and Magneto.
X2: X-Men United (2003)
This movie is a direct sequel to X-Men (2000). It continues the story of the X-Men and their fight against prejudice. It also introduces more mutants, like Nightcrawler.
X-Men: The Last Stand (2006)
This movie concludes the original X-Men trilogy. It deals with the idea of a mutant cure. It also has a major event that changes the X-Men universe.
The Wolverine (2013)
This movie takes place after X-Men: The Last Stand. It follows Wolverine as he travels to Japan. It deals with his personal struggles and his past.
X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014) – Future Scenes
The future scenes in this movie show a dark future where mutants are hunted. It also shows how time travel changes the timeline. This movie connects the original X-Men trilogy with the newer movies.
Deadpool (2016)
This movie is a spin-off. It features Deadpool, a mutant with a unique sense of humor. It takes place in the present day, but it does not fit perfectly into the main X-Men timeline. It has its own continuity.
Deadpool 2 (2018)
This is the sequel to Deadpool (2016). It continues Deadpool’s story. It also introduces Cable, a time-traveling mutant. Like the first Deadpool movie, it mostly exists outside the main X-Men timeline, but includes some X-Men references.
Logan (2017)
This movie takes place in the near future. It shows an older Wolverine in a dark and different world. It is a more mature and serious take on the X-Men story. It serves as a concluding point for Wolverine’s story.
The New Mutants (2020)
This movie is a horror-themed spin-off. It focuses on a group of young mutants in a secret facility. It also exists somewhat separately from the main X-Men timeline.
Dark Phoenix (2019)
This movie retells the Dark Phoenix storyline. It takes place after X-Men: Apocalypse. It focuses on Jean Grey and her powerful abilities.
Comparing Viewing Orders
Viewing Order | Pros | Cons |
---|---|---|
Release Order | How most people first saw the films. | Can be confusing because of time travel and prequels. |
Chronological Order | Makes the story easier to understand. | Can feel disjointed because of changes in actors and tone. |
Considering the MCU Connection
Disney’s acquisition of 20th Century Fox has brought the X-Men under the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) umbrella. This opens doors for future crossovers, with Professor X already appearing in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. This integration could lead to a soft reboot of the X-Men franchise within the MCU, potentially altering how these characters and stories are presented in future projects.
X-Men Cinematic Universe
The X-Men Cinematic Universe spans multiple films and studios, bringing Marvel’s mutant superheroes to life on the big screen. This franchise has evolved over two decades, featuring complex storylines and diverse characters.
Origins and Development
The X-Men film series began in 2000 with the release of “X-Men,” directed by Bryan Singer. This movie introduced audiences to key characters like Wolverine, Professor X, and Magneto. Its success paved the way for numerous sequels and spin-offs.
The franchise expanded with “X2” in 2003 and “X-Men: The Last Stand” in 2006. These films deepened the mutant mythology and explored themes of prejudice and acceptance.
In 2011, “X-Men: First Class” rebooted the series with younger versions of familiar characters. This prequel approach continued with “X-Men: Days of Future Past” (2014) and “X-Men: Apocalypse” (2016).
Spin-off films like the Wolverine trilogy and “Deadpool” movies further expanded the X-Men universe, offering fresh perspectives on popular characters.
Key Producers and Studios
20th Century Fox played a crucial role in bringing the X-Men to the big screen. The studio held the film rights to these Marvel characters for many years.
Producers Lauren Shuler Donner and Simon Kinberg were instrumental in shaping the franchise. They oversaw multiple X-Men projects, ensuring continuity across different films.
Studio | Notable X-Men Films |
---|---|
20th Century Fox | X-Men, X2, Logan |
Marvel Studios | Future X-Men projects |
Directors like Bryan Singer, Matthew Vaughn, and James Mangold brought their unique visions to various X-Men films, contributing to the franchise’s diverse storytelling styles.
In 2019, Disney acquired 20th Century Fox, bringing the X-Men film rights under the Marvel Studios umbrella. This acquisition opens up new possibilities for integrating mutants into the wider Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Main X-Men Series
The main X-Men film series spans two decades, featuring mutant superheroes battling threats to both humans and mutants. These movies introduced iconic characters and explored complex themes of identity, prejudice, and evolution.
X-Men (2000)
The first X-Men film introduced audiences to Professor Charles Xavier’s team of mutant heroes. Hugh Jackman debuted as Wolverine, joining forces with Cyclops, Jean Grey, and Storm. They faced Magneto’s Brotherhood of Mutants, who sought mutant supremacy.
The movie set up key conflicts and relationships that would shape the series. It explored themes of prejudice and acceptance, with mutants as a metaphor for marginalized groups.
X-Men’s success paved the way for future superhero films. It balanced action with character development, establishing a template for the genre.
X2: X-Men United (2003)
X2 expanded the X-Men universe, introducing new characters and deepening existing relationships. The mutants faced a common enemy in Colonel William Stryker, forcing Xavier’s X-Men to ally with Magneto’s group.
The film delved into Wolverine’s mysterious past and Jean Grey’s growing powers. It raised stakes with a plot threatening all mutants, showcasing more ambitious action sequences.
X2 is often considered one of the strongest entries in the series. It balanced multiple storylines while advancing the overall narrative and themes of the X-Men saga.
X-Men: The Last Stand (2006)
The third film tackled the Dark Phoenix saga, centering on Jean Grey’s transformation into a powerful, uncontrollable force. It also introduced a “cure” for mutants, sparking ethical debates within the mutant community.
New characters joined the fray, including Beast and Angel. The movie featured large-scale action set pieces and significant character deaths.
While divisive among fans, The Last Stand wrapped up several storylines from the first two films. It marked the end of the original trilogy before the series took a new direction.
X-Men: First Class (2011)
First Class rebooted the series with a 1960s-set prequel. It explored the origins of Xavier and Magneto’s relationship, showing their initial friendship and eventual ideological split.
The film introduced younger versions of familiar characters and new mutants. It tied the X-Men’s story to real-world events, specifically the Cuban Missile Crisis.
First Class refreshed the franchise with a new cast and retro style. It laid groundwork for future prequels while honoring the spirit of the original films.
X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014)
This ambitious entry merged the original and prequel casts in a time-travel plot. Wolverine’s consciousness is sent to the past to prevent a dystopian future where mutants face extinction.
The film juggled two timelines, featuring both young and old versions of key characters. It reset the X-Men timeline, altering events from previous movies.
Days of Future Past was praised for its complex plot and strong performances. It successfully bridged different eras of the franchise, setting up future installments.
X-Men: Apocalypse (2016)
Set in the 1980s, Apocalypse introduced the titular ancient mutant as a world-ending threat. The film featured younger versions of classic X-Men like Cyclops and Jean Grey.
New mutants joined the team to face Apocalypse and his Four Horsemen. The movie expanded on the alternate timeline created by Days of Future Past.
Apocalypse delivered large-scale destruction and mutant battles. It furthered the prequel storyline while setting up future conflicts and character arcs.
X-Men: Dark Phoenix (2019)
Dark Phoenix revisited the Jean Grey/Phoenix storyline, offering a new take on the classic comic arc. Set in the 1990s, it focused on Jean’s struggle with her growing powers.
The film dealt with the X-Men’s increased public profile and internal conflicts. It introduced alien elements to the X-Men universe with the shapeshifting D’Bari.
As the final installment in Fox’s X-Men series before Disney’s acquisition, Dark Phoenix aimed to conclude storylines. It marked the end of an era for the long-running franchise.
Film | Release Year | Director | Box Office (USD) |
---|---|---|---|
X-Men | 2000 | Bryan Singer | $296.3 million |
X2: X-Men United | 2003 | Bryan Singer | $407.7 million |
X-Men: The Last Stand | 2006 | Brett Ratner | $459.4 million |
X-Men: First Class | 2011 | Matthew Vaughn | $353.6 million |
X-Men: Days of Future Past | 2014 | Bryan Singer | $746.0 million |
X-Men: Apocalypse | 2016 | Bryan Singer | $543.9 million |
X-Men: Dark Phoenix | 2019 | Simon Kinberg | $252.4 million |
Wolverine Trilogy
The Wolverine Trilogy explores the solo adventures of Logan, the fan-favorite X-Men character. These films delve into his past, present, and future, showcasing his struggles and growth.
X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009)
This prequel explores Logan’s early life and his transformation into Wolverine. Set in the 1970s, it reveals his complex relationship with his half-brother Victor Creed. The film introduces key characters like William Stryker and Wade Wilson.
Logan undergoes the painful adamantium bonding process, giving him his iconic metal claws. The story culminates in a showdown on Three Mile Island, where Logan faces a mutant-hunting team.
Critics found the plot convoluted, but praised Hugh Jackman’s performance. The film’s visual effects and action sequences received mixed reviews.
Aspect | Rating |
---|---|
Box Office | $373 million |
Rotten Tomatoes | 37% |
IMDb | 6.5/10 |
The Wolverine (2013)
Set after the events of X-Men: The Last Stand, this film takes Logan to Japan. He grapples with his immortality and protects Mariko Yashida from the Yakuza.
Logan faces new challenges without his healing factor. The story explores themes of honor, duty, and redemption. It introduces characters like Yukio and the Silver Samurai.
The film’s darker tone and character-driven narrative earned praise. Critics appreciated its exploration of Logan’s vulnerability and inner turmoil.
James Mangold’s direction brought a fresh perspective to the character. The Japanese setting added cultural depth to the story.
Logan (2017)
Set in 2029, this gritty finale shows an aging Logan caring for a dying Professor X. He reluctantly protects Laura, a young mutant with powers similar to his own.
The film’s R-rating allowed for intense violence and emotional depth. It explores themes of family, legacy, and the cost of heroism. Logan’s struggle with his mortality takes center stage.
Critics praised the film’s emotional weight and performances. It’s often considered one of the best superhero movies ever made.
The neo-western style and minimalist approach set it apart from typical superhero fare. It provides a fitting end to Wolverine’s cinematic journey.
Deadpool Series
The Deadpool films blend action, comedy, and fourth-wall breaking antics in the X-Men universe. These R-rated superhero movies star Ryan Reynolds as the irreverent Wade Wilson.
Deadpool (2016)
Deadpool introduces Wade Wilson, a former special forces operative turned mercenary. After a rogue experiment leaves him with accelerated healing powers, he adopts the alter ego Deadpool. The film follows his quest for revenge against the man who nearly destroyed his life.
Ryan Reynolds’ portrayal of the wise-cracking antihero earned praise from critics and audiences. The movie’s R-rating allowed for more adult humor and violent action sequences than typical superhero fare.
Deadpool broke box office records for R-rated films, grossing over $780 million worldwide. Its success paved the way for more adult-oriented superhero movies.
Deadpool 2 (2018)
The sequel expands Deadpool’s world with new characters and bigger action set pieces. Wade forms X-Force, a team of mutants, to protect a young mutant from the time-traveling soldier Cable.
Josh Brolin joins the cast as Cable, providing a formidable opponent for Deadpool. Zazie Beetz debuts as Domino, a mutant with probability-altering powers.
The film maintains the irreverent tone of its predecessor while exploring themes of family and redemption. It grossed $785 million worldwide, slightly surpassing the original.
Movie | Release Year | Box Office (Worldwide) |
---|---|---|
Deadpool | 2016 | $782 million |
Deadpool 2 | 2018 | $785 million |
The New Mutants
The New Mutants marked a departure from traditional X-Men films, blending superhero elements with horror themes. This unique approach set it apart in the franchise.
The New Mutants (2020)
The New Mutants, released in 2020, took a different path in the X-Men universe. It focused on five young mutants discovering their abilities while trapped in a secret facility. The film starred Maisie Williams, Anya Taylor-Joy, and Charlie Heaton.
Director Josh Boone aimed to create a superhero horror movie. This genre mix brought a fresh perspective to the X-Men franchise. The story centered on the characters’ struggles with their powers and personal demons.
Production faced several delays, pushing the release date back multiple times. These setbacks created buzz and speculation among fans. Despite the challenges, the film eventually made its way to theaters.
Critics had mixed reactions to The New Mutants. Some praised its originality, while others felt it didn’t fully deliver on its premise. The movie’s box office performance was impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Character | Actor/Actress | Mutant Ability |
---|---|---|
Danielle Moonstar | Blu Hunt | Illusion creation |
Rahne Sinclair | Maisie Williams | Lycanthropy |
Illyana Rasputin | Anya Taylor-Joy | Teleportation |
Sam Guthrie | Charlie Heaton | Propulsion flight |
Roberto da Costa | Henry Zaga | Solar energy absorption |
The New Mutants introduced lesser-known X-Men characters to the big screen. This expansion of the cinematic universe offered fans a glimpse into different aspects of the mutant world.
X-Men Film Timeline
The X-Men film series spans multiple timelines and alternate realities. This complex chronology involves both past and future events, creating a rich tapestry of interconnected stories.
Timeline Complexity
The X-Men movies feature time travel, alternate universes, and rebooted continuities. This makes establishing a single, definitive timeline challenging. The original trilogy follows a linear path, but later films introduce parallel timelines and altered histories.
“X-Men: Days of Future Past” serves as a pivotal point, reshaping the timeline and creating a new continuity. This film links the original cast with their younger counterparts, effectively resetting certain events.
Some films, like “Logan” and “Deadpool,” exist in their own separate timelines. These standalone stories add further layers to the franchise’s complex chronology.
Chronological Order of Events
The chronological order of events in the X-Men films differs from their release dates. Here’s a simplified timeline of major events:
- X-Men: First Class (1962)
- X-Men Origins: Wolverine (1970s)
- X-Men: Days of Future Past (1973 / 2023)
- X-Men: Apocalypse (1983)
- X-Men: Dark Phoenix (1992)
- X-Men (2000)
- X2: X-Men United (2003)
- X-Men: The Last Stand (2006)
- The Wolverine (2013)
- Logan (2029)
This order helps viewers understand the progression of events within the X-Men universe. It’s worth noting that some films, like “Deadpool” and “The New Mutants,” don’t fit neatly into this timeline.
Spin-Offs and Crossover Films
The X-Men franchise has expanded beyond its main series with several spin-offs and crossover films. These movies explore individual characters and connect different superhero universes.
Upcoming Projects
“Deadpool 3” is set to release on July 26, 2025. This film will bring Ryan Reynolds’ Deadpool into the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Hugh Jackman will reprise his role as Wolverine, marking his return to the character.
“The Fantastic Four” reboot is scheduled for May 2, 2025. While not directly an X-Men film, it may feature mutant characters or references to the X-Men universe.
Marvel Studios is developing an untitled mutant project. Details are scarce, but it’s expected to introduce new mutant characters to the MCU.
Potential Crossovers
The MCU opens up possibilities for X-Men characters to appear in various projects. Rumors suggest mutants might play a role in upcoming MCU films or Disney+ series.
A potential “Avengers vs. X-Men” movie has been discussed by fans and industry insiders. This crossover could pit the two superhero teams against each other.
Potential Crossover | Likelihood | Fan Excitement |
---|---|---|
Avengers vs. X-Men | Medium | High |
X-Men in Spider-Man | Low | Medium |
Mutants in Fantastic Four | High | High |
Marvel may introduce X-Men characters gradually through cameos or small roles in other MCU projects. This approach could build anticipation for future X-Men-focused films.
Reception and Cultural Impact
The X-Men films have left an indelible mark on cinema, sparking both praise and debate while achieving significant commercial success and influencing popular culture.
Critical Acclaim and Criticism
X-Men (2000) and X2 (2003) received positive reviews for their groundbreaking portrayal of mutants and social commentary. Critics praised the ensemble casts and special effects. X-Men: First Class (2011) earned acclaim for its 1960s setting and performances by James McAvoy and Michael Fassbender.
Some entries faced mixed reactions. X-Men: The Last Stand (2006) and X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009) drew criticism for plot inconsistencies and character portrayals. X-Men: Apocalypse (2016) received mixed reviews, with some finding it formulaic.
Logan (2017) stood out as a critical darling, praised for its gritty tone and emotional depth. It earned an Oscar nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay, a rare feat for superhero films.
Box Office Performance
The X-Men franchise has been a commercial powerhouse, grossing over $6 billion worldwide. Here’s a breakdown of the top-performing films:
Film | Worldwide Gross |
---|---|
Deadpool | $783 million |
Deadpool 2 | $785 million |
X-Men: Days of Future Past | $746 million |
Logan | $619 million |
X-Men: Apocalypse | $543 million |
X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014) became the highest-grossing X-Men film at the time. The Deadpool films, with their R-rated humor, surpassed expectations and set records for R-rated superhero movies.
Influence on Popular Culture
The X-Men films helped usher in the modern era of superhero movies. They showed that comic book adaptations could tackle serious themes while entertaining audiences. The franchise’s success paved the way for the Marvel Cinematic Universe and DC’s film universe.
X-Men popularized ensemble superhero casts, a format later adopted by The Avengers and Justice League. The films’ exploration of prejudice and discrimination resonated with many viewers, sparking discussions about social issues.
Iconic portrayals, like Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine and Patrick Stewart’s Professor X, became deeply associated with these characters in pop culture. The films also boosted the popularity of lesser-known X-Men, introducing them to wider audiences.
Character and Story Analysis
The X-Men films feature complex characters and explore themes of identity, discrimination, and societal acceptance. These elements form the core of the franchise’s storytelling.
Main Characters and Cast
The X-Men movies introduce a diverse cast of mutant characters. Professor Charles Xavier, played by Patrick Stewart and James McAvoy, leads the X-Men. His rival, Magneto, portrayed by Ian McKellen and Michael Fassbender, opposes him.
Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine stands out as a fan favorite. His regenerative abilities and adamantium claws make him a formidable fighter. Other key characters include Jean Grey, Cyclops, and Storm.
Newer films bring in fresh faces. Jennifer Lawrence takes on the role of Mystique, while Sophie Turner plays a young Jean Grey.
Character | Actor(s) |
---|---|
Professor X | Patrick Stewart, James McAvoy |
Magneto | Ian McKellen, Michael Fassbender |
Wolverine | Hugh Jackman |
Mystique | Rebecca Romijn, Jennifer Lawrence |
Jean Grey | Famke Janssen, Sophie Turner |
Themes and Motifs
The X-Men films tackle weighty themes. Discrimination serves as a central motif, with mutants facing prejudice from society. This reflects real-world issues of racism and xenophobia.
Identity plays a crucial role in character development. Many mutants struggle to accept their powers and find their place in the world. This internal conflict drives much of the series’ drama.
The films also explore the ethics of power. Characters grapple with using their abilities responsibly. This leads to moral dilemmas and conflicts between different factions of mutants.
Evolution and genetic manipulation feature prominently in the series’ science fiction elements. These concepts raise questions about humanity’s future and the nature of progress.
Frequently Asked Questions
X-Men movies have a complex timeline spanning multiple decades and alternate universes. Viewers often seek guidance on the best order to watch these films for maximum enjoyment and story coherence.
What is the chronological viewing order for the X-Men films?
The chronological order starts with X-Men: First Class set in the 1960s. It’s followed by X-Men: Days of Future Past, X-Men Origins: Wolverine, X-Men: Apocalypse, Dark Phoenix, X-Men, X2, X-Men: The Last Stand, The Wolverine, Logan, and Deadpool 1 and 2.
Should I watch the X-Men series according to release dates or story chronology?
Watching by release date offers the experience as originally intended. This method reveals plot twists and character developments in the order filmmakers planned. The chronological approach provides a linear timeline but may spoil some surprises.
What is the best sequence to view the X-Men movies for a coherent story?
A recommended viewing order combines elements of both release date and chronology. Start with X-Men: First Class, then X-Men, X2, X-Men: The Last Stand, X-Men Origins: Wolverine, The Wolverine, X-Men: Days of Future Past, Deadpool, X-Men: Apocalypse, Logan, Deadpool 2, and Dark Phoenix.
How many X-Men films are there in the entire franchise to date?
The X-Men franchise includes 13 main films. This count includes the original trilogy, prequel series, Wolverine solo films, and Deadpool movies. Spin-offs and related projects like The New Mutants are sometimes included, bringing the total to 14.
Where can I find a timeline of the X-Men movies to watch them in order?
Many fan sites and film databases offer X-Men movie timelines. Official studio websites, streaming platforms, and movie review aggregators often provide comprehensive lists. These resources typically include release dates, chronological order, and viewing recommendations.
What is the correct sequence to view both X-Men and Wolverine movies combined?
A combined X-Men and Wolverine viewing order might look like this:
Order | Movie Title |
---|---|
1 | X-Men: First Class |
2 | X-Men: Days of Future Past |
3 | X-Men Origins: Wolverine |
4 | X-Men |
5 | X2 |
6 | X-Men: The Last Stand |
7 | The Wolverine |
8 | X-Men: Apocalypse |
9 | Dark Phoenix |
10 | Logan |
This sequence blends the main X-Men storyline with Wolverine’s personal journey, offering a comprehensive view of the mutant saga.