Are you a fan of the X-Men franchise and looking to watch the X-Men movies in order? With various timelines, prequels, sequels, and spin-offs, the X-Men film series can be quite confusing. This comprehensive guide will help you navigate through the X-Men cinematic universe in chronological order and release order, ensuring you don’t miss any key moments.
Key Takeaways
- The X-Men movie series includes multiple timelines, making it essential to understand the chronological and release order.
- Watching the movies in chronological order provides a coherent storyline experience.
- Release order offers a nostalgic journey through the evolution of the X-Men franchise.
Introduction to X-Men Movies
The X-Men franchise, based on the Marvel Comics series of the same name, has been a significant part of the superhero movie genre. Starting in 2000, the series has expanded to include mainline films, prequels, spin-offs, and even a crossover with the Deadpool series. With such a complex timeline, understanding the correct order to watch these movies is crucial for fans and newcomers alike.
Chronological Order of X-Men Movies
Watching the X-Men movies in chronological order can help make sense of the intricate timelines and character arcs. Here is the chronological order of the X-Men movies:
1. X-Men: First Class (2011)
This prequel takes place in the 1960s and explores the origins of the X-Men, focusing on the friendship between Charles Xavier (Professor X) and Erik Lehnsherr (Magneto) before they become adversaries.
2. X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014)
This film features a dual timeline, with events set in the 1970s and a dystopian future. It follows Wolverine as he travels back in time to prevent a catastrophic event that could lead to the extinction of mutants.
3. X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009)
Set in the 1970s and 1980s, this film delves into the backstory of Wolverine, exploring his early life, military service, and the Weapon X program that gave him his adamantium skeleton.
4. X-Men: Apocalypse (2016)
Taking place in the 1980s, this movie introduces the ancient mutant Apocalypse, who awakens from a long slumber and seeks to destroy the world, forcing the X-Men to unite against him.
5. X-Men: Dark Phoenix (2019)
Set in the 1990s, this film focuses on Jean Grey’s transformation into the Dark Phoenix, a powerful and dangerous entity, and the X-Men’s struggle to save her and the world.
6. X-Men (2000)
The first film in the series, set in the early 2000s, introduces the X-Men team and their battle against Magneto, who seeks to turn humans into mutants using a powerful machine.
7. X2: X-Men United (2003)
Following the events of the first film, the X-Men join forces with Magneto to stop William Stryker, a military scientist who plans to eradicate mutants using Professor X’s telepathic abilities.
8. X-Men: The Last Stand (2006)
This movie explores the discovery of a “cure” for mutation, leading to a conflict between the X-Men, who seek coexistence, and Magneto’s Brotherhood, who view the cure as a threat to their existence.
9. The Wolverine (2013)
Set after the events of X-Men: The Last Stand, this film follows Wolverine as he travels to Japan, where he faces new enemies and confronts his own mortality.
10. Deadpool (2016)
While not a traditional X-Men movie, Deadpool is set in the same universe and follows the story of Wade Wilson, a mercenary who gains superhuman abilities and seeks revenge on those who wronged him.
11. Deadpool 2 (2018)
This sequel continues the story of Deadpool as he forms a team of mutants, known as X-Force, to protect a young mutant from a time-traveling soldier named Cable.
12. The New Mutants (2020)
Set in the X-Men universe, this film follows a group of young mutants held in a secret facility as they struggle to understand and control their powers while facing their darkest fears.
Release Order of X-Men Movies
For those who prefer to watch the movies as they were originally released, here is the release order of the X-Men movies:
- X-Men (2000)
- X2: X-Men United (2003)
- X-Men: The Last Stand (2006)
- X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009)
- X-Men: First Class (2011)
- The Wolverine (2013)
- X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014)
- Deadpool (2016)
- X-Men: Apocalypse (2016)
- Logan (2017)
- Deadpool 2 (2018)
- X-Men: Dark Phoenix (2019)
- The New Mutants (2020)
Whether you choose to watch the X-Men movies in chronological order or release order, both approaches offer unique experiences. Chronological order provides a coherent storyline, while release order allows you to witness the evolution of the franchise over the years. With this guide, you can now embark on your journey through the X-Men cinematic universe with confidence and clarity.
Happy watching, and may your mutant powers guide you through the epic saga of the X-Men!
