The X-Men franchise has captivated audiences with its compelling stories and iconic characters, from Patrick Stewart's portrayal of Charles Xavier to Hugh Jackman's unforgettable Wolverine. These movies are renowned for their complex timelines, featuring origin stories, retcons, and time travel that add thrilling twists to the saga. Watching the films in different orders can significantly impact how you experience certain plot reveals and character developments.
While it's straightforward to watch them in the order they were released, we've curated a list that aligns them into a roughly chronological timeline. This approach allows you to follow the X-Men narrative from its earliest beginnings and trace each character's journey through time.
If you're curious about how the X-Men movie timeline fits into the broader universe, including its relation to the MCU, follow this link for a detailed explanation.
With mutants now part of the MCU, we believe the best way to prepare for future developments is to appreciate the rich history of the franchise. Below, we've also included the release order for those who prefer to watch the films as they were originally presented.
Here's a mostly spoiler-free guide to watching the X-Men movies in chronological order:
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- How to watch in chronological order
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The X-Men Movies in (Chronological) Order
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Which X-Men Movie Should You Watch First?
If you're new to the X-Men movie franchise, starting with "First Class" will take you through the timeline chronologically. However, if you prefer to experience the films as they were released to audiences, begin with "X-Men" (2000), where the series officially kicked off.
X-Men Blu-Ray Collection
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X-Men Movies in Chronological Order
1. X-Men: First Class (2011)
"X-Men: First Class" marks the beginning of a new chapter, setting the stage at the earliest point in the franchise's timeline. The film starts in 1944 at the Auschwitz concentration camp and jumps to 1962, focusing on the young Charles Xavier and Erik Lehnsherr/Magneto as they form the X-Men and the Brotherhood of Mutants.
Read our review of X-Men: First Class.
X-Men: First Class 20th Century Fox
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2. X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014)
"X-Men: Days of Future Past" is a unique entry in the timeline, bridging the original and newer X-Men films. The story unfolds in 1973 but also features scenes in an alternate 2023. Its placement on the timeline is somewhat fluid, but it's positioned here due to certain narrative elements. Fans of the original cast will find this film particularly rewarding.
Read our review of X-Men: Days of Future Past.
X-Men: Days of Future Past Marvel Studios
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- Bryan Singer on Twitter
3. X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009)
The first X-Men spinoff movie begins in 1845, but the main narrative unfolds in 1979, delving into the origins of Hugh Jackman's Wolverine. This film not only explains how Wolverine got his iconic adamantium claws but also introduces Ryan Reynolds as Wade Wilson/Deadpool, making it an essential watch for understanding Wolverine's story.
Read our review of X-Men Origins: Wolverine.
X-Men Origins: Wolverine Marvel Studios PG-13
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