The X-Men, initially gracing comic books, have captivated audiences through their film adaptations, featuring iconic portrayals like Patrick Stewart's Professor X and Hugh Jackman's Wolverine. However, navigating the X-Men film timeline can be a challenge, with interwoven origin stories, retcons, and time travel adding layers of complexity. Your viewing order significantly impacts how plot twists and character arcs unfold.
While a simple release-order viewing is tempting, we've structured these 14 films to approximate a cohesive timeline. This approach allows you to follow each character's journey from its earliest point, experiencing the X-Men saga chronologically.
Confused about the X-Men movie timeline's relationship to the MCU? We've got a detailed explanation (as best we can manage!) available here. With mutants now part of the MCU, understanding the past is key to anticipating the future.
Prefer the original release order? We've included that list below. Now, let's dive into a mostly spoiler-free guide to watching the X-Men films chronologically!
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How to watch in chronological order
How to watch by release order
The X-Men Movies in Chronological Order
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Which X-Men Movie Should You Watch First?
For newcomers, starting with X-Men: First Class and following the chronological order is recommended. However, experiencing the films as initially released requires beginning with X-Men (2000), the series' starting point.
X-Men Blu-Ray Collection
Contains 10 movies. See it at Amazon
X-Men Movies in Chronological Order
1. X-Men: First Class (2011)
X-Men: First Class initiates a new chapter, rewinding to the franchise's earliest point. Beginning in 1944 at Auschwitz, the story progresses to 1962, detailing the origins of Charles Xavier and Erik Lehnsherr/Magneto, and the birth of the X-Men and the Brotherhood of Mutants.
Read our review of X-Men: First Class.
Where to Watch
Rent/Buy
Rent/Buy
Buy
...(Continue with the remaining films in the same style and format)...
X-Men Movies in Order of Release
X-Men (2000)
X2 (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)
Dark Phoenix (2019)
The New Mutants (2020)
Deadpool & Wolverine (2024)
Upcoming X-Men Movies and Shows
...(Continue with the upcoming movies and shows section)...
MORE 'HOW TO WATCH' MOVIE LISTS:
Spider-Man Movies in Order
Marvel Movies in Order
DC Movies in Order
Resident Evil Movies in Order
Star Wars Movies in Order
