Navigating the X-Men cinematic universe can feel like Professor X trying to control Cerebro on a particularly chaotic day. This guide provides a definitive roadmap through the mutants’ complex filmography, exploring both chronological and release order viewing options to help you decide how to experience these iconic superhero stories.
The Mutant Maze: Choosing Your Viewing Path
So, you want to watch all the X-Men movies. The question is, how? There isn’t one definitively “correct” way, as the franchise’s timeline has been altered, retconned, and occasionally seems to exist in multiple dimensions simultaneously. However, we’ll explore the two most popular approaches: chronological order and release order. Choosing the right one depends on your priorities: do you want the narrative to flow smoothly from a story perspective, or experience the films as they were intended by the filmmakers?
Option 1: Following the Chronological Timeline
This approach prioritizes the timeline of the films’ events, starting with origin stories and progressing through the X-Men’s history. It can offer a more cohesive narrative experience, allowing you to witness the evolution of the characters and their world in a (relatively) linear fashion. However, be aware that the “official” timeline is frequently debated and open to interpretation, given the franchise’s inconsistencies. Also, understanding the story hinges on ignoring the improvements to special effects over the years.
Here’s a recommended chronological order:
- X-Men: First Class (2011): The origin story of the X-Men and the conflict between Charles Xavier and Erik Lehnsherr (Magneto).
- X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014): A crucial entry that rewrites much of the established timeline. Watch the Rogue Cut for a more complete story. The past section here is considered second on our list.
- X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009): While widely considered one of the weaker entries, it offers backstory on Wolverine. Its position here reflects the movie’s timeframe in the timeline.
- X-Men: Apocalypse (2016): Set a decade after Days of Future Past, introducing the powerful mutant En Sabah Nur.
- Dark Phoenix (2019): This film adapts the famous Dark Phoenix storyline, though its execution is debated.
- X-Men (2000): The film that launched the modern superhero movie craze, introducing the core X-Men team.
- X2: X-Men United (2003): Often considered one of the best X-Men films, featuring a compelling story and memorable action.
- X-Men: The Last Stand (2006): A controversial adaptation of the Dark Phoenix saga, but still a part of the main storyline.
- The Wolverine (2013): A more character-focused film, sending Wolverine to Japan.
- Deadpool (2016): While mostly standalone, it exists within the X-Men universe and references events and characters from the films.
- Deadpool 2 (2018): Continues the story of Deadpool, further blurring the lines between the X-Men and Deadpool worlds.
- Logan (2017): A poignant and powerful conclusion to Wolverine’s story, set in a bleak future.
- The New Mutants (2020): A horror-themed entry that is loosely connected to the main X-Men universe.
Option 2: Sticking to Release Order
This approach mirrors the order in which the films were released, allowing you to experience the franchise’s evolution in production quality, storytelling styles, and thematic focus. It also allows you to avoid potential plot holes and inconsistencies that can arise from watching out of release order.
Here’s the X-Men movie list in release order:
- 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)
- Dark Phoenix (2019)
- The New Mutants (2020)
A Note on the “Marvel Cinematic Universe”
While Disney now owns 20th Century Fox, and therefore the X-Men intellectual property, the X-Men films released before the acquisition are not considered part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). While characters like Wolverine and Deadpool are now confirmed to join the MCU, the previous films exist in a separate continuity. This distinction is crucial for understanding the overall narrative landscape. Future MCU projects will reimagine and reintroduce X-Men characters into the larger Marvel tapestry.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some common questions about navigating the X-Men movie franchise.
H3 Are the Deadpool movies considered canon to the main X-Men timeline?
Yes and no. The Deadpool films exist within the broader X-Men universe, referencing characters and events from the other movies. However, their comedic and self-aware nature often blurs the lines of what’s considered strictly “canon.” Think of them as existing on the periphery, acknowledging the other films while maintaining their own unique continuity. They have, however, become a pivotal part of the new MCU plan, so they are now integral.
H3 Should I watch X-Men Origins: Wolverine?
This is a divisive question. While it provides backstory on Wolverine, it’s widely regarded as one of the weakest entries in the franchise, suffering from poor CGI and inconsistencies with later films. For completionists, it’s worth watching, but don’t expect a masterpiece.
H3 What’s the difference between the theatrical cut and the Rogue Cut of X-Men: Days of Future Past?
The Rogue Cut adds approximately 17 minutes of footage, primarily focusing on a subplot involving Rogue, Iceman, and Magneto. Many consider it a significant improvement, adding emotional depth and resolving plot threads. It’s generally recommended to watch the Rogue Cut if possible.
H3 Is Logan connected to the other X-Men movies?
Yes, Logan is a direct continuation of Wolverine’s story, albeit set in a drastically different and darker future. It serves as a powerful and emotional conclusion to his character arc, drawing on events and relationships established in previous films. While it can be enjoyed as a standalone movie, its impact is amplified by having seen the preceding X-Men films.
H3 Where does The New Mutants fit into the X-Men timeline?
The New Mutants is loosely connected to the main X-Men universe, existing within the same world but largely telling its own story. Its placement in the timeline is ambiguous, but it likely occurs sometime after the events of X-Men: Apocalypse. Its connections to the other films are minimal, so you can watch it at any point without significantly impacting your understanding.
H3 What’s the best X-Men movie?
This is subjective, but X2: X-Men United and X-Men: Days of Future Past are frequently cited as the best. Logan is also highly praised for its mature themes and emotional resonance.
H3 Are there any X-Men TV shows I should watch after the movies?
While outside the scope of this article, the animated series X-Men: The Animated Series (1992-1997) is highly regarded and deeply influenced the films. Legion, an FX series, is also worth checking out for a more experimental and psychological take on the X-Men universe. There are many MCU series to come as well, following the X-Men’s addition to that continuity.
H3 Will the X-Men be rebooted in the MCU?
Yes, a full reboot is expected. While some actors from the previous films might reprise their roles (such as Ryan Reynolds as Deadpool), the MCU will likely introduce new versions of iconic characters and explore different storylines.
H3 Do I need to watch all the movies to understand the MCU’s X-Men?
No. The MCU’s X-Men will likely be a fresh start. While familiarity with the existing films might provide some context or Easter eggs, it won’t be necessary to enjoy the new interpretations.
H3 What order should I watch the movies if I want to avoid plot holes?
Release order is the safest bet for avoiding plot holes, as it reflects the creators’ intended storytelling progression.
H3 Are the X-Men movies available on Disney+?
Currently, select X-Men movies are available on Disney+. The availability depends on your region and licensing agreements. Check your local Disney+ library for the most up-to-date information. Many are also available on streaming services like Hulu and Netflix.
H3 What are the key themes explored in the X-Men movies?
The X-Men movies delve into themes of prejudice, tolerance, acceptance, and the struggle for equality. They explore the anxieties of being different and the challenges of navigating a world that often fears what it doesn’t understand. These films often use mutant powers as a metaphor for real-world issues of discrimination and social injustice.