The tangled web of timelines and shared universes can make figuring out the correct order to watch Wolverine and Deadpool movies a real head-scratcher. This guide cuts through the chaos, presenting the most logical viewing order, considering both release date and narrative coherence, to maximize your enjoyment of these iconic Marvel characters.
Understanding the Wolverine/Deadpool Cinematic Landscape
Navigating the Wolverine and Deadpool cinematic landscape requires acknowledging the messy history of the X-Men franchise, from which they both originate. Conflicting timelines, retcons, and shifting studio control (from 20th Century Fox to Disney) have created a viewing experience that demands careful consideration. We’ll tackle this challenge head-on, outlining a path that offers the clearest narrative flow while acknowledging the inherent complexities.
The Recommended Viewing Order
While strict chronological order is virtually impossible due to timeline inconsistencies, this viewing order prioritizes character development, narrative arcs, and minimizing plot holes as much as possible.
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X-Men (2000): While neither Wolverine nor Deadpool are central figures, this film establishes the foundation of the mutant universe and introduces key characters. It sets the stage for Wolverine’s later emergence.
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X2: X-Men United (2003): This sequel expands on the X-Men world and further develops the characters introduced in the first film, continuing the overall arc.
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X-Men: The Last Stand (2006): Wolverine plays a more significant role in this installment, facing the threat of the mutant cure. It’s important for understanding his development within the original trilogy.
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X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009): This is where things get tricky. While chronologically earlier, this film introduces a much-debated version of Deadpool (the infamous “Weapon XI”). Many consider this movie non-canon due to its significant deviation from the comic book character. Watch it understanding that its canonicity is highly contested.
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The Wolverine (2013): Set after the events of X-Men: The Last Stand, this film sees Wolverine struggling with his past and grappling with his immortality in Japan. It offers a more focused and compelling Wolverine story.
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X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014): This film acts as a soft reboot of the X-Men timeline, effectively erasing many of the plot inconsistencies from previous movies, including (thankfully) much of X-Men Origins: Wolverine. It provides a new origin point for many characters, including Wolverine, and establishes a new timeline.
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Deadpool (2016): This film introduces the modern, R-rated, fourth-wall-breaking Deadpool that fans know and love. It provides a fresh start for the character, effectively ignoring the events of X-Men Origins: Wolverine. This movie is a must-watch for understanding Deadpool’s personality and motivations.
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X-Men: Apocalypse (2016): Wolverine makes a brief but memorable appearance in this film, showcasing his feral side. This appearance contributes to the altered timeline established in Days of Future Past.
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Deadpool 2 (2018): The sequel expands on Deadpool’s world, introducing characters like Cable and Domino. It continues the character’s unique blend of action, comedy, and meta-commentary.
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Dark Phoenix (2019): This film focuses on Jean Grey and her transformation into the Dark Phoenix. While Wolverine isn’t a central character, the events of this film still impact the X-Men universe.
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Logan (2017): Placed later on the timeline (approximately 2029), this film presents a tragic and powerful conclusion to Wolverine’s story. It’s emotionally resonant and offers a fitting send-off to the character. It can be viewed either before or after Deadpool 2 and Dark Phoenix without significantly affecting the overall viewing experience.
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Deadpool & Wolverine (2024): The highly anticipated team-up movie, bringing Deadpool into the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Its placement is explicitly designed to integrate these characters into the established MCU narrative, and marks a significant shift for both characters.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some common questions about watching Wolverine and Deadpool movies in order:
H3 FAQ 1: Is X-Men Origins: Wolverine considered canon?
Whether X-Men Origins: Wolverine is considered canon is a matter of debate. Officially, the events of X-Men: Days of Future Past retconned much of the previous timeline, effectively minimizing its importance. However, some elements might still subtly influence later stories. Many fans prefer to disregard it entirely due to its poor reception and inaccurate portrayal of characters like Deadpool.
H3 FAQ 2: Can I skip X-Men Origins: Wolverine?
Yes, absolutely. Skipping X-Men Origins: Wolverine will likely improve your overall viewing experience, especially if you’re a fan of the comic book versions of Wolverine and Deadpool. The retconning in Days of Future Past allows you to comfortably bypass it without missing crucial plot points.
H3 FAQ 3: Where does Logan fit into the timeline?
Logan is set in 2029, well after the events of most other X-Men films. It represents a potential future timeline and a possible end for Wolverine’s character arc.
H3 FAQ 4: Do I need to watch all the X-Men movies to understand the Wolverine and Deadpool movies?
No, but watching X-Men (2000), X2: X-Men United (2003), X-Men: The Last Stand (2006), and X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014) will provide valuable context and understanding of the mutant universe and Wolverine’s origins.
H3 FAQ 5: Should I watch the post-credit scenes in the Deadpool movies?
Yes! The post-credit scenes in both Deadpool and Deadpool 2 are essential for understanding the character’s meta-humor and often hint at future storylines or jokes.
H3 FAQ 6: How will Deadpool & Wolverine affect the overall timeline?
Deadpool & Wolverine is expected to be a key component in integrating these characters into the MCU multiverse. This likely involves further timeline shenanigans and potential crossover events with other MCU characters. The details of exactly how are still under wraps.
H3 FAQ 7: Is there a specific viewing order for all X-Men movies, including those not directly featuring Wolverine or Deadpool?
Yes, but it’s complex. A full list considering all X-Men movies is available online, but the order presented above focuses primarily on the films most relevant to Wolverine and Deadpool’s stories.
H3 FAQ 8: What about the New Mutants movie? Where does that fit?
The New Mutants (2020) is loosely connected to the X-Men universe but has minimal impact on the Wolverine and Deadpool storylines. It can be watched independently.
H3 FAQ 9: Are there any animated Wolverine or Deadpool movies or TV shows I should watch?
There are numerous animated series and films featuring Wolverine and Deadpool. While not essential for understanding the live-action films, they offer valuable insights into the characters’ personalities and backstories. Examples include Hulk vs Wolverine and various X-Men animated series.
H3 FAQ 10: Will the X-Men universe be rebooted after Disney’s acquisition of Fox?
While a full reboot is possible, the MCU seems to be embracing a multiverse approach, allowing for different versions of characters to exist simultaneously. Deadpool & Wolverine is a prime example of this.
H3 FAQ 11: Why are the X-Men timelines so confusing?
The inconsistent timelines are due to a combination of factors, including changing creative visions, retcons intended to fix plot holes, and studio interference. The acquisition of Fox by Disney provides an opportunity to streamline the continuity going forward.
H3 FAQ 12: Where can I find the Wolverine and Deadpool movies to watch?
The availability of these films varies depending on your region and streaming services. They can typically be found on platforms such as Disney+, Hulu, and through digital rentals or purchases on services like Apple TV and Amazon Prime Video. Always ensure you’re accessing content through legal and legitimate sources.
By following this guide, you can navigate the often-convoluted world of Wolverine and Deadpool movies with confidence, ensuring a more enjoyable and coherent viewing experience. Prepare for action, humor, and plenty of meta-commentary!