Navigating the timeline of the X-Men movies can feel like facing off against Mystique – constantly shifting and deceptively layered. This guide provides the definitive chronological order for watching the X-Men cinematic universe, ensuring a cohesive and rewarding experience.
The Definitive X-Men Movie Chronological Order
To watch the X-Men movies in true chronological order, following the events as they unfold in the fictional universe, the viewing sequence is as follows:
- X-Men: First Class (2011)
- X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014) – Past Sequences Only
- X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009)
- X-Men (2000)
- X2: X-Men United (2003)
- X-Men: The Last Stand (2006)
- The Wolverine (2013)
- X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014) – Future Sequences Only
- X-Men: Apocalypse (2016)
- Dark Phoenix (2019)
- Logan (2017)
- Deadpool (2016)
- Deadpool 2 (2018)
- The New Mutants (2020)
This order provides the most linear and understandable progression of the characters’ stories and the overall X-Men narrative. Note that Days of Future Past is split due to its dual timeline.
Diving Deeper into the X-Men Timeline
The X-Men film franchise is known for its intricate, sometimes contradictory, timeline. This chronological order aims to minimize confusion and present the story in the most logical way. Let’s unpack some crucial aspects of this order.
Why Start with X-Men: First Class?
First Class serves as the perfect origin story. It introduces younger versions of Professor X (Charles Xavier) and Magneto (Erik Lehnsherr), detailing their initial friendship and the events that led to their ideological divergence. It lays the groundwork for everything that follows. Starting here provides crucial context for the original trilogy and beyond.
The Importance of Splitting Days of Future Past
Days of Future Past is pivotal because it effectively soft-rebooted the timeline. Viewing the past sequences first allows the audience to experience the pre-reboot events in a clear progression. Completing the movie with the future sequences acknowledges the altered timeline’s consequences. This approach highlights the significance of the time travel element and its impact on the franchise’s future.
Placement of Wolverine’s Solo Films
X-Men Origins: Wolverine isn’t universally loved, but it provides backstory on Logan’s (Wolverine’s) early life and adamantium bonding. While some aspects contradict later films, placing it before the original X-Men movies maintains character development consistency. The Wolverine, set after X-Men: The Last Stand, focuses on Logan’s emotional recovery and sets the stage for Days of Future Past.
Understanding the Role of the “Deadpool” Films and “The New Mutants”
The Deadpool films exist within the X-Men universe but operate with a meta-awareness and fourth-wall-breaking humor. Their placement towards the end reflects their connection to the events of the previous films while acknowledging their more standalone nature. The New Mutants, although visually and tonally distinct, is also placed at the end due to its chronological setting within the timeline established after Days of Future Past.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Watching the X-Men Movies
Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify and address potential points of confusion:
FAQ 1: Why isn’t X-Men Origins: Wolverine placed at the very beginning?
While it deals with Wolverine’s origin, its continuity inconsistencies with other films, particularly X-Men: First Class, make it less suitable as a starting point. Starting with First Class provides a stronger foundation for understanding the mutant world as a whole.
FAQ 2: Does this order include every X-Men-related movie, like Legion or The Gifted?
No, this guide focuses on the core X-Men theatrical films produced by 20th Century Fox (now 20th Century Studios). TV shows like Legion and The Gifted, while related, exist in their own separate continuities.
FAQ 3: Will I be confused by watching Days of Future Past in this split order?
The division is designed to minimize confusion. The past sequences provide essential context for the characters involved, while the future segments reveal the impact of their actions. Paying attention to the year being depicted will help you stay oriented.
FAQ 4: What about the many continuity errors within the X-Men movies?
The X-Men film franchise is notorious for its timeline inconsistencies. Days of Future Past was an attempt to address some of these errors, but they still persist. This viewing order prioritizes the most cohesive narrative flow despite these discrepancies.
FAQ 5: Is it better to watch the films in release order instead?
Release order offers a perspective on how the franchise evolved over time, but it can be confusing due to the timeline jumps and retcons. Chronological order is better for understanding the character arcs and the overall story.
FAQ 6: Where does Deadpool fit into the overall timeline, really?
Deadpool‘s precise placement is debatable. Its references to characters and events from previous films suggest it takes place sometime after X-Men: Apocalypse and before Logan. This placement reflects that general timeframe.
FAQ 7: Does this order consider the Disney/Marvel acquisition of 20th Century Fox?
No, this order focuses solely on the X-Men films released before the acquisition and doesn’t speculate on how future Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) integrations might affect the existing continuity.
FAQ 8: What’s the significance of the Logan ending in relation to the other films?
Logan offers a definitive conclusion to Wolverine’s story and a more somber tone. Its placement at the end reflects its role as a farewell to the character and a potential endpoint for the X-Men story on its own.
FAQ 9: Is it necessary to watch all the films to understand the story?
While each film offers its own self-contained narrative, watching them in chronological order provides a richer and more complete understanding of the characters’ histories, motivations, and relationships. Key plot points are often referenced across multiple movies.
FAQ 10: Should I skip any of the films if I’m not enjoying them?
That depends on your personal preference. However, even films that are not universally praised often contain plot elements or character developments that are relevant to later entries. X-Men: The Last Stand, for example, introduces key concepts for The Wolverine.
FAQ 11: Does Dark Phoenix fix any of the timeline issues created by previous films?
Unfortunately, Dark Phoenix did not resolve many existing continuity problems and is often considered one of the weaker entries in the franchise. This chronological placement, however, puts it in context alongside the events that lead to Jean Grey’s transformation.
FAQ 12: Is there a ‘correct’ way to watch the X-Men movies?
Ultimately, the “correct” way is the way that provides you with the most enjoyable viewing experience. However, for understanding the story’s progression and character development, this chronological order offers a solid and logical foundation.
By following this guide, you can immerse yourself in the world of the X-Men and experience their epic saga in the most coherent and captivating way possible. Enjoy the journey through mutant history!