Figuring out the chronological order of the X-Men movie franchise can feel like navigating a time-traveling Cerebro. Forget release dates; to experience the unfolding saga of mutantkind’s struggle for survival in a coherent fashion, understanding the in-universe chronology is key. Here’s the definitive guide to watching the X-Men movies in the correct order, allowing you to witness the evolution of the X-Men from their formative years to their apocalyptic battles.
A Mutant Timeline: The Definitive Viewing Order
To truly understand the complex narrative tapestry woven throughout the X-Men films, watching them chronologically is the only way to go. This approach reveals the origins of key characters, the evolution of mutant relations with humanity, and the ripple effects of past events on the future. Prepare for some timeline-hopping!
Here is the recommended chronological order:
- X-Men: First Class (2011): This film serves as the prequel, establishing the origin of the X-Men and the fraught relationship between Charles Xavier and Erik Lehnsherr (Magneto). It sets the stage for everything that follows.
- X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014) – Past Sequences: While the film involves time travel, the historical segments of Days of Future Past, primarily set in 1973, follow directly after First Class.
- X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009): Though widely considered one of the weaker installments, Origins: Wolverine provides backstory on Logan’s early life, including his involvement in Weapon X. Watch it after establishing the Xavier/Magneto dynamic. Be prepared for continuity errors!
- X-Men: Apocalypse (2016): Set in the 1980s, Apocalypse introduces younger versions of Jean Grey, Cyclops, Storm, and Nightcrawler, and further develops the Xavier/Magneto dynamic.
- X-Men: Dark Phoenix (2019): A direct sequel to Apocalypse, Dark Phoenix continues the stories of the younger X-Men and explores Jean Grey’s growing powers and descent into madness.
- X-Men (2000): The film that kicked off the franchise (release-wise) is best viewed later in the chronological order. It introduces the core X-Men team in a more established state.
- X2: X-Men United (2003): Continuing the narrative established in X-Men, this film expands on the mutant-human conflict and the X-Men’s fight for survival.
- X-Men: The Last Stand (2006): Though controversial, The Last Stand concludes the original trilogy’s storyline, dealing with the Mutant Cure and the escalating conflict between the X-Men and Magneto’s Brotherhood.
- The Wolverine (2013): Set in Japan after the events of The Last Stand, The Wolverine follows Logan as he grapples with his immortality and confronts his past.
- X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014) – Future Sequences: Completing the Days of Future Past narrative by concluding the future segments and establishing a new, altered timeline.
- Logan (2017): Set in a bleak future, Logan offers a poignant and definitive conclusion to Wolverine’s journey. This film is significantly separated from the core timeline events and should be watched last for maximum impact.
- Deadpool (2016) & Deadpool 2 (2018): While technically part of the X-Men universe, the Deadpool movies operate largely independently and can be watched at any point after Days of Future Past, as their impact on the overall timeline is minimal and primarily comedic. Their self-aware nature allows them to break the fourth wall and make meta-references to the franchise’s continuity issues.
Understanding the Nuances: Why Chronological Order Matters
Watching the X-Men movies in chronological order provides a deeper understanding of character arcs. For example, witnessing the initial camaraderie between Xavier and Magneto in First Class makes their later conflict in X-Men and beyond far more tragic and resonant. Similarly, seeing Jean Grey’s initial struggles with her powers in Apocalypse and Dark Phoenix provides a richer context for her established character in the original trilogy. This order also clarifies plot points and avoids confusion caused by timeline inconsistencies introduced by time travel.
Addressing Timeline Confusion: Clearing Up the Mess
The X-Men franchise is notorious for its timeline discrepancies, largely due to the soft reboot caused by Days of Future Past. The “new timeline” introduced in that film essentially overwrites much of the continuity established in the original trilogy and Origins: Wolverine. However, watching the films in the order provided acknowledges these issues while still aiming for the most logical narrative flow.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some common questions regarding the X-Men movie timeline and how to best navigate it.
Q1: Does Days of Future Past completely erase the events of the original trilogy?
No, Days of Future Past doesn’t entirely erase the original trilogy, but it creates a divergent timeline. Think of it as an alternate reality stemming from Wolverine’s actions in the past. Key events are altered, and characters who died in the original timeline may still be alive in the new one.
Q2: Is X-Men: The Last Stand worth watching if the timeline is changed by Days of Future Past?
Yes, The Last Stand is still worth watching for the completion of the original trilogy’s narrative and character arcs. While its events are altered in the new timeline, it provides context for the initial conflict and relationships within the X-Men universe.
Q3: Where does The New Mutants fit into the timeline?
The exact placement of The New Mutants is debated. It’s generally accepted to occur sometime after Apocalypse and before Logan, potentially overlapping with the events of Dark Phoenix, but its isolated setting and self-contained story make its placement less critical to the overall narrative.
Q4: Are Deadpool and Deadpool 2 considered canon?
Yes, the Deadpool movies are considered canon, albeit loosely. They exist within the X-Men universe, but their self-aware, fourth-wall-breaking humor and meta-commentary often disregard strict continuity.
Q5: What about Dark Phoenix? Is it a direct sequel to Apocalypse?
Yes, Dark Phoenix is a direct sequel to Apocalypse, continuing the story of the younger X-Men introduced in that film. It further explores Jean Grey’s powers and her transformation into the Dark Phoenix.
Q6: Is it necessary to watch all the movies to understand Logan?
While watching all the movies isn’t strictly necessary, understanding the context of Wolverine’s past – his struggles, losses, and relationships with other mutants – will significantly enhance the emotional impact of Logan.
Q7: What’s the best order to watch the movies if I don’t care about chronological accuracy?
If you prioritize release order, you can watch the films in the order they were released in theaters. This approach provides a historical perspective on the evolution of the franchise itself. However, be prepared for continuity inconsistencies.
Q8: Should I skip X-Men Origins: Wolverine?
X-Men Origins: Wolverine is generally considered the weakest film in the franchise due to its plot holes and inaccuracies. However, it does provide some backstory for Wolverine, so whether you skip it or not is a matter of personal preference. Just be aware of its issues.
Q9: What’s the significance of Days of Future Past to the overall X-Men movie franchise?
Days of Future Past is a pivotal film that essentially soft-reboots the franchise, creating a new timeline and allowing for future films to explore different storylines and character arcs.
Q10: Are there any plans for future X-Men movies within the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU)?
Yes, Marvel Studios now controls the X-Men franchise and has plans to introduce mutants into the MCU. The exact timeline and details are still unknown, but it’s anticipated that the MCU X-Men will be a new iteration, separate from the Fox X-Men universe.
Q11: Why is the timeline so confusing in the X-Men movies?
The timeline confusion stems from various factors, including: retcons, inconsistencies in character portrayals, and the aforementioned time travel element introduced in Days of Future Past. Different writers and directors have also interpreted the source material in their own ways, leading to further discrepancies.
Q12: Is there an official X-Men timeline that Fox (or now Disney) has released?
No, there isn’t a completely official, comprehensive X-Men movie timeline released by Fox or Disney. The timeline presented here is the result of careful analysis and consideration of the available information, aiming for the most logical and satisfying viewing experience.
By following this chronological order, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for the complex and compelling narrative that defines the X-Men movie franchise. Enjoy your journey through the mutant universe!