The X-Men film franchise, a sprawling saga of mutantkind navigating a world that fears and hates them, can be a daunting watch. To experience the story cohesively, watch them chronologically, following the internal timeline, acknowledging that some films offer alternate continuities.
Decoding the Mutantverse: Chronological Order
Navigating the X-Men film universe requires understanding that the established timeline was irrevocably altered with X-Men: Days of Future Past. Therefore, presenting a definitive order is difficult. However, watching the films in chronological order allows for the most seamless narrative experience (taking into account some continuity hiccups). Here’s the breakdown:
- X-Men: First Class (2011): Set in 1962, this film charts the origins of Professor X and Magneto, their initial alliance, and the formation of the first X-Men team during the Cuban Missile Crisis. It’s essential for understanding the backstory of the franchise.
- X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014) (Past Sequences): The opening scenes depicting the bleak future of mutants hunted by Sentinels set the stage for the time-travel plot. But the majority of the film takes place in 1973, directly following the events of X-Men: First Class.
- X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009): While riddled with continuity errors, this film, set primarily in the late 20th century (with flashbacks extending much further back), explores Wolverine’s early life, his adamantium bonding, and his relationship with Sabretooth. It is arguably the weakest entry and somewhat dispensable.
- X-Men: Apocalypse (2016): Taking place in 1983, this film introduces the ancient mutant Apocalypse and the formation of a new team of X-Men to combat him. It bridges the gap between First Class and the original trilogy.
- X-Men: Dark Phoenix (2019): Set in 1992, this film revisits the classic Dark Phoenix saga, focusing on Jean Grey’s growing powers and her descent into darkness. Many fans consider this a disappointing adaptation.
- X-Men (2000): This is where the original X-Men film began. Although it’s chronologically later, it serves as an introduction to the core team and the mutant struggle.
- X2: X-Men United (2003): Continuing the narrative from X-Men, this film delves deeper into the government’s anti-mutant agenda and features a larger-scale conflict.
- X-Men: The Last Stand (2006): This film tackles the Mutant Cure storyline and Jean Grey’s full transformation into the Dark Phoenix. This is generally considered the end of the original timeline (before Days of Future Past).
- The Wolverine (2013): Picking up after X-Men: The Last Stand, this film sees Wolverine traveling to Japan and confronting his past. It’s a more introspective and character-driven story.
- X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014) (Future Sequences): The conclusion of the time-travel plot where Wolverine successfully alters the past, creating a new, divergent timeline. This effectively reboots the series, leading to a new continuity.
- Deadpool (2016): While set in the present day, Deadpool exists in the same universe as the X-Men, albeit with a very meta and irreverent tone. It features appearances by Colossus and Negasonic Teenage Warhead.
- Deadpool 2 (2018): Continuing Deadpool’s adventures, this film introduces Cable and forms X-Force. It further blurs the lines between the X-Men universe and its own self-aware narrative.
- Logan (2017): Set in a dystopian future, Logan presents a dark and gritty finale for Wolverine. This film is often considered a standalone story adjacent to the main X-Men timeline and a superb ending for the character.
- The New Mutants (2020): A horror-themed X-Men film featuring a group of young mutants struggling with their powers in a secluded hospital. While technically part of the franchise, its connection is tenuous.
Understanding Timeline Disruptions and Continuity
The Days of Future Past event created a branching timeline, meaning some events from the original trilogy no longer happened in the same way. This can be confusing, but it allows for the series to explore new stories and character arcs. Viewing the films with this in mind is key to enjoying the franchise despite its inconsistencies. The timeline also allows for characters from alternate realities or dimensions (like in Deadpool) to exist.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Should I watch the films in release order or chronological order?
While release order provides the historical context of the franchise’s development, chronological order offers a more cohesive narrative experience, especially when considering the Days of Future Past timeline alteration. However, be prepared for some continuity discrepancies. Release order is an excellent starting point for first-timers.
2. Is “X-Men Origins: Wolverine” really that bad?
Many fans and critics consider it the weakest entry due to plot inconsistencies and character inaccuracies. However, it does provide backstory for Wolverine, but you can skip it without missing too much crucial information. It is often referred to as non-canon by some fans.
3. Do I need to watch every single X-Men movie to understand the overall story?
Not necessarily. The core films – First Class, Days of Future Past, X-Men, X2: X-Men United, and Logan – are arguably the most important for understanding the central themes and character arcs.
4. Where does “Dark Phoenix” fit in the timeline, and is it a good adaptation?
Dark Phoenix is set in 1992, after Apocalypse and before the original trilogy. While it attempts to adapt the iconic comic book storyline, many viewers found it a disappointing portrayal.
5. What is the significance of “X-Men: Days of Future Past”?
Days of Future Past is crucial because it fundamentally altered the timeline, effectively rebooting the franchise and allowing for new stories to be told with the existing characters. It creates the most significant branching point within the universe.
6. Are the Deadpool movies considered canon?
Yes, the Deadpool movies are officially part of the X-Men universe, although their meta humor and fourth-wall-breaking antics often make them feel separate. They acknowledge the existence of the X-Men while simultaneously mocking the established tropes.
7. Is “Logan” connected to the other X-Men movies?
Logan is thematically linked to the X-Men universe, particularly Wolverine’s character arc. However, its bleak and self-contained narrative makes it feel like a standalone epilogue. It is essentially the definitive ending for Hugh Jackman’s portrayal of Wolverine.
8. What about “The New Mutants”? Does it matter?
The New Mutants is loosely connected to the X-Men universe but largely functions as its own separate story. It is not essential viewing and doesn’t significantly impact the overall timeline.
9. Will the X-Men be integrated into the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU)?
Yes! With Disney’s acquisition of 20th Century Fox, the X-Men are now part of the MCU. How they will be introduced and integrated remains to be seen, but it’s an exciting prospect for fans.
10. What’s the best order to watch the movies if I want to ignore continuity errors?
If continuity doesn’t bother you, simply watch them in release order. This provides a historical perspective on the franchise’s evolution, even if the timeline gets muddled.
11. Are there any X-Men TV shows I should watch?
While not directly connected to the film universe, shows like X-Men: The Animated Series (1992-1997) are highly regarded and offer excellent adaptations of classic storylines. Legion is a unique and experimental series loosely related to the X-Men universe.
12. Where can I find the X-Men movies to watch?
The X-Men films are available for purchase or rental on various platforms, including Amazon Prime Video, iTunes, Google Play, and Vudu. They are also frequently shown on streaming services like Disney+ (check your region for availability). Always check for the best streaming options available in your area.