There are, depending on how you define “part” and what you include in the X-Men movie universe, 13 films that can be considered core X-Men movies. This number expands significantly if you include films featuring mutants but not directly tied to the main X-Men storyline.
A Deep Dive into the Mutant Cinematic Universe
The X-Men film franchise, beginning with the groundbreaking X-Men in 2000, has been a cornerstone of the superhero movie genre. However, the narrative tapestry is complex, weaving together multiple timelines, spin-offs, and shifting studio ownership. This article aims to provide clarity on the number of films within the X-Men movie universe and explore the different iterations and interpretations. Let’s break down the core films and address frequently asked questions to offer a comprehensive overview.
The Core X-Men Films: A Chronological Breakdown
The 13 films that most consider as the core of the X-Men film universe are:
- 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)
This list includes the main trilogy, prequel series, Wolverine spin-offs, Deadpool films, and The New Mutants. It is important to note that timelines shifted after X-Men: Days of Future Past, effectively creating two separate timelines. The films released after Days of Future Past (excluding Logan and Deadpool) exist in a slightly altered timeline.
Understanding the Timeline(s)
The X-Men film series is notorious for its complicated timeline. The original trilogy (X-Men, X2, X-Men: The Last Stand) establishes a future timeline. X-Men: First Class serves as a prequel, showcasing the origins of the X-Men. X-Men: Days of Future Past introduces time travel, altering the original timeline. This means the events of X-Men: The Last Stand are effectively erased from the new timeline established after Days of Future Past. Films like X-Men: Apocalypse and Dark Phoenix continue this altered timeline. However, Logan is set in a distant, dystopian future and exists outside these established timelines, offering a poignant and definitive end to Wolverine’s story. Deadpool and Deadpool 2 exist more or less independently, often breaking the fourth wall and acknowledging the confusing timeline.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
H3 Are the Deadpool movies considered X-Men movies?
Yes, the Deadpool films are considered part of the X-Men movie universe. Deadpool is a mutant who originated in the X-Men comics, and his films feature other mutant characters and references to the X-Men universe. While they maintain a unique and irreverent tone, they are definitively connected.
H3 Is Legion considered part of the X-Men movie universe?
While Legion (the FX television series) is based on the X-Men comic book character David Haller (Professor X’s son), its canonicity within the film universe is ambiguous. There are references that suggest a connection, but the show largely operates in its own self-contained reality, never explicitly confirming its integration. Most fans don’t consider it part of the main movie universe canon.
H3 Does Dark Phoenix retcon X-Men: The Last Stand?
Dark Phoenix is, in a way, a second attempt at adapting the “Dark Phoenix Saga” from the comics after X-Men: The Last Stand. However, because of the timeline changes in X-Men: Days of Future Past, Dark Phoenix takes place in an alternate timeline, and therefore doesn’t so much retcon The Last Stand as it explores a similar narrative in a different context.
H3 Where does The New Mutants fit into the timeline?
The placement of The New Mutants within the X-Men timeline is somewhat unclear and was a point of contention among fans. It’s generally understood to take place in the “revised” timeline established after Days of Future Past, but it’s relatively isolated from the main X-Men narrative.
H3 Is Logan considered canon?
Yes, Logan is considered canon within the X-Men movie universe, although it exists in its own self-contained, dystopian future, effectively divorced from the main timeline established by the other films. It serves as a poignant and definitive conclusion to Wolverine’s story.
H3 What is the correct order to watch the X-Men movies?
There isn’t a single “correct” order, but here are a few options:
- Release Order: This is the simplest and follows the evolution of the franchise: X-Men, X2: X-Men United, X-Men: The Last Stand, X-Men Origins: Wolverine, X-Men: First Class, The Wolverine, X-Men: Days of Future Past, Deadpool, X-Men: Apocalypse, Logan, Deadpool 2, Dark Phoenix, The New Mutants.
- Chronological Order (Timeline Order): This attempts to follow the in-universe timeline, but can get confusing: X-Men: First Class, X-Men: Days of Future Past (past scenes), X-Men: Apocalypse, Dark Phoenix, X-Men, X2: X-Men United, X-Men: The Last Stand (events are altered by Days of Future Past), The Wolverine, Deadpool, Deadpool 2, Logan, The New Mutants, and X-Men: Days of Future Past (future scenes).
H3 Are there any other X-Men related movies or TV shows not listed?
Besides Legion, there was also The Gifted, another TV series set within the X-Men universe. There are animated series as well, but these are not part of the live-action film universe. The inclusion of these, or not, is largely a matter of personal preference.
H3 What happened to the X-Men after Disney acquired Fox?
Following Disney’s acquisition of 20th Century Fox, the rights to the X-Men reverted to Marvel Studios. This paved the way for the X-Men to eventually be integrated into the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).
H3 When will the X-Men appear in the MCU?
While the exact timeline is unknown, Marvel Studios has confirmed that the X-Men will eventually be integrated into the MCU. There have been subtle hints and cameos in recent MCU projects, suggesting that their introduction is imminent. Expect to see X-Men related movies and shows announced in the coming years.
H3 Will the original X-Men cast return?
It’s unlikely that the entire original cast will return. Some actors, like Hugh Jackman, have stated they are done playing Wolverine. However, with the multiverse now a core concept in the MCU, anything is possible. Small cameos might be a plausible option for some original cast members.
H3 Will the MCU reboot the X-Men entirely?
Likely. Considering the complex and often criticized narrative choices of the Fox X-Men movies, a fresh start within the MCU seems the most logical approach. This allows Marvel Studios to introduce the X-Men to a new generation while staying true to the core concepts and characters.
H3 What does the future hold for X-Men movies?
The future of X-Men movies is bright. With the characters now under the umbrella of Marvel Studios, fans can expect higher quality storytelling, greater adherence to the source material, and seamless integration into the ever-expanding MCU. The X-Men are poised to become a major force in the superhero landscape once again.