There are thirteen core X-Men movies released theatrically, forming the primary film universe. These films span from the original X-Men in 2000 to The New Mutants in 2020, showcasing various team lineups and storylines adapted from the comic books.
The X-Men Film Saga: A Comprehensive Overview
The X-Men film franchise has been a cornerstone of the superhero genre, consistently delivering action, drama, and complex character studies. Its impact on popular culture is undeniable, influencing subsequent superhero adaptations and shaping the landscape of blockbuster filmmaking. Understanding the chronology and interconnectedness of these films can be challenging, especially considering the varying timelines and continuity adjustments throughout the series. This guide provides a clear and comprehensive overview of the entire X-Men cinematic universe.
The Original Trilogy (2000-2006)
The foundation of the franchise was laid with the original trilogy, introducing audiences to iconic characters and establishing the core themes of mutant acceptance, prejudice, and the battle for coexistence.
- X-Men (2000): This film launched the franchise, introducing Professor X, Magneto, Wolverine, and the core X-Men team. It set the stage for the overarching conflict between mutants and humanity.
- X2: X-Men United (2003): Widely considered one of the best in the series, X2 delves deeper into the mutant experience, exploring themes of discrimination and government conspiracy.
- X-Men: The Last Stand (2006): This installment concludes the original trilogy, addressing the Mutant Cure storyline and featuring a dramatic battle that significantly alters the X-Men universe.
The Prequel Era (2011-2016)
The prequel era sought to re-establish the franchise by focusing on the origins of key characters and providing a new perspective on familiar events. It introduced a younger cast and explored the formative years of the X-Men.
- X-Men: First Class (2011): A fresh start for the franchise, First Class explores the early relationship between Professor X and Magneto, and the formation of the first X-Men team during the Cuban Missile Crisis.
- X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014): This film cleverly merges the original and prequel timelines, using time travel to avert a dystopian future and effectively reboot the franchise’s continuity.
- X-Men: Apocalypse (2016): This installment introduces the powerful mutant Apocalypse and sets up a new generation of X-Men, continuing the story established in First Class.
Wolverine’s Standalone Films (2009-2017)
Wolverine’s immense popularity led to a series of standalone films focusing on his individual journey and backstory. These films, while part of the broader X-Men universe, often explore darker and more personal themes.
- X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009): An origin story focusing on Wolverine’s early life and the Weapon X program. This film has been largely disregarded in subsequent films due to continuity issues.
- The Wolverine (2013): Set in Japan, this film sees Wolverine grapple with his immortality and confront his inner demons.
- Logan (2017): A critically acclaimed and emotionally resonant film that marks the end of Hugh Jackman’s portrayal of Wolverine. Logan presents a bleak and violent future for mutants.
Expanding the Universe (2016-2020)
This phase of the franchise attempted to diversify the X-Men cinematic universe with more experimental and unconventional films.
- Deadpool (2016): A raunchy and irreverent superhero film that breaks the fourth wall and features a wise-cracking mercenary. Deadpool was a massive success and spawned a sequel.
- Deadpool 2 (2018): Continuing the meta-humor and action-packed style of the first film, Deadpool 2 introduces Cable and expands the Deadpool universe.
- X-Men: Dark Phoenix (2019): An attempt to adapt the iconic Dark Phoenix saga once again, this film suffered from production issues and critical backlash.
- The New Mutants (2020): A horror-infused take on the superhero genre, focusing on a group of young mutants held in a secret facility.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About X-Men Movies
Here are some frequently asked questions about the X-Men movie franchise, addressing common inquiries and providing detailed explanations.
What is the correct viewing order for the X-Men movies?
There’s no single “correct” order, but here are a few popular approaches:
- Release Order: The simplest approach, following the order the films were released. This helps track the evolution of the franchise.
- Chronological Order (In-Universe): X-Men: First Class, X-Men: Days of Future Past (flashbacks), X-Men Origins: Wolverine (select scenes), X-Men: Apocalypse, Dark Phoenix, X-Men, X2: X-Men United, X-Men: The Last Stand, The Wolverine, Days of Future Past (future), Logan, Deadpool, Deadpool 2, The New Mutants. This attempts to follow the timeline of events within the movies. Note: Deadpool and Deadpool 2‘s placements are somewhat flexible.
- Focus on the Main Timeline: X-Men: First Class, X-Men: Days of Future Past, X-Men: Apocalypse, Dark Phoenix, X-Men, X2: X-Men United, X-Men: The Last Stand. This order emphasizes the core X-Men storyline, omitting the Wolverine standalone films and focusing on the central characters.
Are the Deadpool movies part of the X-Men universe?
Yes, the Deadpool movies are explicitly part of the X-Men universe. They feature references to the X-Men, appearances from characters like Colossus and Negasonic Teenage Warhead, and acknowledge events from the main X-Men films.
Is Logan considered canon in the X-Men universe?
Yes, Logan is generally considered canon within the X-Men film universe, even though it presents a significantly different and darker tone compared to earlier films. It serves as a poignant and definitive conclusion to Wolverine’s story.
Why are there so many continuity errors in the X-Men movies?
The X-Men film franchise has faced numerous continuity challenges due to reboots, time travel storylines, and changes in creative direction. Different writers and directors have often interpreted the source material differently, leading to inconsistencies and plot holes. X-Men: Days of Future Past attempted to address some of these issues but didn’t completely resolve them.
What happened to the X-Men after Disney acquired Fox?
After Disney acquired 20th Century Fox, which held the rights to the X-Men, the future of the X-Men in cinema became uncertain. Marvel Studios now has the rights to integrate the X-Men into the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).
When will the X-Men be integrated into the MCU?
While there’s no definitive date, Marvel Studios has confirmed that plans are underway to introduce the X-Men into the MCU. There have been hints and cameos in recent MCU projects, suggesting that the integration process has already begun. Details are still being kept under wraps, but announcements are expected in the future.
Will the original X-Men actors return in the MCU?
It’s unlikely that the entire original cast will return in their previous roles. The MCU will likely feature a new iteration of the X-Men, potentially with new actors. However, cameos from familiar faces are not entirely out of the question.
Are there any X-Men TV shows connected to the movies?
While there are X-Men TV shows like Legion and The Gifted, they are not directly connected to the X-Men film universe in a significant or canonical way. They exist as separate interpretations of the X-Men mythology.
What is the Dark Phoenix Saga, and why is it adapted twice in the movies?
The Dark Phoenix Saga is a classic X-Men comic book storyline about Jean Grey’s transformation into a powerful and destructive entity. It was first adapted in X-Men: The Last Stand and again in X-Men: Dark Phoenix. The second attempt aimed to be a more faithful adaptation of the source material, but it ultimately received mixed reviews.
Which X-Men movie is considered the best?
X2: X-Men United is frequently cited as one of the best X-Men movies, praised for its compelling storyline, strong character development, and exploration of mutant themes. Logan is also often ranked highly due to its emotional depth and mature storytelling.
Is there a post-credits scene in every X-Men movie?
Not every X-Men movie has a post-credits scene, but many do. These scenes often tease future storylines, introduce new characters, or provide humorous moments. It’s always worth staying until the end of the credits to see if there’s an extra scene.
Will there be more solo Wolverine movies?
Given the conclusive nature of Logan, it’s unlikely that Hugh Jackman will reprise his role as Wolverine for another solo film. However, with the X-Men now under Marvel Studios control, the possibility of a new actor portraying Wolverine in the MCU remains open.