There are 13 X-Men-related movies released in theaters, encompassing the core X-Men series, Wolverine solo films, and Deadpool spin-offs. This count includes titles from 20th Century Fox (now 20th Century Studios under Disney) as well as those set firmly within the established X-Men cinematic universe.
The Complete X-Men Cinematic Universe: A Chronological Breakdown
Understanding the X-Men movie universe can be tricky due to reboots and timeline divergences. Here’s a breakdown of each film, presented in release order, to help clarify the landscape.
- X-Men (2000): The film that started it all, introducing Professor X, Magneto, and the core X-Men team.
- X2: X-Men United (2003): A critically acclaimed sequel delving into anti-mutant prejudice and government conspiracies.
- X-Men: The Last Stand (2006): Loosely based on the “Dark Phoenix Saga,” this installment faced mixed reviews.
- X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009): The first Wolverine solo film, exploring his origins and connection to Weapon X.
- X-Men: First Class (2011): A prequel that reboots the timeline, focusing on the early days of Professor X and Magneto’s relationship.
- The Wolverine (2013): A standalone adventure set in Japan, showcasing a more introspective and vulnerable Wolverine.
- X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014): A time-travel epic that merges the original cast with the First Class generation, altering the timeline significantly.
- Deadpool (2016): A fourth-wall-breaking, R-rated spin-off featuring the Merc with a Mouth.
- X-Men: Apocalypse (2016): Set in the 1980s, this film introduces the ancient mutant Apocalypse and his attempt to reshape the world.
- Logan (2017): A poignant and critically acclaimed conclusion to Wolverine’s story, set in a bleak future.
- Deadpool 2 (2018): More meta-humor and action, with the introduction of Cable and X-Force.
- X-Men: Dark Phoenix (2019): Another attempt to adapt the “Dark Phoenix Saga,” this time with the First Class cast.
- The New Mutants (2020): A horror-themed spin-off focusing on a group of young mutants in a secret facility.
Understanding the Timeline Complexities
The X-Men movie timeline is notoriously convoluted. Days of Future Past effectively created a new timeline, diverging from the events of the original trilogy. This means that the films following Days of Future Past occur in this altered reality. It’s important to keep this in mind when considering the canonicity and continuity between different films.
The Original Timeline vs. the Revised Timeline
Distinguishing between these two timelines is crucial. The original timeline encompasses:
- X-Men (2000)
- X2: X-Men United (2003)
- X-Men: The Last Stand (2006)
- X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009) (Its canonicity is often debated)
The revised timeline (post Days of Future Past) includes:
- X-Men: First Class (2011)
- The Wolverine (2013) (Partially set before and after the timeline shift)
- X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014)
- Deadpool (2016) (Though its place is somewhat ambiguous)
- X-Men: Apocalypse (2016)
- Logan (2017) (Set in a future that is a possible, but not guaranteed, outcome of the revised timeline)
- Deadpool 2 (2018)
- X-Men: Dark Phoenix (2019)
- The New Mutants (2020)
FAQs: Your Burning X-Men Movie Questions Answered
Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the X-Men movie universe and answer any remaining queries.
FAQ 1: Is Deadpool considered part of the main X-Men universe?
Yes, Deadpool and Deadpool 2 are generally considered part of the broader X-Men cinematic universe. While their tone and style are significantly different from the core X-Men films, they feature characters and references that connect them to the wider franchise. Deadpool directly references the X-Men and Colossus appears in both films.
FAQ 2: Is Logan canon to the main X-Men timeline?
Logan‘s canonicity is a bit more ambiguous. It’s set in a possible future resulting from the revised timeline established in Days of Future Past. While it doesn’t contradict established continuity, it also doesn’t directly connect to the other films in a way that firmly cements it as part of the main storyline. It’s best viewed as a potential, but not necessarily guaranteed, future.
FAQ 3: Why are there two different versions of the Dark Phoenix story?
The “Dark Phoenix Saga” is a classic X-Men comic book storyline. X-Men: The Last Stand (2006) and X-Men: Dark Phoenix (2019) both attempted to adapt this story for the big screen. Unfortunately, both received mixed reception, with many fans feeling neither truly captured the essence of the source material.
FAQ 4: What is the correct order to watch the X-Men movies?
There are two main approaches: by release date or by chronological order of events within the films. Release order is simpler, while chronological order requires understanding the timeline changes and may lead to a less cohesive viewing experience. For new viewers, release order is generally recommended.
FAQ 5: Will the X-Men be rebooted in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU)?
Yes, with Disney’s acquisition of 20th Century Fox, the X-Men are expected to be integrated into the MCU. Specific plans are still unfolding, but it’s widely anticipated that a new iteration of the X-Men will eventually appear in the MCU, potentially with new actors and a fresh take on the characters. Deadpool 3 is confirmed to be within the MCU.
FAQ 6: Are there any X-Men TV shows that are considered canon to the movie universe?
No, none of the X-Men TV shows, such as Legion or The Gifted, are considered canon to the X-Men movie universe. While they explore similar themes and characters, they exist in separate continuities.
FAQ 7: What are the biggest differences between the original and revised timelines?
The key differences lie in character fates and historical events. For example, characters who died in the original timeline, like Jean Grey and Cyclops, were alive in the revised timeline (at least until the events of Dark Phoenix). Furthermore, the revised timeline introduces new historical events, such as the emergence of Apocalypse.
FAQ 8: Which X-Men movie is considered the best by critics and fans?
X2: X-Men United and X-Men: Days of Future Past are often cited as the best X-Men movies by both critics and fans. Logan is also highly regarded, particularly for its emotional depth and mature storytelling.
FAQ 9: Which X-Men movie performed the best at the box office?
Deadpool 2 is the highest-grossing X-Men movie, followed by X-Men: Days of Future Past. These films showcase the franchise’s potential for both critical and commercial success.
FAQ 10: Were there any planned X-Men movies that were canceled?
Yes, several X-Men movies were planned but ultimately canceled. These include a Gambit solo film and an X-Force movie, among others. Disney’s acquisition of Fox led to the cancellation of many projects that were in development.
FAQ 11: What role does Hugh Jackman play in the X-Men movies?
Hugh Jackman famously portrayed Wolverine in nine X-Men-related films, becoming synonymous with the character. His performance is widely considered one of the most iconic superhero castings of all time. He is currently slated to reprise his role as Wolverine in Deadpool 3.
FAQ 12: Where can I watch all the X-Men movies?
Most of the X-Men movies are available to stream on Disney+. However, availability may vary depending on your region. They are also available for purchase or rental on various digital platforms, such as Amazon Prime Video, iTunes, and Google Play.