There are currently 13 X-Men movies released theatrically. This count includes the core X-Men films, spin-offs focusing on individual characters like Wolverine and Deadpool, and team-up ventures like X-Men: First Class.
A Mutant Journey Through Cinema: The Complete X-Men Filmography
The X-Men, a team of mutants battling for acceptance in a world that fears them, have captivated audiences for decades, both in comics and on the big screen. But navigating the complex timeline and various spin-offs can be confusing. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the X-Men film universe, outlining all 13 movies and answering your most pressing questions.
The Main Timeline: X-Men and Its Sequels
The initial X-Men trilogy established the foundation for the cinematic universe. These films introduced iconic characters and laid the groundwork for the themes of prejudice and acceptance that would define the franchise.
- X-Men (2000): The film that started it all, introducing Professor X, Magneto, Wolverine, and the original team.
- X2: X-Men United (2003): Widely considered one of the best superhero sequels, this film explores government conspiracies and mutant persecution.
- X-Men: The Last Stand (2006): A controversial ending to the original trilogy, focusing on the Mutant Cure and Jean Grey’s transformation into Phoenix.
Wolverine’s Saga: A Mutant’s Longevity
Hugh Jackman’s portrayal of Wolverine became synonymous with the X-Men franchise. His popularity led to a dedicated trilogy exploring his origin and his struggles.
- X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009): An origin story exploring Wolverine’s past, marred by retcons and questionable character portrayals.
- The Wolverine (2013): A more grounded and character-driven story taking place in Japan, showcasing Wolverine’s vulnerability.
- Logan (2017): A critically acclaimed and emotionally resonant farewell to Wolverine, depicting a bleak future for mutants.
A New Class: Rebooting the Past
X-Men: First Class effectively rebooted the franchise, focusing on the origins of Professor X and Magneto and establishing a new timeline.
- X-Men: First Class (2011): A stylish and engaging prequel exploring the formation of the X-Men in the 1960s.
- X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014): A time-traveling epic that attempted to reconcile the original timeline with the prequel timeline. This film is pivotal in altering the franchise’s continuity.
- X-Men: Apocalypse (2016): A bombastic but divisive film featuring the ancient mutant Apocalypse and a new generation of X-Men.
- X-Men: Dark Phoenix (2019): An adaptation of the iconic Dark Phoenix saga, widely considered a disappointment and a weak ending to the rebooted timeline.
Deadpool and the More… Unique X-Men Stories
Ryan Reynolds’ portrayal of Deadpool injected a much-needed dose of humor and fourth-wall breaking into the X-Men universe.
- Deadpool (2016): A foul-mouthed, irreverent, and surprisingly heartfelt superhero movie that redefined the genre.
- Deadpool 2 (2018): More of the same, but bigger and arguably funnier, introducing Cable and expanding the Deadpool universe.
- The New Mutants (2020): A horror-themed X-Men spin-off featuring a group of young mutants grappling with their powers and their past traumas.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About X-Men Movies
Understanding the intricacies of the X-Men film universe requires navigating complex timelines, character arcs, and behind-the-scenes decisions. These FAQs address common questions and provide clarity on the franchise’s various aspects.
1. What is the best order to watch the X-Men movies in?
There are several viewing orders:
- Release Order: The order the films were released in theaters. This maintains the surprise and progression of the story as originally intended.
- Chronological Order (within the films’ narratives): X-Men: First Class, X-Men: Days of Future Past (past segments), X-Men Origins: Wolverine, X-Men: Apocalypse, X-Men: Dark Phoenix, X-Men, X2: X-Men United, X-Men: The Last Stand, The Wolverine, Deadpool, Deadpool 2, Logan, The New Mutants. Note that Days of Future Past essentially creates two separate timelines after its time travel event.
- Hybrid Order: A blend of release and chronological, focusing on character arcs. This is often recommended to preserve the impact of reveals while understanding character histories.
Ultimately, the best order is subjective, depending on your preference for narrative clarity versus the intended viewing experience.
2. Is Logan considered canon to the main X-Men timeline?
Yes, Logan is considered canon, but it depicts a future stemming from a significantly altered timeline caused by the events of X-Men: Days of Future Past. Therefore, it’s best viewed as a possible future rather than a guaranteed outcome.
3. Does Deadpool fit into the X-Men timeline?
Yes, Deadpool and Deadpool 2 are technically part of the X-Men cinematic universe, albeit in a self-aware and satirical way. The connection is primarily through Colossus and Negasonic Teenage Warhead, who are established X-Men members. However, Deadpool‘s humor and disregard for continuity make its place in the timeline somewhat ambiguous.
4. What is the relationship between the Fox X-Men movies and the MCU?
Following Disney’s acquisition of 20th Century Fox, the rights to the X-Men reverted to Marvel. It’s been officially confirmed that the X-Men will eventually be integrated into the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), but the exact details of this integration remain largely unknown. Deadpool 3 will be the first official MCU X-Men film.
5. Will the original X-Men actors return in the MCU?
While nothing is definitive, there’s significant speculation and hope among fans for the return of some original actors, particularly Hugh Jackman as Wolverine. However, any return would likely involve alternate realities or multiverse shenanigans to explain continuity discrepancies.
6. Which X-Men movie performed the best at the box office?
X-Men: Days of Future Past is the highest-grossing X-Men film, earning over $747 million worldwide.
7. Which X-Men movie is considered the best by critics?
Logan is widely regarded as the best X-Men movie by critics, praised for its mature themes, strong performances, and emotional depth. X2: X-Men United often comes in second.
8. Which X-Men movie is considered the worst?
X-Men Origins: Wolverine is generally considered the weakest X-Men film, criticized for its poor writing, inconsistent character portrayals, and retcons of Wolverine’s origin.
9. What happened to the X-Men franchise after Disney acquired Fox?
The X-Men franchise was essentially put on hold while Marvel Studios strategized its integration into the MCU. No new X-Men movies were released immediately after the acquisition. The New Mutants had already been filmed prior to the acquisition.
10. What is the future of the X-Men in the MCU?
The future of the X-Men in the MCU is highly anticipated. Marvel Studios is expected to introduce the X-Men gradually, potentially through subtle hints and character introductions in existing MCU properties before launching a full-fledged X-Men movie or series. Deadpool 3 will certainly set the stage for further integration.
11. Will we see new versions of classic X-Men characters?
It’s almost certain that we will see new versions of classic X-Men characters in the MCU. While some original actors might make cameo appearances, it’s expected that the main X-Men team will be recast with new actors.
12. What is a “retcon,” and why is it relevant to the X-Men movies?
A retcon (retroactive continuity) is when new information changes or contradicts previously established facts in a fictional universe. The X-Men movies are notorious for retcons, particularly concerning character origins and timelines. For example, X-Men Origins: Wolverine contradicts previously established details about Wolverine’s past, and X-Men: Days of Future Past creates alternate timelines, essentially rewriting portions of the series’ history. This is important because it creates confusion and inconsistencies for viewers trying to follow a cohesive narrative.