There are thirteen X-Men movies released theatrically as of the current date. This includes the core X-Men films, spin-offs, and films with significant X-Men-related characters and plot elements.
The Core X-Men Filmography
The X-Men film franchise, spanning over two decades, has become a cornerstone of the superhero movie genre. Identifying which films truly belong under the “X-Men” banner can be complex, considering various studios and creative teams have shaped the series. Here, we break down the core films and spin-offs, while also addressing some common points of confusion.
The Original Trilogy & Beyond
The foundation of the X-Men cinematic universe was laid with the original trilogy:
- X-Men (2000) – The movie that launched the modern superhero film boom.
- X2: X-Men United (2003) – Widely regarded as one of the best superhero sequels ever made.
- X-Men: The Last Stand (2006) – A controversial conclusion to the initial trilogy, loosely based on the “Dark Phoenix Saga.”
Following the third film, the franchise expanded with prequels and sequels, attempting to rectify certain storylines and character arcs. This resulted in what many consider a soft reboot:
- X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009) – An origin story focusing on Wolverine, receiving largely negative reviews.
- X-Men: First Class (2011) – A prequel set in the 1960s, introducing a new cast portraying younger versions of iconic characters.
- The Wolverine (2013) – A more focused Wolverine story, taking place in Japan.
- X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014) – A time-travel story that attempted to retcon the events of X-Men: The Last Stand and X-Men Origins: Wolverine, effectively creating a new timeline.
- X-Men: Apocalypse (2016) – Set in the 1980s, featuring Apocalypse as the primary antagonist.
- Logan (2017) – A critically acclaimed and emotionally resonant send-off for Hugh Jackman as Wolverine, set in a dystopian future.
- Dark Phoenix (2019) – Another attempt to adapt the “Dark Phoenix Saga,” receiving largely negative reviews.
- The New Mutants (2020) – A horror-themed X-Men spin-off, released after numerous delays.
Spin-Offs and Related Films
Beyond the core X-Men films, two spin-offs specifically focus on Deadpool, expanding the X-Men universe in a unique and irreverent direction:
- Deadpool (2016) – A groundbreaking R-rated superhero film that redefined the genre.
- Deadpool 2 (2018) – A sequel that continued the self-aware and action-packed adventures of the Merc with a Mouth.
These thirteen films constitute the main cinematic body of work considered part of the X-Men movie franchise before its acquisition by Disney. The future of the X-Men within the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is an ongoing development.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some common questions about the X-Men film franchise:
FAQ 1: Are Venom or Morbius considered X-Men movies?
No. While Venom and Morbius are based on Marvel Comics characters, they are not considered part of the X-Men film franchise. They were produced by Sony Pictures and are related to the Spider-Man universe, not the X-Men universe prior to the official merger within the MCU. The distinction lies in the rights ownership and the characters’ established connections within the cinematic narratives.
FAQ 2: What is the best order to watch the X-Men movies?
There are a few ways to watch the X-Men movies. The most straightforward is chronological order by release date. However, given the time travel elements and timeline inconsistencies, you can also watch them in the in-universe chronological order. Many fans suggest a hybrid approach, prioritizing story consistency over release date.
FAQ 3: What X-Men movie is the highest-grossing?
X-Men: Days of Future Past is the highest-grossing X-Men movie, earning over $747 million worldwide. Its success is attributed to its merging of the original cast with the First Class cast and its compelling time-travel storyline.
FAQ 4: Which X-Men movie is considered the worst by critics?
X-Men Origins: Wolverine is generally considered the worst X-Men movie by critics, due to its convoluted plot, inconsistent character portrayals, and poor visual effects. Dark Phoenix also receives significant criticism for its lackluster adaptation of the iconic comic book storyline.
FAQ 5: Will there be any more X-Men movies outside of the MCU?
It is highly unlikely that there will be any more X-Men movies outside of the MCU. With Disney’s acquisition of 20th Century Fox, the X-Men characters are now integrated into the broader Marvel Cinematic Universe. Future X-Men films will almost certainly be produced by Marvel Studios.
FAQ 6: When will the X-Men appear in the MCU?
The timing of the X-Men’s formal introduction into the MCU remains unconfirmed. Teaser hints and subtle nods have already appeared in MCU projects, but a full-fledged X-Men movie within the MCU is still in development. Keep an eye out for announcements from Marvel Studios for official release dates.
FAQ 7: What happened to the X-Men timeline after Days of Future Past?
X-Men: Days of Future Past created a new timeline, effectively retconning the events of X-Men: The Last Stand and X-Men Origins: Wolverine. This allowed the franchise to continue with the First Class cast and explore new storylines. However, this also led to timeline inconsistencies and questions about character continuity.
FAQ 8: Why are there two different actors playing Professor X and Magneto?
The franchise features two sets of actors playing Professor X and Magneto to portray the characters at different stages of their lives. Patrick Stewart and Ian McKellen played the older versions in the original trilogy, while James McAvoy and Michael Fassbender played the younger versions in First Class, Days of Future Past, Apocalypse, and Dark Phoenix.
FAQ 9: What are the key differences between the comic book X-Men and the movie X-Men?
While the X-Men movies draw inspiration from the comic books, there are several key differences. Some storylines are simplified or altered, and certain characters receive different portrayals. Additionally, the overall tone and themes can vary between the comics and the films. The movie universe had to make cuts and changes for time constraints.
FAQ 10: Are the Legion and The Gifted TV shows connected to the X-Men movies?
The TV shows Legion and The Gifted were connected to the X-Men movie universe, albeit loosely. Legion was more experimental and abstract, while The Gifted focused on the struggles of mutant families. The extent to which these shows are considered canon is debatable, especially with the franchise’s transition to the MCU.
FAQ 11: Will Hugh Jackman return as Wolverine in the MCU?
Hugh Jackman officially retired from the role of Wolverine after Logan. However, he is set to reprise the role alongside Ryan Reynolds in Deadpool 3. The movie’s impact on continuity is uncertain.
FAQ 12: Where can I stream the X-Men movies?
The availability of X-Men movies on streaming platforms varies depending on your region and subscription services. Many are available on Disney+, given Disney’s ownership of 20th Century Fox. Check your local streaming options to find where you can watch them. You can also rent or purchase them on digital platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Google Play Movies & TV, and Apple TV.