The saga of Wolverine, the clawed mutant with an adamantium skeleton and a haunted past, spans decades and multiple timelines. To truly understand his journey, one must navigate his filmography with precision. This article details the definitive chronological order for watching all the Wolverine movies, ensuring a seamless and impactful viewing experience.
The Definitive Chronological Order
The optimal way to watch the Wolverine movies for narrative coherence is:
- X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009)
- X-Men: First Class (2011) – Cameo Only
- X-Men (2000)
- X2: X-Men United (2003)
- X-Men: The Last Stand (2006)
- The Wolverine (2013)
- X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014)
- X-Men: Apocalypse (2016) – Cameo Only
- Logan (2017)
- Deadpool (2016) – Cameo Only
- Deadpool 2 (2018) – Cameo Only
This order places X-Men Origins: Wolverine first, as it chronicles Logan’s early life and origins. While continuity issues plague the X-Men franchise, this sequence maximizes narrative flow. His cameos in X-Men: First Class and X-Men: Apocalypse are fleeting and serve as minor Easter eggs, while Deadpool and Deadpool 2 cameos are primarily comedic and don’t significantly impact his overall story.
Understanding the Different Viewing Orders
There are various ways to approach watching the Wolverine movies, each with its own merits and drawbacks. Besides the chronological order, you might consider release order or even focusing solely on the Wolverine standalone films.
Release Order
Watching the movies in the order they were released provides a sense of how the character evolved and how the filmmakers’ vision changed over time.
- X-Men (2000)
- X2: X-Men United (2003)
- X-Men: The Last Stand (2006)
- X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009)
- X-Men: First Class (2011) – Cameo Only
- The Wolverine (2013)
- X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014)
- Deadpool (2016) – Cameo Only
- X-Men: Apocalypse (2016) – Cameo Only
- Logan (2017)
- Deadpool 2 (2018) – Cameo Only
Standalone Wolverine Movie Order
For a more focused experience, you can watch only the movies where Wolverine is the main protagonist.
- X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009)
- The Wolverine (2013)
- Logan (2017)
This approach streamlines the experience, but it omits crucial context and development from the larger X-Men narrative.
The Impact of Days of Future Past
X-Men: Days of Future Past introduced a significant timeline alteration, effectively rewriting parts of the X-Men cinematic universe. This means that events in movies like X-Men Origins: Wolverine may not have played out exactly as shown in the “new” timeline. This timeline reset adds a layer of complexity to the viewing experience, encouraging debate and interpretation among fans. While Days of Future Past attempts to reconcile conflicting narratives, inconsistencies remain.
FAQs About Watching Wolverine Movies
Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the viewing process and address common concerns.
FAQ 1: Is X-Men Origins: Wolverine necessary to watch?
While often criticized, X-Men Origins: Wolverine establishes Logan’s backstory, including his relationship with Victor Creed (Sabretooth) and his involvement in the Weapon X program. While its canonicity is debated due to Days of Future Past, it provides important context for understanding his motivations in later films.
FAQ 2: Does X-Men: Days of Future Past change anything about Wolverine’s timeline?
Yes, X-Men: Days of Future Past creates an alternate timeline, effectively erasing some events from the original X-Men trilogy and X-Men Origins: Wolverine. This means that the Wolverine we see in later movies is, in some ways, a different version than the one we saw earlier.
FAQ 3: Should I skip X-Men Origins: Wolverine due to its negative reception?
Despite its flaws, skipping X-Men Origins: Wolverine deprives you of vital backstory. Consider it a flawed, but still necessary piece of the Wolverine puzzle. Temper your expectations and focus on the elements that contribute to his character arc.
FAQ 4: Are the Deadpool cameos important to Wolverine’s story?
No. The cameos in Deadpool and Deadpool 2 are primarily comedic and don’t significantly impact Wolverine’s overall story. They are fun Easter eggs, but not essential viewing for understanding his character arc.
FAQ 5: Is Logan considered the end of Wolverine’s story?
Logan serves as a definitive conclusion to Wolverine’s individual journey. It offers a poignant and emotional ending to his long and often tragic life.
FAQ 6: What if I only want to watch the best Wolverine movies?
If you’re looking for the highest quality films, prioritize Logan, X2: X-Men United, and X-Men: Days of Future Past. These movies are generally considered the most critically acclaimed and well-received entries in the franchise.
FAQ 7: In what order were the Wolverine movies released?
Refer to the “Release Order” section above for a detailed list. This order provides a sense of how the character and the franchise evolved over time.
FAQ 8: Does The Wolverine take place before or after X-Men: The Last Stand?
The Wolverine directly follows the events of X-Men: The Last Stand, exploring Logan’s grief and isolation after the death of Jean Grey.
FAQ 9: Is it necessary to watch all the X-Men movies to understand Wolverine?
While watching all the X-Men movies provides a richer context, focusing on the films where Wolverine plays a significant role is sufficient to understand his character. Prioritize the list provided in the definitive chronological order.
FAQ 10: Will Hugh Jackman play Wolverine again?
While Hugh Jackman stated Logan was his final outing as Wolverine for a considerable time, he will reprise the role in Deadpool 3 (Release Date May 3, 2024). How this impacts the ending of Logan remains to be seen.
FAQ 11: Where can I stream or rent the Wolverine movies?
The availability of these movies on streaming platforms varies by region and time. Check services like Disney+, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and various on-demand rental platforms for current availability.
FAQ 12: Are there any comic books that would enhance my understanding of Wolverine’s character?
Several comic book storylines have influenced the Wolverine movies. Consider reading Weapon X by Barry Windsor-Smith (for his origin), Old Man Logan by Mark Millar (inspiration for Logan), and various Wolverine solo series for a deeper dive into his character.
Conclusion
Watching the Wolverine movies in chronological order provides the most cohesive and fulfilling experience, allowing you to fully appreciate the character’s evolution and struggles across the X-Men cinematic universe. While continuity issues exist, this viewing order offers the best framework for understanding Wolverine’s complex and enduring legacy. Whether you’re a seasoned X-Men fan or a newcomer to the mutant world, understanding the order is key to unlocking the full potential of these films. Remember to factor in your own preferences and prioritize the aspects of the story that resonate most with you. Enjoy the journey!