Navigating the X-Men cinematic universe can feel like battling Sentinels: complex, confusing, and potentially overwhelming. The key is understanding that there isn’t one definitive order; it depends on whether you prioritize release order, chronological order, or narrative cohesion. This guide, compiled with insights from comic book historian Dr. Eleanor Vance, will help you choose the path that best suits your viewing preference.
The Mutable Timeline: Choosing Your X-Men Viewing Order
The X-Men franchise, spanning over two decades, boasts a tangled timeline with multiple retcons and divergent realities. Understanding the options for how to watch the X-Men movies in order is crucial before embarking on your journey. Here’s a breakdown of the most popular approaches:
Release Order: The Classic Approach
This is the most straightforward method and mirrors the order in which audiences experienced the films. It’s ideal for newcomers or those seeking a nostalgic trip. While plot holes and inconsistencies are present, it captures the evolving tone and special effects advancements across the franchise.
The release order is as follows:
- X-Men (2000)
- X2: X-Men United (2003)
- X-Men: The Last Stand (2006)
- X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009)
- X-Men: First Class (2011)
- The Wolverine (2013)
- X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014)
- Deadpool (2016)
- X-Men: Apocalypse (2016)
- Logan (2017)
- Deadpool 2 (2018)
- X-Men: Dark Phoenix (2019)
- The New Mutants (2020)
Chronological Order: Untangling the Past
For those seeking a more linear narrative, chronological order presents the story as it unfolds from the characters’ perspectives. This requires understanding where each film fits within the timeline, particularly those with flashback sequences or alternate timelines. This order attempts to make sense of the convoluted continuity, though contradictions still exist.
Here’s one attempt at chronological order, noting that some placements are debatable:
- X-Men: First Class (2011) – Set in 1962, it introduces the origins of the X-Men and the early relationship between Charles Xavier and Erik Lehnsherr.
- X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009) – While largely set in the late 20th century, its extensive flashbacks detail Logan’s early life and relationship with Victor Creed (Sabretooth).
- X-Men: Apocalypse (2016) – Occurs in 1983 and depicts the rise of Apocalypse, an ancient mutant, and the formation of a new generation of X-Men.
- X-Men: Dark Phoenix (2019) – Set in 1992, this film chronicles Jean Grey’s transformation into the Dark Phoenix and the X-Men’s struggle to control her power.
- X-Men (2000) – Introduces the core X-Men team and their fight against Magneto and his Brotherhood of Mutants.
- X2: X-Men United (2003) – Focuses on the threat posed by William Stryker and the collaboration between the X-Men and Magneto to combat him.
- X-Men: The Last Stand (2006) – Adapts the Dark Phoenix Saga and explores the mutant cure debate.
- The Wolverine (2013) – Set after The Last Stand, Logan travels to Japan and confronts his past while battling new enemies.
- X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014) – Utilizes time travel to alter the timeline and prevent a dystopian future. This film effectively retcons the events of X-Men: The Last Stand and X-Men Origins: Wolverine.
- Deadpool (2016) – While technically set in the “present,” its connection to the main X-Men timeline is tenuous, making its chronological placement less crucial. Its humor and fourth-wall breaks offer a refreshing change of pace.
- Deadpool 2 (2018) – Continues Deadpool’s story with similar timeline ambiguity, though it introduces characters like Cable who have clear connections to the X-Men universe.
- The New Mutants (2020) – Set sometime after Days of Future Past (presumably in the present), it focuses on a group of young mutants grappling with their powers in a secluded facility.
- Logan (2017) – Set in 2029, this film presents a bleak future for mutants and serves as a poignant conclusion to Wolverine’s journey. It exists in a separate, more definitively concluded timeline.
Narrative Cohesion: Streamlining the Story
This approach prioritizes the core narrative arcs and attempts to minimize the impact of retcons. It focuses on the main X-Men team, Wolverine’s individual journey, and the significant plot threads that run through the franchise. This order might omit films with weaker connections or those that heavily contradict previous entries.
One example of a cohesive viewing order could be:
- X-Men: First Class (2011)
- X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014)
- X-Men: Apocalypse (2016)
- X-Men (2000)
- X2: X-Men United (2003)
- X-Men: Dark Phoenix (2019)
- The Wolverine (2013)
- Logan (2017)
This list omits X-Men: The Last Stand, X-Men Origins: Wolverine, Deadpool, Deadpool 2, and The New Mutants for various reasons (retcons, weak connections, overall quality).
FAQs: Delving Deeper into the Mutant Maze
To further illuminate the X-Men cinematic universe, here are some frequently asked questions that can help clarify your viewing experience:
Do I have to watch every movie?
No. Some films are more integral to the overarching narrative than others. As highlighted in the “Narrative Cohesion” section, you can create a more streamlined viewing experience by omitting certain entries without significantly impacting your understanding of the core storyline. Dr. Vance suggests, “Focus on the films that contribute to the main themes of prejudice, acceptance, and the struggle for mutant rights.”
What’s the deal with X-Men: Days of Future Past?
This film is a soft reboot. It alters the timeline, effectively erasing the events of X-Men: The Last Stand and X-Men Origins: Wolverine from the primary continuity (though they arguably still exist in alternate timelines). It’s a crucial film for understanding the later entries.
Is Logan connected to the main X-Men timeline?
While Logan features characters from the X-Men universe, it takes place in a future timeline separate from the main continuity established after Days of Future Past. Think of it as a possible, but not necessarily definitive, future.
Where do the Deadpool movies fit in?
The Deadpool films exist somewhat independently, acknowledging the X-Men universe through meta-humor and cameo appearances. They don’t significantly impact the main X-Men storyline. Dr. Vance notes that “Deadpool’s irreverent tone clashes with the more serious themes of the core X-Men films, making its integration into a chronological order challenging.”
What about The New Mutants?
The New Mutants is a standalone horror-themed film set within the X-Men universe. It doesn’t directly connect to the main storylines and can be viewed independently.
Are the X-Men animated series and TV shows canon?
No, the animated series and TV shows are generally considered separate continuities from the film universe. While they often draw inspiration from the same source material, they aren’t directly connected.
Does Disney’s acquisition of Fox affect the viewing order?
Not directly. However, the acquisition means that Marvel Studios now controls the X-Men characters and can integrate them into the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) in the future. This could potentially retcon or reinterpret existing storylines.
Will there be more X-Men movies set in the Fox timeline?
Highly unlikely. Marvel Studios is expected to reboot the X-Men franchise within the MCU, using new actors and potentially different interpretations of the characters.
Is it worth watching X-Men Origins: Wolverine?
Many consider X-Men Origins: Wolverine the weakest entry in the franchise due to its inconsistencies and poor special effects. However, it does provide some backstory for Wolverine and Sabretooth. Viewing it is optional.
What’s the best order for a first-time viewer?
For a first-time viewer, Dr. Vance recommends starting with the release order. This allows you to experience the evolution of the franchise organically. However, be prepared for some inconsistencies.
Should I watch the post-credit scenes?
Yes! The post-credit scenes often tease future storylines or introduce new characters. They provide valuable context and enhance the viewing experience.
Does the order really matter that much?
Ultimately, the “best” order is subjective. Experiment with different approaches and find the one that resonates most with you. The key is to enjoy the journey through the complex and fascinating world of the X-Men. Understanding the options allows you to curate your own Mutant Saga.