X-Men Movies in Order: Your Ultimate Watching Guide

Hello, true believers! If you're here, it's because you're ready to dive into the electrifying world of the X-Men movies. But with so many films, spin-offs, and reboots, you might be wondering, "Where do I start? And in what order should I watch the X-Men movies?" Well, fear not! We've got you covered with this comprehensive guide. Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and x-men in order.

The X-Men Movie Timeline: A Brief Overview

Before we dive into the viewing order, let's quickly go over the X-Men movie timeline. The franchise is split into three main series, each with its own timeline:

1. 1. The Original X-Men Series (2000-2019): This is the main timeline, starting with "X-Men" (2000) and ending with "Dark Phoenix" (2019).
2. 2. The Wolverine Spin-offs (2013-2017): These movies focus on the character Wolverine and take place in their own timeline.
3. 3. The X-Men: First Class Series (2011-2019): This prequel series starts with "X-Men: First Class" (2011) and follows the younger versions of the characters from the original series.

Now, let's get to the fun part!

The X-Men Movies in Chronological Order

If you're a stickler for watching things in order, here's the chronological viewing order, starting from the beginning of the X-Men universe:

1. 1. X-Men: First Class (2011)
2. 2. The Wolverine (2013)
3. 3. X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014)
4. 4. Deadpool (2016)
5. 5. X-Men: Apocalypse (2016)
6. 6. Logan (2017)
7. 7. Deadpool 2 (2018)
8. 8. Dark Phoenix (2019)

The X-Men Movies in Release Order

If you prefer watching movies in the order they were released, here's the list for you:

1. 1. X-Men (2000)
2. 2. X2: X-Men United (2003)
3. 3. X-Men: The Last Stand (2006)
4. 4. X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009)
5. 5. X-Men: First Class (2011)
6. 6. The Wolverine (2013)
7. 7. X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014)
8. 8. Deadpool (2016)
9. 9. X-Men: Apocalypse (2016)
10. 10. Logan (2017)
11. 11. Deadpool 2 (2018)
12. 12. Dark Phoenix (2019)

The X-Men Movies in Recommended Order

If you want a mix of chronological and release order, with a dash of personal preference, here's our recommended viewing order:

1. 1. X-Men (2000)
2. 2. X2: X-Men United (2003)
3. 3. X-Men: The Last Stand (2006)
4. 4. X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009)
5. 5. X-Men: First Class (2011)
6. 6. The Wolverine (2013)
7. 7. X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014)
8. 8. Deadpool (2016)
9. 9. X-Men: Apocalypse (2016)
10. 10. Logan (2017)
11. 11. Deadpool 2 (2018)
12. 12. Dark Phoenix (2019)

The X-Men Movies: A Closer Look

Now that you know the order, let's take a closer look at each movie and what makes them special.

The Original X-Men Series (2000-2019)

X-Men (2000)

Kicking off the franchise, this movie introduces us to the world of mutants and the struggle between Professor Xavier's X-Men and Magneto's Brotherhood of Mutants. It's a solid origin story that sets the stage for the rest of the series.

X2: X-Men United (2003)

In "X2," the mutants face a new threat in the shape-shifting mutant Mystique and her Brotherhood. This movie delves deeper into the themes of prejudice and acceptance, and features some iconic scenes, like Nightcrawler's White House attack.

X-Men: The Last Stand (2006)

"The Last Stand" brings back the Phoenix, one of the most powerful mutants in the universe, and pits the X-Men against a cure for mutation. It's a darker, more emotional story that wraps up many of the series' long-running plotlines.

The Wolverine Spin-offs (2013-2017)

The Wolverine (2013)

This movie takes Wolverine to Japan, where he faces off against a powerful villain and grapples with his own immortality. It's a departure from the main series and a great way to explore Wolverine's backstory.

Logan (2017)

"Logan" is a fitting swansong for Wolverine, set in a future where mutants are nearly extinct. It's a brutal, emotional journey that sees Wolverine protecting a young mutant girl, and features some of the most intense action scenes in the franchise.

The X-Men: First Class Series (2011-2019)

X-Men: First Class (2011)

This prequel series starts with "First Class," which follows the young versions of Professor Xavier and Magneto during the Cuban Missile Crisis. It's a fresh take on the X-Men universe, with a focus on the friendship between Xavier and Magneto.

X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014)

"Days of Future Past" is a time-traveling adventure that sees the X-Men of the past and future teaming up to change the course of history. It's a complex, thrilling movie that brings together the original series and the First Class series.

X-Men: Apocalypse (2016)

In "Apocalypse," the first and most powerful mutant, Apocalypse, awakens after thousands of years and decides to cleanse humanity. The X-Men must band together to stop him, with the help of some new recruits.

Dark Phoenix (2019)

The final movie in the original series, "Dark Phoenix" sees the X-Men facing their most formidable and powerful foe yet: Jean Grey, possessed by the cosmic entity known as the Phoenix Force. It's a dark, emotional story that brings the original series to a close.

The X-Men Movies: The Wild Cards

Deadpool (2016) & Deadpool 2 (2018)

The Deadpool movies are a departure from the rest of the X-Men franchise, with their own unique sense of humor and style. They follow the "Merc with a Mouth," Wade Wilson, as he becomes Deadpool and seeks revenge on the man who ruined his life. These movies are filled with action, laughs, and fourth-wall-breaking humor.

X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009)

This spin-off follows Wolverine's origin story, from his early life in the wild west to his time in a secret government program. While it's not as highly regarded as the other movies in the franchise, it's still worth a watch for Wolverine fans.

Why You Should Watch the X-Men Movies

The X-Men movies are more than just superhero action flicks. They're stories about diversity, acceptance, and the struggle for equality. They tackle real-world issues like prejudice, racism, and the fear of the unknown, all wrapped up in a package of mutants with superpowers.

So, whether you're a long-time X-Men fan or a newcomer to the franchise, there's something for everyone in these movies. So grab some popcorn, gather your friends, and get ready to join the X-Men in their epic journey.

The X-Men Movies: Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best order to watch the X-Men movies?

The best order to watch the X-Men movies depends on your preference. If you want to watch them in the order they were released, follow the release order list. If you want to watch them in chronological order, follow the chronological order list. If you want a mix of both, follow the recommended order list.

Do I need to watch the X-Men movies in order?

While watching the X-Men movies in order can enhance your understanding of the story and character arcs, it's not strictly necessary. Each movie can be enjoyed on its own, and some movies, like "Deadpool" and "Logan," have minimal connections to the rest of the franchise.

What is the best X-Men movie?

The "best" X-Men movie is subjective and depends on your personal preferences. Some fans prefer the darker, more emotional stories like "Logan," while others enjoy the action-packed, humorous movies like "Deadpool." The original series has its own unique charm, and the First Class series offers a fresh take on the X-Men universe.

Are the X-Men movies connected to the Marvel Cinematic Universe?

As of now, the X-Men movies are not connected to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The X-Men franchise is owned by 20th Century Fox, while the Marvel Cinematic Universe is owned by Marvel Studios. However, with the acquisition of 20th Century Fox by Disney, there are rumors that the X-Men could eventually join the MCU.

Conclusion

The X-Men movies are a sprawling, complex franchise that offers something for everyone. Whether you're a fan of action, drama, comedy, or a bit of everything, there's a movie in this series for you. So grab your favorite mutant, and let's dive into the world of the X-Men!