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The X-Men franchise, comprising 13 beloved movies that kickstarted way back in 2000, has etched its place in the hearts of fans worldwide. With iconic portrayals such as Patrick Stewart’s Charles Xavier and Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine, the series has cemented its legacy. However, akin to the Star Wars saga, the X-Men films adopt a non-linear storytelling approach, often delving into characters’ later exploits before circling back to their origins.
This narrative complexity offers viewers various viewing options, each dictating the payoff of pivotal reveals and moments. While following the release order is a common choice, we’ve meticulously organized the films into a chronological timeline, allowing you to experience the X-Men saga from its inception and trace each character’s journey from its earliest point.
As the X-Men prepare to make their grand entrance into the Marvel Cinematic Universe, it’s only fitting to pay homage to their cinematic legacy. So, whether you opt for chronological or release order viewing, we’ve got you covered.
Without further ado, let’s dive into our mostly spoiler-free guide on how to watch the X-Men movies in chronological order!
How to Watch in Chronological Order:
- X-Men: First Class (2011)
- Set in 1944 at the Auschwitz concentration camp before jumping to 1962.
- Follows the origins of Charles Xavier and Erik Lehnsherr/Magneto, and the birth of both the X-Men and the Brotherhood of Mutants.
- X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014)
- Mainly set in 1973 with portions in an alternate version of 2023.
- Features X-Men from both original and newer films, with a storyline that intricately weaves together past and future.
- X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009)
- Begins in 1845 but predominantly set in 1979, exploring the origin of Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine.
- Introduces Ryan Reynolds’ Wade Wilson/Deadpool, a pivotal character in Wolverine’s timeline.
- X-Men: Apocalypse (2016)
- Commences in 3600 BC but primarily set in 1983, featuring Oscar Isaac as En Sabah Nur/Apocalypse.
- Pits the reboot X-Men crew against the formidable Apocalypse.
- X-Men: Dark Phoenix (2019)
- Begins in 1975 but primarily set in 1992, narrating Sophie Turner’s Jean Grey’s transformation into Phoenix.
- Chronicles the last adventure of the X-Men crew led by James McAvoy and Michael Fassbender.
- X-Men (2000)
- Takes place in the early 2000s, marking the official inception of the X-Men film series.
- Features Patrick Stewart and Ian McKellen as the older versions of Charles Xavier and Erik Lehnsherr/Magneto.
How to Watch by Release Order:
- X-Men (2000)
- X-2 (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)
By following either the chronological or release order, you’re in for an exhilarating journey through the dynamic world of mutants, where heroism and villainy clash amidst a backdrop of ever-evolving alliances and conflicts. So, buckle up and embark on an unforgettable adventure with the X-Men!