How To Watch X-Men Movies In Order?
If you’re a fan of mutant superpowers and epic battles, you’re in for a treat with the X-Men movie series. From the original trilogy to the Wolverine saga and the prequel films, the X-Men universe is packed with action, drama, and unforgettable characters.
Get ready to look into a world where mutants fight for survival and grapple with their extraordinary abilities. With each movie adding layers to the intricate storyline, the X-Men movies in order offer a thrilling ride full of twists, turns, and jaw-dropping moments. So, grab some popcorn, settle in, and prepare to immerse yourself in the amazing world of the X-Men.
Contents
- 1 Watch All X-Men Movies In Order
- 1.1 1. X-Men (2000)
- 1.2 2. X2: X-Men United (2003)
- 1.3 3. X-Men: The Last Stand (2006)
- 1.4 4. X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009)
- 1.5 5. X-Men: First Class (2011)
- 1.6 6. The Wolverine (2013)
- 1.7 7. X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014)
- 1.8 8. Deadpool (2016)
- 1.9 9. X-Men: Apocalypse (2016)
- 1.10 10. Logan (2017)
- 1.11 11. Deadpool 2 (2018)
- 1.12 12. Dark Phoenix (2019)
- 1.13 13. The New Mutants (2020)
- 2 Watching X-Men by Chronological Order of Events
- 3 Frequently Asked Questions
Watch All X-Men Movies In Order
Watching by Release Date: This is the simplest approach, as it follows the order in which the movies were released to theaters. This sequence lets you experience the evolution of the film-making and storytelling styles over time.
1. X-Men (2000)
The movie that started it all, “X-Men,” introduced audiences to the concept of mutants living among us with extraordinary abilities. Directed by Bryan Singer, this film set the stage for all subsequent X-Men titles, garnering over $296 million globally. It received generally positive reviews for its approach to social issues and its character development, notably bringing iconic characters like Wolverine and Professor X to the mainstream audience.
2. X2: X-Men United (2003)
“X2: X-Men United” expanded on the themes and characters introduced in the first film, bringing even more depth to the mutant universe. With a worldwide gross of approximately $407 million, it was not only a box office success but also critically acclaimed, praised for its action sequences and deeper exploration of the mutant world.
3. X-Men: The Last Stand (2006)
This third installment, while divisive among fans, was the highest-grossing film of the trilogy, earning about $459 million globally. Directed by Brett Ratner, it tackled the controversial mutant “cure” and featured significant character developments and deaths. Reviews were mixed, with criticism focused on its handling of complex themes compared to its predecessors.
4. X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009)
Exploring the backstory of Wolverine, this film looks into his violent and romantic past, revealing his complex relationship with Victor Creed and the Weapon X program. Despite earning $373 million worldwide, it received negative reviews for its storyline and special effects, though Hugh Jackman’s performance was still highly praised.
5. X-Men: First Class (2011)
A reboot of sorts, “X-Men: First Class” goes back to the origins of the X-Men in the 1960s, focusing on the relationship between young Charles Xavier and Erik Lehnsherr. It was well-received for its fresh cast and dynamic storytelling, earning over $353 million and revitalizing the franchise with its historical backdrop and character-driven plot.
6. The Wolverine (2013)
Set after the events of “X-Men: The Last Stand,” this film follows Wolverine’s journey to Japan, where he confronts his immortality and past demons. The film grossed about $414 million worldwide and received generally positive reviews for its unique setting and deeper character exploration compared to earlier Wolverine-centric films.
7. X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014)
This film combines the cast of the original trilogy with the newer “First Class” team, in a time-traveling effort to prevent a catastrophic future. With a strong narrative and impressive visual effects, it earned over $747 million worldwide and was hailed as one of the best entries in the X-Men series for its ambitious storytelling and handling of multiple timelines.
8. Deadpool (2016)
A significant departure from the traditional X-Men movies, “Deadpool” is known for its irreverent humor, breaking the fourth wall, and R-rated content. It was a box office success, grossing over $782 million worldwide and received critical acclaim for its innovative approach to superhero films and Ryan Reynolds’ performance.
9. X-Men: Apocalypse (2016)
Set in the 1980s, this movie introduces Apocalypse, the first and most powerful mutant, who awakens and seeks to cleanse mankind and create a new world order. The film grossed approximately $543 million but received mixed reviews, with some critics pointing out its clichéd plot and underdeveloped characters.
10. Logan (2017)
“Logan” presents a gritty, dystopian future where an aging Wolverine and ailing Professor X must protect a young mutant, Laura, from villains. It grossed $619 million and was universally acclaimed for its darker tone, mature themes, and was considered a fitting send-off for Hugh Jackman’s portrayal of the character.
11. Deadpool 2 (2018)
Continuing the success of its predecessor, “Deadpool 2” explores themes of family and responsibility, as Deadpool forms the X-Force to protect a young mutant from the time-traveling soldier, Cable. It grossed around $785 million and was praised for its humor, action sequences, and Ryan Reynolds’ performance.
12. Dark Phoenix (2019)
This film revisits the Dark Phoenix saga, focusing on Jean Grey’s transformation into the Phoenix. It grossed $252 million worldwide, the lowest of the franchise, and faced negative reviews for its plot and lack of emotional depth, making it one of the less favorable entries in the series.
13. The New Mutants (2020)
Intended as a horror-inspired spin-off, “The New Mutants” follows five young mutants discovering their abilities while held in a secret facility. Released amid much delay, it earned $49 million and received generally negative reviews, criticized for its execution and failure to fully realize its horror potential within the superhero genre.
Watching X-Men by Chronological Order of Events
X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009) – Follows Wolverine’s early life and later, the events leading up to the early 1980s which explore his background, military involvement, and the Weapon X program that gave him his adamantium skeleton.
X-Men: Apocalypse (2016) – Set in 1983, this movie looks into the reawakening of Apocalypse, the first mutant, who poses a catastrophic threat to humanity and the growing team of young X-Men.
X-Men (2000) – Moves forward to the not-too-distant future, focusing on the formation of the original X-Men team as they fight against Magneto’s plan involving a machine that enhances mutant powers.
X2: X-Men United (2003) – Continues shortly after “X-Men”, with the team coming under attack from a government raid on the school, leading to the discovery of a sinister plot by a military scientist associated with Wolverine’s past.
X-Men: The Last Stand (2006) – Follows the discovery of a “cure” for mutations and the resulting conflict between mutants over whether to take the cure. This film also explores Jean Grey’s transformation into the Phoenix.
The Wolverine (2013) – Set after the events of “The Last Stand”, Wolverine travels to Japan, where he encounters an old acquaintance from his past and gets drawn into a conflict that forces him to confront his own demons.
Deadpool (2016) – Although it features a lighter and more comedic tone, Deadpool’s timeline can be loosely placed here as it exists somewhat parallel to the main X-Men universe. It introduces Wade Wilson’s transformation into Deadpool.
Deadpool 2 (2018) – Continues the story of Wade Wilson as he comes to terms with his actions from the first film and forms a team to protect a young mutant from the time-traveling soldier Cable.
Logan (2017) – Set in 2029, this film presents a much older Wolverine and Professor X struggling with the decline of mutants and trying to protect a young mutant, Laura, who is very much like Wolverine.
Dark Phoenix (2019) – This film revisits the events surrounding Jean Grey’s transformation into the Phoenix Force, leading to a deadly confrontation that threatens the X-Men and the planet.
The New Mutants (2020) – Set in an indeterminate modern time, follows a group of young mutants held in a secret facility fighting to save themselves.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I watch X-Men in chronological order or release?
You can watch the X-Men movies in chronological order to see how the characters evolve from the Cold War era in “X-Men: First Class” to the events in 2029 in “Logan.”
How many X-Men films have there been?
There are 13 X-Men movies in the franchise, starting from the first film in 2000, featuring iconic characters like Charles Xavier and Wolverine.
Are Sabertooth and Wolverine brothers?
Sabretooth, whose real name is Victor Creed, is the half-brother of Wolverine and a future member of The Brotherhood of Mutants.
Is Logan still alive Wolverine?
Logan is not alive in the X-Men universe. The movie “Logan” confirms his death in 2029, and he remains dead in subsequent stories.
I’m Elena Finley, a writer and English Literature student with a heart full of wanderlust and words. Singing is my escape, and football is my thrill. I’m an explorer at heart, constantly seeking new horizons and experiences. My love for movies is as vast as my desire to travel, leading me to write blogs where I share my cinematic adventures. Every day is an adventure and I’m excited to see where it takes me!
