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The X-Men film series, based on the Marvel Comics superhero team of the same name, has been a staple in superhero cinema since the early 2000s. With numerous films spanning multiple timelines and reboots, understanding the correct viewing order can be challenging. This guide provides a thorough exploration of the X-Men movies in order, covering both release date and chronological sequences to enhance your viewing experience.
Introduction
The X-Men film series has delighted fans for over two decades, introducing iconic characters and unforgettable storylines. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the franchise, understanding the order of these films is crucial for a cohesive viewing experience. This guide will detail both the release date order and the chronological order, providing context for each film’s place in the overarching narrative.
Watching Order: Release Date vs. Chronological Order
Release Date Order
Watching the X-Men movies in release date order allows you to experience the series as audiences originally did, with each film building on the last in terms of character development and plot evolution.
Chronological Order
For those who prefer a more linear storytelling approach, watching the films in chronological order (based on the events within the series) offers a different perspective, highlighting the continuity and timeline of the X-Men universe.
The X-Men Film Series Overview
The X-Men film series consists of several interconnected movies, including the original trilogy, the Wolverine saga, the First Class reboot series, the Deadpool series, and The New Mutants. Each group of films contributes to the broader X-Men narrative, introducing new characters, conflicts, and story arcs.
The Original Trilogy
X-Men (2000)
Directed by Bryan Singer, X-Men introduces the world to Professor Charles Xavier’s School for Gifted Youngsters, a haven for mutants with extraordinary abilities. The film focuses on the conflict between Xavier’s peaceful approach and Magneto’s militant stance on mutant rights, setting the stage for the franchise.
X2: X-Men United (2003)
In X2: X-Men United, the X-Men join forces with Magneto to stop a common enemy, Colonel William Stryker, who plans to eradicate mutants. The film delves deeper into Wolverine’s past and expands the X-Men universe with new characters and relationships.
X-Men: The Last Stand (2006)
X-Men: The Last Stand explores the controversial “cure” for mutation, sparking a war between mutants who seek to retain their powers and those who desire normalcy. The film also addresses the rise of the Phoenix, a powerful and dangerous force within Jean Grey.
The Wolverine Saga
X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009)
X-Men Origins: Wolverine delves into the backstory of Wolverine, exploring his early life, his relationship with his brother Victor Creed (Sabretooth), and his involvement in the Weapon X program that gave him his adamantium skeleton.
The Wolverine (2013)
Set after the events of X-Men: The Last Stand, The Wolverine follows Logan as he travels to Japan and confronts his past, facing a powerful enemy in the form of the Silver Samurai while grappling with his own immortality.
Logan (2017)
In a dystopian future, Logan finds an aging Wolverine caring for a deteriorating Professor Xavier. The film introduces Laura (X-23), a young mutant with abilities similar to Logan’s, and serves as a poignant conclusion to Wolverine’s journey.
The First Class Reboot Series
X-Men: First Class (2011)
X-Men: First Class takes the story back to the 1960s, depicting the origins of the X-Men and the Brotherhood of Mutants. The film focuses on the early relationship between Charles Xavier and Erik Lehnsherr (Magneto) as they team up to stop a global threat.
X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014)
X-Men: Days of Future Past combines the cast of the original trilogy and the First Class series in a time-travel narrative. Wolverine is sent back to the 1970s to prevent a dystopian future by altering key events in history, bridging the gap between the two timelines.
X-Men: Apocalypse (2016)
X-Men: Apocalypse introduces the ancient and powerful mutant Apocalypse, who awakens after thousands of years to reshape the world. The X-Men must come together to stop him, while new recruits like Cyclops, Jean Grey, and Storm join the team.
Dark Phoenix (2019)
Dark Phoenix focuses on Jean Grey’s transformation into the Dark Phoenix after a mission in space goes awry. The film explores the internal and external conflicts that arise as Jean struggles with her newfound powers.
The Deadpool Series
Deadpool (2016)
Deadpool follows the origin story of Wade Wilson, a former Special Forces operative turned mercenary who gains accelerated healing powers after an experiment gone wrong. The film is known for its humor, fourth-wall breaking, and R-rated content.
Deadpool 2 (2018)
In Deadpool 2, Wade Wilson forms the X-Force to protect a young mutant from the time-traveling soldier Cable. The film continues Deadpool’s irreverent humor and introduces new characters like Domino and Cable.
The New Mutants
The New Mutants (2020)
The New Mutants is a horror-tinged spin-off that follows five young mutants held in a secret facility against their will. As they discover their abilities, they must work together to escape and confront their past traumas.
Chronological Order of X-Men Movies
For viewers who prefer to watch the X-Men movies in the order of events within the storyline, the chronological order is as follows:
- X-Men: First Class (2011)
- X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014)
- Future scenes (2023)
- Past scenes (1973)
- X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009)
- X-Men: Apocalypse (2016)
- X-Men: Dark Phoenix (2019)
- X-Men (2000)
- X2: X-Men United (2003)
- X-Men: The Last Stand (2006)
- The Wolverine (2013)
- Deadpool (2016)
- Deadpool 2 (2018)
- Logan (2017)
- The New Mutants (2020)
This order provides a cohesive narrative flow, aligning the events and character arcs from the earliest points in the timeline to the final stories.
Future of the X-Men in the MCU
With the acquisition of 20th Century Fox by Disney, the X-Men are set to join the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). This integration promises fresh storylines, character reboots, and potential crossovers with existing MCU characters. Fans eagerly await the introduction of beloved mutants into the MCU, with the possibility of new films and series that honor the legacy of the original X-Men movies while charting new territory.
Conclusion
The X-Men film series has left an indelible mark on superhero cinema, offering various characters, storylines, and themes. Whether you watch the films in the release date or chronological order, understanding the sequence enhances your appreciation of the intricate world-building and character development that defines the X-Men universe. As the franchise evolves within the MCU, fans can look forward to new adventures and deeper explorations of the mutant experience.
