Figuring out the best way to watch X-Men movies can be confusing. The franchise spans over two decades with a mix of sequels, prequels, and spinoffs. Our guide lays out how to tackle the X-Men saga in chronological order, making it simple and enjoyable for you.
Let’s dive in!
Understanding the Timeline of the X-Men Movies
The X-Men movies jump around in time, making their story a puzzle. To get it right, you need to know the difference between when they came out and the order of their stories.
Chronological Order
Watching the X-Men movies in chronological order lets you follow the story from its earliest point. This way, you see how events unfold over time, just like reading a history book that starts with early civilization and moves towards the modern day.
It makes understanding the complex X-Men universe easier and more fun. You can catch all the changes in characters and plot development as they happen.
If you’re eager to dive into this adventure, there’s good news: Disney+ has all the X-Men movies arranged chronologically for your viewing pleasure. This means you don’t have to jump around or guess what comes next.
Just sit back, relax, and enjoy watching these heroes’ journey from start to finish. It’s like putting together a puzzle where every movie is a piece that fits perfectly into place, revealing a bigger picture of the X-Men saga.
Release Order
The X-Men movies kicked off in 2000, introducing fans to a world of mutant superheroes. Over the years, this film series has grown to include 13 movies featuring classic characters like Charles Xavier and Wolverine.
They take us through exciting stories of heroes and villains battling it out for the future of mutants and humans alike.
Choosing to watch the X-Men movies in their release order offers a unique view into how the film franchise evolved. It lets viewers experience the changes in storytelling, special effects, and character development as they happen over time.
Plus, hopping from one movie to the next in the order they came out can be a fun way to see how earlier films set up stories that unfold in later ones.
Watching the X-Men Movies in Chronological Order
To dive into the X-Men universe, watching movies in chronological order unveils the mutant saga smoothly. This approach lets you follow the mutant story right from its roots to its grand battles and beyond.
How to Watch in Chronological Order
Watching X-Men movies in chronological order lets you see the story unfold from the start. This guide helps you enjoy the mutant superhero action from the beginning.
- Start with “X-Men: First Class” (2011). This movie takes you back to the 1960s. You’ll see how Charles Xavier and Erik Lehnsherr meet and their early team.
- Next, watch “X-Men: Days of Future Past” (2014). It mixes past and future, showing mutants fighting for survival across two time periods.
- “X-Men Origins: Wolverine” (2009) focuses on Wolverine’s past, including his time before and with the X-Men.
- Move on to “X-Men: Apocalypse” (2016), where the X-Men battle the ancient mutant Apocalypse in the 1980s.
- “X-Men: Dark Phoenix” (2019) comes next, telling Jean Grey’s powerful transformation in 1992.
- Watch “The Wolverine” (2013) after that. The story follows Wolverine’s journey to Japan and the battles he faces there.
- Dive into “Deadpool” (2016). It introduces Deadpool, a former special forces operative turned mercenary with a twisted sense of humor.
- Continue with “Deadpool 2” (2018), where Deadpool forms a team to protect a young mutant from a time-traveling soldier Cable.
- “The New Mutants” (2020) follows young mutants held in a secret facility fighting to save themselves.
- Finish with “Logan” (2017), set shortly, showing an aging Wolverine protecting a young mutant girl.
Streaming Options
Now that you know the best order to watch the X-Men movies, let’s talk about where you can find them. Many of these films are available on Disney+. It’s a great place to stream most of your favorite X-Men adventures.
If you can’t find a movie there, check Amazon Prime Video. They offer rentals, so you can catch up on any films missing from your lineup.
Different platforms have different options for watching the X-Men series. Whether streaming or renting, these digital movie platforms make it easy and convenient. You don’t have to leave home or wait long to dive into the world of mutants and their thrilling stories.
Recommended Viewing Order
If you want the full X-Men experience, following the recommended viewing order is key. It’ll take you on a journey through time and show how each mutant’s story fits into the bigger picture.
X-Men: First Class (2011)
X-Men: First Class takes us back to the 1960s during a big event called the Cuban Missile Crisis. This movie is where it all starts for the mutant superheroes. We get to see how Professor X and Magneto, played by James McAvoy and Michael Fassbender, first meet.
They’re not enemies yet but close friends trying to understand their powers. Jennifer Lawrence also stars in it, showing a younger version of Mystique.
You can watch this exciting beginning of the X-Men team on Disney+ or rent it on Amazon Prime Video. It’s fun seeing how these characters change from friends to foes and how their early choices shape future battles.
The setting gives it a cool vibe too, mixing history with superhero action.
X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014)
“X-Men: Days of Future Past” mixes the past and future, where heroes from two times fight to save mutants and humans. Set in 1973 and 2023, it brings together the original team of mutants with their younger selves.
This movie stands out because it has both old and new actors playing beloved characters like Charles Xavier and Wolverine.
In this action-packed adventure, time travel plays a big part. The story jumps between different timelines to prevent a dark future. You’ll see cool powers, epic battles, and how actions in the past can change what happens later.
Plus, there’s a special version called “The Rogue Cut,” adding more scenes with Rogue.
X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009)
X-Men Origins: Wolverine dives deep into the past of one of the most beloved mutants. The movie brings to life Wolverine’s complex history, introducing us to his early days and how he becomes the fierce fighter we know.
It’s set before many events in the X-Men universe unfold, giving viewers a peek at where it all started for this character. We also get our first look at Ryan Reynolds playing Deadpool, adding more layers to the team of mutants.
The film is a key piece in understanding mutant origins and powers. By showing Wolverine’s journey, it reveals much about the mutant world and what drives these characters. Fans learn not just about superhuman abilities but also about personal struggles and triumphs.
Next up is “X-Men: Apocalypse (2016)”, which continues exploring these themes while advancing the overall story arc.
X-Men: Apocalypse (2016)
X-Men: Apocalypse takes us back to 1983, right after some major events shook the world of mutants and humans alike. This movie, number four in the chronological line-up, shows a powerful villain from ancient times – Apocalypse.
He wakes up after thousands of years and sees a world filled with conflict. Not happy with what he finds, Apocalypse decides to cleanse humanity and create a new order. Mutants like Professor X, Magneto, Mystique, Cyclops, and Jean Grey have to decide where their loyalties lie.
The cast brings life to these iconic characters; James McAvoy returns as Professor X while Michael Fassbender reprises his role as Magneto. Oscar Isaac steps into the massive shoes of Apocalypse himself.
Though audiences were divided over how well the movie did its job, it’s essential viewing for anyone following the mutants’ journey through time. It dives deep into mutant abilities and challenges at Xavier’s School for Gifted Youngsters — making it clear that being different comes with its own set of trials and triumphs.
X-Men: Dark Phoenix (2019)
“X-Men: Dark Phoenix” takes viewers on a wild ride with the famous Dark Phoenix saga. This chapter shows an intense battle and an alien invasion, making it a must-see for fans of superhero movies.
Unlike other films in the series, this one stands out because Hugh Jackman is not in it. For those eager to dive into this mutant superhero adventure, there’s good news. You can stream it on Disney+ or rent it through Amazon Prime Video, ensuring that watching this Marvel Comics adaptation fits easily into your schedule.
This movie marks the fifth spot in the recommended viewing order of the X-Men franchise continuity. It brings to life one of the most compelling stories from the comics—combining deep emotions with stunning action scenes to create a memorable experience for all who watch it.
The Wolverine (2013)
“The Wolverine” takes us to Japan with our favorite clawed hero. After the events of “X-Men: The Last Stand,” Wolverine struggles with his demons. He’s practically unkillable, thanks to his healing factor and adamantium-reinforced bones.
But this time, he faces challenges that test more than just his physical strength. Samurai warriors, the threatening Viper, and encounters with the Yakuza pull him into a world where honor weighs as much as life itself.
He meets Mariko, who changes his path, and Yukio, a new character who brings her twist to the story. They dive deep into battles against formidable foes like Silver Samurai in scenes filled with action and heart-stopping moments.
Released on July 26, 2013, “The Wolverine” not only showcases superhero feats but also weaves in themes of mortality and redemption amidst its thrilling plot set against a picturesque Japanese backdrop.
Deadpool (2016)
Deadpool (2016) steps away from the main X-Men movies, bringing fans a blend of action, comedy, and the unique style of its antihero, known as the Merc with a Mouth. This film stands out in the superhero movie scene for its humor and breaks from traditional storytelling.
It’s easily found on Disney+ for streaming, making it accessible to fans who want to dive into this part of the X-Men universe without much hassle. For those who prefer renting, Amazon Prime Video offers it too.
Looking ahead, there’s excitement building around “Deadpool & Wolverine,” set to release on July 26, 2024. This upcoming film hints at more adventures and laughs in the Marvel Cinematic Universe—promising to continue Deadpool’s story in new and thrilling ways.
Fans eagerly await what’s next for their favorite antihero while enjoying his past escapades through available streaming platforms or rental services.
Deadpool 2 (2018)
“Deadpool 2” takes us on another wild ride with our favorite antihero. This time, he’s not alone. He teams up with Cable, a tough mutant from the future. They dive into an action-packed journey filled with dark humor and unexpected turns.
The movie stands out by breaking the fourth wall, meaning Deadpool talks directly to us viewers! It’s like he knows he’s in a movie.
This sequel is set in the late 2020s but feels timeless thanks to its unique style. You can watch it on Disney+ or rent it on Amazon Prime Video. While mostly doing its own thing, “Deadpool 2” still nods to the broader X-Men universe.
We even see some younger X-Men pop up for fun cameos. Plus, there’s a big hint about “Logan,” making this film extra special for fans.
The New Mutants (2020)
Moving on from the comedic action of “Deadpool 2,” we step into a different part of the X-Men universe with “The New Mutants” (2020). This film introduces us to five young mutants discovering their abilities while locked away in a secret facility.
Set in 2017, it stands apart by focusing on a new group of heroes and tells a story that is mostly its own, without deep ties to other X-Men movies.
“The New Mutants” also hints at a connection to “Logan,” taking place in the larger timeline of events leading up to 2029. Fans can watch this mix of sci-fi and superhero action on Disney+ or rent it through Amazon Prime Video.
It’s unique as it blends elements of horror with the usual mutant powers narrative, making it an intriguing addition to any marathon viewing list.
Logan (2017)
“Logan” is set in 2029. It shows a future where few mutants are left. Wolverine and Charles Xavier are key characters here. This movie stands out from other X-Men movies because it feels more separate, yet, it still connects to the bigger story with ties to “X-Men Origins: Wolverine” and “The Last Stand.” You can watch it on Disney+.
This film introduces us to Yukio, adding fresh faces alongside familiar ones like Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine. “Logan” paves the way for future stories in the franchise, linking directly to an upcoming sequel, “Deadpool & Wolverine,” set for release in July 2024.
This connection makes watching “Logan” essential for fans following the whole X-Men saga.
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Conclusion
Watching X-Men movies in chronological order offers a unique journey through the mutant universe. It brings clarity to their tangled timelines and enhances your understanding of each character’s development.
Dive into this adventure, starting with “X-Men: First Class” and ending with “Logan”. Discover the full extent of this exciting saga. Enjoy every twist and turn along the way!
Sara Sabrena is a seasoned content writer and a devout cinephile with a flair for dissecting cinematic works. Her love for storytelling is evident in her compelling reviews and thought-provoking analysis of films ranging from indie gems to blockbuster hits. With a background in literature and media studies, Sara brings depth and a unique perspective to her writing.