X-Men Movies: How to Watch in Chronological Order

The X-Men franchise has captured the hearts of fans through its iconic characters and thrilling storylines, with memorable performances from actors like Patrick Stewart as Charles Xavier and Hugh Jackman as Wolverine. These films, while beloved, are notorious for their complex and often convoluted timelines, filled with origin stories, retcons, and time-travel elements that add layers of intrigue and excitement.

To fully appreciate the X-Men saga, watching the films in chronological order can provide a cohesive narrative experience, allowing you to follow the journey of each character from their earliest moments. Below, we have outlined the 14 films in the order that they roughly fit into the X-Men timeline. This approach will enhance your understanding of key reveals and character developments.

For those curious about how the X-Men movie timeline aligns with the broader Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), we have a detailed explanation available at [this link](best we can).

With mutants now officially part of the MCU, revisiting the X-Men movies in chronological order is a perfect way to prepare for future developments while honoring the rich history of the franchise. If you prefer watching them in the order of release, we've included that list as well.

Here's a mostly spoiler-free guide on how to watch the X-Men movies in chronological order:

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The X-Men Movies in (Chronological) Order

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Which X-Men Movie Should You Watch First?

If you're new to the X-Men movie franchise, starting with "X-Men: First Class" will take you through the timeline chronologically. However, if you want to experience the films as they were originally released to audiences, begin with "X-Men" (2000), which marks the series' official beginning.

X-Men Blu-Ray Collection

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X-Men Movies in Chronological Order

1. X-Men: First Class (2011)

"X-Men: First Class" sets the stage for the franchise by taking us back to the earliest moments on the timeline. The film begins in 1944 at the Auschwitz concentration camp before jumping to 1962. It follows the young Charles Xavier and Erik Lehnsherr, also known as Magneto, as they lay the foundations for the X-Men and the Brotherhood of Mutants.

Read our review of X-Men: First Class.

X-Men: First Class20th Century FoxJun 3, 2011

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2. X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014)

"X-Men: Days of Future Past" is a challenging film to place chronologically as it features characters from both the original and newer X-Men movies. The story primarily unfolds in 1973, but also includes scenes set in an alternate version of 2023. Despite its complexity, we've positioned it here due to certain narrative elements. Fans of the original cast will particularly appreciate this film's blend of old and new.

Read our review of X-Men: Days of Future Past.

X-Men: Days of Future PastMarvel StudiosMay 23, 2014

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3. X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009)

"X-Men Origins: Wolverine" begins in 1845 but focuses on events in 1979, exploring the origin story of Hugh Jackman's Wolverine. It also introduces Ryan Reynolds' Wade Wilson, later known as Deadpool. This film is crucial for understanding Wolverine's background and the introduction of key characters.

Read our review of X-Men Origins: Wolverine.

X-Men Origins: WolverineMarvel StudiosApr 29, 2009PG-13

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