X-Men Movies: Chronological Viewing Guide

The X-Men franchise, renowned for its captivating characters like Patrick Stewart's Charles Xavier and Hugh Jackman's Wolverine, has not only made a significant impact in comics but also through its beloved movie adaptations. These films, while adored by fans, are notorious for their complex timelines, involving origin stories, retconning, and time travel, which can make watching them in order a challenging yet rewarding experience.

Rather than simply watching the movies as they were released, we've arranged the 14 films into a rough chronological order, allowing you to follow the X-Men saga from its earliest beginnings and trace each character's journey. This approach ensures you experience key reveals and character developments in a way that enhances your understanding and enjoyment of the series.

For those curious about how the X-Men movie timeline aligns with the broader universe and the MCU, you can find a detailed explanation by following this link.

With the integration of mutants into the MCU, revisiting the X-Men films is a perfect way to prepare for what's to come. Whether you prefer watching them in chronological order or as they were released, we've provided both options below.

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

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How to watch in chronological orderHow to watch by release order### The X-Men Movies in (Chronological) Order

14 ImagesWhich X-Men Movie Should You Watch First?

If you're new to the X-Men movie franchise, starting with "First Class" and following the timeline chronologically is a great way to immerse yourself in the story. However, if you prefer to experience the films as they were originally released, begin with "X-Men" (2000), where the cinematic journey officially started.

### X-Men Blu-Ray Collection

88Contains 10 movies.See it at AmazonX-Men Movies in Chronological Order

1. X-Men: First Class (2011)

X-Men: First Class marks the beginning of a new chapter in the X-Men saga, taking us back to the earliest point in the film franchise's timeline. Set initially in 1944 at the Auschwitz concentration camp, the story then jumps to 1962, exploring the origins of Charles Xavier and Erik Lehnsherr/Magneto, as well as the formation of both the X-Men and the Brotherhood of Mutants.

Read our review of X-Men: First Class.

X-Men: First Class20th Century FoxJun 3, 2011

Powered byRent/BuyRent/BuyBuyMore### 2. X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014)

X-Men: Days of Future Past presents a unique challenge in timeline placement, as it features characters from both the original and newer films. The story primarily unfolds in 1973, with significant scenes set in an alternate 2023. Its placement here is influenced by specific plot elements, though it can also be enjoyed near the end of the list. The presence of the original cast adds a special touch for longtime fans.

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

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

Powered byRent/BuyRent/BuyRent/BuyMoreRelated GuidesOverviewPlotCast and CharactersBryan Singer on Twitter### 3. X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009)

X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009)This first spinoff film starts in 1845 but mainly takes place in 1979, delving into the origin of Hugh Jackman's Wolverine character. It's here that we first meet Ryan Reynolds' Wade Wilson/Deadpool, making it an essential watch for understanding Wolverine's backstory.

Read our review of X-Men Origins: Wolverine.

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

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