X-Men is one of the biggest superhero movie franchises ever created, but even a huge fan might find some parts of the plot a little confusing. Additionally, while Marvel movies are often exciting, they tend to be difficult to follow.
The X-Men franchise is a collection of 13 films that take a non-linear approach, similar to that of Star Wars, and begin later in many characters’ stories before returning to their origins.
What is the order of watching the X-Men movies?
There are many different ways to enjoy these films, and while it may be easier to watch them as soon as they are released, Olhar Digital has organized the 13 films according to their chronological placement, in a loose timeline.
In other words, the order listed below allows you to watch the story of the X-Men from the beginning and follow each character’s journey. All are available on the Disney+ streaming platform.
1. X-Men: First Class (2011)
This may not have been the first film to be released theatrically, but it marks the beginning of a new chapter of the X-Men, dating back to the first point in the film franchise’s timeline. The film begins in 1944, in the Auschwitz concentration camp, before jumping into the future in 1962. The story follows young Charles Xavier and Erik Lehnsherr (Magneto) and the origins of the X-Men and the Brotherhood of Mutants.
2. X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014)
Technically, Days of Future Past is set in 1973, which is why it’s in this position in the timeline; however, much of the plot takes place in an alternate version of 2023. In that film, the X-Men send Wolverine to the past. to change history and prevent an event that results in a dystopian future where mutants are incarcerated in internment camps.
3. X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009)
Since this is an origin story, some scenes with Wolverine take place in 1845, when he discovers his new powers. But, flashbacks aside, the majority of the film is set in 1979, as James Logan deals with his rivalry with his brother and his experience in the special forces. In addition to seeing how Wolverine acquired his claws, we are also introduced to Wade Wilson (Deadpool).
4.X-Men: Apocalypse (2016)
Although the film begins in 3600 BC, much of the story is set in 1983, when the X-Men face a powerful mutant enemy called En Sabah Nur (Apocalypse). He is the first mutant with the intention of destroying the world and ending humanity.
5. X-Men: Dark Phoenix (2019)
This is the final film in the series which follows the lives of the X-Men team under the leadership of James McAvoy as Professor Xavier and Michael Fassbender as Magneto. Presenting the story of Jean Grey’s transformation into Phoenix, the film begins in 1975, but is largely set in 1992.
6.X-Men (2000)
In the real world, X-Men was the first film in the series to be released. In the X-Men cinematic universe, however, it is the sixth film chronologically in the overall plot. The film is set in 2000, the same year as its release, and sets the stage for the X-Men universe, introducing the Brotherhood of Mutants and, of course, the X-Men.
7.X-Men 2 (2003)
X-Men 2, the first sequel in the series, premiered in 2003 and its events also take place in the same year. In this story, the mutant Nocturne is manipulated into attempting to assassinate the President of the United States. For this reason, former army commander William Stryker kidnaps Professor X, forcing the X-Men to join the enemy to avoid being exterminated.
8. X-Men: The Last Stand (2006)
Released in 2006, X-Men: The Last Stand was the final film in the original series and occurred in the same year as its release. In this story, the government finds a cure for mutations and then the mutants are faced with a very difficult decision. Technically, this was the first film to tell the story of the Phoenix, but in terms of the series’ chronology, it’s the second.
9. Wolverine – Immortal (2013)
Wolverine’s story is told again in 2013, a sequel to X-Men Origins: Wolverine and X-Men: The Last Stand. In the film, Wolverine comes to Japan to reconnect with an old friend he saved years ago. There he finds himself mourning the loss of Jean Gray and also in the middle of a conspiracy with mutants and the yakuza.
10. Deadpool (2016)
Although he made his first appearance in X-Men Origins: Wolverine, Wade Wilson (Deadpool) makes his solo film debut in 2016. This film is largely separate from the events of the main films, but is set in the same universe . It tells the story of a man diagnosed with cancer who is willing to do anything to save his life. The plot does not indicate a specific moment in which the film is set, but everything indicates that it took place during the period in which it was released in theaters, i.e. in 2016.
11. Deadpool 2 (2018)
Like the original, Deadpool 2 does not have an exact date on which it is set, but it is generally believed to have occurred around the year it debuted, 2018. Again, the events of the film take place, for most, outside of anything that happens in the X-Men franchise. That said, this sequel features some younger X-Men and a reference to Logan, but Deadpool himself also travels back in time to X-Men Origins: Wolverine.
12. The New Mutants (2020)
The New Mutants movie is a little difficult to place because, originally, the story was supposed to take place in the 90s, but it seems to be set in the present day. Indeed, it technically takes place between 2017 and 2026 and features five new, young mutants, but the events of this film don’t affect the events of the others and vice versa.
13.Logan (2017)
Logan debuted in 2017, but is set in the future, in 2029, in a time where mutants are almost extinct. Considering the timeline, Logan is now much older and far from his days as Wolverine, but when a little mutant girl named Laura comes to him for help, she feels compelled to do so. The film also concludes the entire series very well.
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Source: Olhar Digital
Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
