X-Men Movies: Chronological Viewing Guide

While the X-Men franchise gained fame through its comic books, the movie adaptations have carved out a beloved niche of their own. Iconic performances, such as Patrick Stewart's portrayal of Charles Xavier and Hugh Jackman's portrayal of Wolverine, have endeared these films to fans worldwide. However, the X-Men movies are notorious for their complex and often convoluted timelines, featuring origin stories, retcons, and time travel that add layers of excitement and challenge to the viewing experience. There are multiple ways to enjoy these films, and your choice of viewing order can significantly impact how plot reveals and character developments unfold.

Instead of simply watching the films in their release order, we've arranged the 14 movies into a rough chronological timeline. This approach allows you to experience the X-Men saga from its earliest moments, following each character's journey from the beginning.

Curious about how the X-Men movie timeline fits into the broader universe, including the MCU? Follow this link for a detailed explanation.

With mutants now integrated into the MCU, revisiting the past is a great way to prepare for the future. For those who prefer watching the films in the order they were released, we've included that list below as well.

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

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• How to watch 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" and following the chronological timeline can be a great way to dive in. Alternatively, if you want to experience the films as audiences originally did, begin with "X-Men" (2000), which launched the series.

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" marks the beginning of a new chapter in the X-Men saga, taking us back to the earliest point in the franchise's timeline. The story opens in 1944 at the Auschwitz concentration camp before jumping to 1962, exploring the origins of Charles Xavier and Erik Lehnsherr/Magneto and the formation of both the X-Men and the Brotherhood of Mutants.

Read our review of X-Men: First Class.

X-Men: First Class

20th Century Fox

Jun 3, 2011

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

"X-Men: Days of Future Past" is challenging to place precisely on the timeline, as it features characters from both the original and newer films. While much of the story unfolds in 1973, significant portions occur in an alternate 2023. Certain plot elements (which we won't spoil) allow us to place it here, but fans of the original cast will find it particularly rewarding. It can also be viewed near the end of this list if preferred.

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

X-Men: Days of Future Past

Marvel Studios

May 23, 2014

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Related Guides

• Overview
• Plot
• Cast and Characters
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3. X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009)

The first X-Men spinoff movie begins in 1845, but the main storyline unfolds in 1979, delving into the origins of Hugh Jackman's Wolverine. This film not only shows how he acquired his iconic adamantium claws but also introduces us to Ryan Reynolds' Wade Wilson/Deadpool, making it a crucial part of Wolverine's timeline.

Read our review of X-Men Origins: Wolverine.

X-Men Origins: Wolverine

Marvel Studios

Apr 29, 2009

PG-13

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