Guide to Watching X-Men Films in Chronological Order

Famous for their comic book roots, the X-Men films have captivated audiences with iconic characters like Charles Xavier (Patrick Stewart) and Wolverine (Hugh Jackman). Known for their complex timelines involving prequels, retcons, and time travel, these movies offer multiple viewing paths that shape how key moments unfold.

While release order is straightforward, we’ve arranged the 14 films to align with their approximate in-universe timeline, letting you follow the X-Men saga from its earliest moments and trace each character’s arc.

With mutants now in the MCU, revisiting the X-Men’s cinematic past prepares you for what’s next. Below, we’ve also included the release order for reference.

Here’s a mostly spoiler-free guide to watching the X-Men films chronologically!

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X-Men Films in Chronological Sequence

Where to Begin with X-Men Films

New to the X-Men series? Start with First Class for a chronological journey through the timeline. For the original audience experience, begin with X-Men (2000), the franchise’s starting point.

X-Men Blu-Ray Collection

X-Men Films in Chronological Order

1. X-Men: First Class (2011)

X-Men: First Class launches a new chapter, starting in 1944 at Auschwitz before advancing to 1962. It follows young Charles Xavier and Erik Lehnsherr/Magneto, exploring the origins of the X-Men and the Brotherhood of Mutants.

Read our X-Men: First Class review.

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 blends the original and newer X-Men casts, primarily set in 1973 with segments in an alternate 2023. Its unique narrative fits here but could also slot near the timeline’s end, enhanced by familiarity with the original team.

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

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

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3. X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009)

This initial X-Men spinoff begins in 1845 but centers on 1979, delving into Wolverine’s (Hugh Jackman) backstory, including his adamantium claws and the debut of Wade Wilson/Deadpool (Ryan Reynolds). It’s a key piece of Wolverine’s arc.

Read our X-Men Origins: Wolverine review.

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

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4. X-Men: Apocalypse (2016)

X-Men: Apocalypse features Oscar Isaac as En Sabah Nur/Apocalypse, facing the rebooted X-Men team. Opening in 3600 BC, the story primarily unfolds in 1983.

Read our X-Men: Apocalypse review.

X-Men: Apocalypse20th Century FoxMay 27, 2016

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5. X-Men: Dark Phoenix (2019)

X-Men: Dark Phoenix, the final film with James McAvoy and Michael Fassbender, charts Sophie Turner’s Jean Grey transforming into Phoenix. Starting in 1975, it mostly takes place in 1992.

Read our X-Men: Dark Phoenix review.

Dark PhoenixMarvel EntertainmentJun 7, 2019

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6. X-Men (2000)

The first live-action X-Men film, set in the early 2000s, follows Dark Phoenix less smoothly than some franchise transitions. Patrick Stewart and Ian McKellen portray older Charles Xavier and Erik Lehnsherr/Magneto, succeeding James McAvoy and Michael Fassbender.

Read our X-Men review.

X-Men20th Century FoxJul 14, 2000PG-13

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7. X2: X-Men United (2003)

Set soon after the original, X2: X-Men United follows a brainwashed Nightcrawler’s attempt to assassinate the U.S. President. Major events pave the way for The Last Stand and hint at Phoenix’s emergence.

Read our X2: X-Men United review.

X2Donner/Schuler-Donner ProductionsMay 2, 2003PG-13

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8. X-Men: The Last Stand (2006)

X-Men: The Last Stand, the first live-action Phoenix story, features Famke Janssen’s Jean Grey as the powerful Phoenix, confronting the X-Men in the original trilogy’s finale.

Read our X-Men: The Last Stand review.

X-Men: The Last StandDonner/Schuler-Donner ProductionsMay 26, 2006

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9. The Wolverine (2013)

The Wolverine follows X-Men Origins: Wolverine and X-Men: The Last Stand, addressing the latter’s aftermath. Set shortly after, it introduces Yukio, who later appears in Deadpool 2.

Read our The Wolverine review.

The WolverineSeed Prods.Jul 26, 2013

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10. Deadpool (2016)

Following his debut in X-Men Origins: Wolverine, Wade Wilson/Deadpool (Ryan Reynolds) stars in his 2016 solo film. Largely separate from mainline X-Men events, it’s set around 2016 and can be viewed independently for a full franchise perspective.

Read our Deadpool review.

DeadpoolDonner/Schuler-Donner ProductionsFeb 12, 2016R

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11. Deadpool 2 (2018)

Deadpool 2, like its predecessor, lacks a precise timeline and operates outside main X-Men events, likely set in the late 2020s. It includes younger X-Men and a Logan reference, with its fourth-wall-breaking humor allowing flexible viewing.

Read our Deadpool 2 review.

Deadpool 2Marvel EntertainmentMay 18, 2018

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12. The New Mutants (2020)

The New Mutants, likely set in the late 2020s, ties to Logan (2029) and tells a standalone story, making it flexible for viewing around this point.

Read our The New Mutants review.

The New MutantsMarvel EntertainmentAug 28, 2020

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13. Deadpool & Wolverine (2024)

Deadpool & Wolverine (2024) complicates the timeline, set in its release year but referencing X-Men and Marvel timelines. It exists within and beyond the main universe, offering a unique crossover experience.

Read our Deadpool & Wolverine review

Deadpool & WolverineMarvel EntertainmentJul 26, 2024R

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