To understand the plot of the “X-Men” films, it is best to watch them chronologically in the order of the timeline. Alternatively, you can watch them in the order they were released in theaters.
Order of the “X-Men” films: By release date
The order of the “X-Men” films is challenging because there are several spin-offs, as well as time travel and crossovers. You can watch the films in order of release date. However, this is not recommended if you want to understand the plot better.
- The first film in the series was “X-Men,” which was released in 2000. The film was a huge success. In this installment, the mutants Rogue and Wolverine meet the X-Men at an institute for gifted young people whose mutant abilities are being further developed.
- Three years later, “X-Men 2” followed. The mutant Styker has evil intentions; he captures Professor X and subjects him to brainwashing. The other X-Men, however, manage to escape. A big battle ensues at the end of the film. This film grossed over $200 million in the US.
- The third installment, “X-Men: The Last Stand,” released in 2006, revolves around personality disorders, pharmaceutical companies, and cures. The film has almost the same cast as the previous films.
- Actor Hugh Jackman shone in 2009 in the role of Wolverine in the fourth installment of the series, “X-Men Origins: Wolverine.” It tells the story of how he gained his superhuman powers, the death of his supposed father, and the supposed death of his girlfriend.
- The next installment, titled “X-Men: First Class,” followed in 2011. This film revolves around mutants who become the dominant species on Earth and want to start World War III.
- The film series continued in 2013 with the sixth installment, “The Wolverine.” Just one year later, “X-Men: Days of Future Past” was released, which revolves around a great battle in the future.
- Two new films were released in 2016. First came “Deadpool,” starring Ryan Reynolds in the lead role. Shortly afterwards, “X-Men: Apocalypse” followed.
- Next came “Logan” in 2017. “Deadpool 2” followed in 2018. With Reynolds on screen, the film was another huge success, grossing over $780 million.
- In 2019, “X-Men: Dark Phoenix” was released, followed just one year later by “X-Men: New Mutants.” The film is about mutants who are held captive in a research facility. They slowly become familiar with their powers and then attempt to escape.
- The latest film is “Deadpool & Wolverine,” which hit theaters in 2024. It’s about Deadpool and the disillusioned Wolverine from an alternate universe coming together to save the multiverse from a new threat.
Order of the “X-Men” films: Old timelines
The order according to timelines helps to better understand the plot. If you decide to watch the films chronologically according to the timeline, there is again an old and a new timeline. However, there are also some logical gaps and inconsistencies in this order. It should also be noted that further films in the universe are planned for the future, so further changes or additions to the existing narrative structure are possible.
- “X-Men Origins: Wolverine” (2009): This film is mainly set in 1962.
- “X-Men: First Class” (2011): The plot takes place in the late 1970s.
- “X-Men” (2000): The film is set in the early 2000s.
- “X-Men 2” (2003): The plot takes place in the mid-2000s.
- “X-Men: The Last Stand” (2006): The plot is also set in the mid-2000s.
- “The Wolverine” (2013): This installment was released in 2013 and is also set in that year.
- “X-Men: Days of Future Past” (2014): The film is largely set in 1973.
Order of the “X-Men” films: New timeline
The new timeline begins after the original timeline and runs parallel to it. At this point, Wolverine travels back in time, changing the course of the entire story.
- “X-Men: Apocalypse” (2016): This part takes place in 1983.
- “X-Men: Dark Phoenix” (2019): This is a film set in 1992.
- “Deadpool” (2016): This film is also set in the year it was released.
- “Deadpool 2” (2018) is set in the late 2010s.
- “X-Men: New Mutants” (2019): This film is also set in the late 2010s.
- “Deadpool & Wolverine” (2024): This is a sequel set in the year 2024.
- “Logan” (2017) is set in the future, namely in the year 2029.
“Deadpool” trilogy and “Wolverine” film series
The “X-Men” films can also be divided into the ‘Deadpool’ trilogy and the “Wolverine” film series, each of which has its own focus and, in some cases, its own timeline.
- “Deadpool” trilogy: This includes “Deadpool,” “Deadpool 2,” and “Deadpool & Wolverine.”
- “Wolverine” film series: This series includes the films “X-Men Origins: Wolverine,” “The Wolverine,” “Logan,” and “Deadpool & Wolverine.”
“X-Men” universe: Series
The “X-Men” franchise is based on Marvel Comics. Originally, 20th Century Fox owned the Marvel rights. In 2019, Marvel was acquired by Disney, so the “X-Men” films now belong to Disney. In addition to the classics, there are also several newer series set in this universe.
- The animated series “X-Men” aired from 1992 to 1997. The complete series can be streamed on Disney+.
- The US-Canadian TV series “Mutant X” aired from 2001 to 2004 and comprises 66 episodes in three seasons. It can be viewed on Amazon Prime Video and Joyn, among others.
- “X-Men: Evolution” is also animated and aired from 2000 to 2003. It is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video and Disney+, among others.
- The animated series “Wolverine and the X-Men” (2008/2009) has only one season. It can be viewed on Amazon Prime Video and Disney+.
- “Marvel Anime: Wolverine” (2011) and “Marvel Anime: X-Men” (2011) are Japanese productions. While “Marvel Anime: Wolverine” is available on Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV, “Marvel Anime: X-Men” can be seen on maxdome and Amazon Prime Video, among others.
- The series “Legion” (2017 to 2019) is based on the character David Haller. It can be found on Amazon Prime Video, Disney+ and Apple TV.
- “The Gifted” also aired from 2017 to 2019. The US science fiction series based on the X-Men universe can be watched on Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Joyn, and Apple TV.
- “X-Men ’97” (2024) on Disney+ is an animated series based on the adventures of the X-Men. It is a revival of the animated series from the 1990s.
“X-Men” movies: What’s planned
The X-Men characters will gradually be introduced into the MCU universe, as was already hinted at after “Doctor Strange 2” (2022) and the season finale of “Ms. Marvel” (2022). According to Kevin Feige, president of Marvel Studios, the X-Men will have a lasting impact on the MCU and superhero movies, as reported by Teufel Blog.
- In the fifth Avengers film, “Avengers: Doomsday,” scheduled for release in 2026, the characters from the X-Men universe are set to play a significant role. However, according to the “Secret Wars” comics, this should not happen until “Avengers 6.”
- Phase 7 of the MCU, which is expected to begin in 2028, has already been dubbed the “Mutant Phase.” The X-Men will most likely take center stage even more.
- In addition, a new Deadpool movie is planned. It is still unclear which X-Men characters will be featured and when the movie will be released.
