X-Men: Complete guide to watching the movies in chronological order

Diving into the world of the X-Men means immersing yourself in a saga rich with mutant heroes, temporal intrigues, and spectacular battles. Since the first film released in 2000, the franchise has continuously evolved, with stories set in different eras and intertwining several complex timelines. For anyone wishing to discover or rediscover this iconic series, understanding the chronological viewing order is essential. This not only allows you to follow the progression of the characters and the stakes of the cinematic universe but also to fully enjoy the twists that made the X-Men films successful. This comprehensive guide will precisely accompany you through all the films, offering an organized and accessible overview, perfect for a marathon suited to all tastes, whether you are a newcomer or a long-time enthusiast.

With more than a dozen feature films between 2000 and 2024, this superhero saga has enriched and complicated its story through time travel, unexpected spin-offs, and poignant portraits of iconic mutants. Understanding the X-Men timeline means untangling the different historical periods covered, from the ’60s to alternative futures, to grasp the very essence of the conflicts and alliances that animate this universe. Whether you want to follow Wolverine’s evolution or enjoy the wild adventures of Deadpool, this guide will offer you the keys to organize your movie session and fully enjoy each episode, in a clear and logical chronology.

Discovering the X-Men saga in release order: a progressive immersion into mutant films

For those who wish to experience the X-Men universe in a natural and authentic way, starting with the release order is an excellent idea. This order will let you discover the saga as the audience initially knew it, with the noticeable evolution of special effects, cinematographic techniques, and character development. The first X-Men film (2000), directed by Bryan Singer, is a must-watch that truly launched the modern era of superhero movies. It introduces Hugh Jackman in the role of Wolverine, a cast that has become legendary over time.

The release order continues with X-Men 2 (2003), often praised as the best episode of the original trilogy thanks to its deeper plot and intensive action scenes. X-Men: The Last Stand (2006) concludes this first series, before the saga takes a turn with spin-offs and prequels. X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009) explores the mutant’s origins, while X-Men: First Class (2011) plunges us into the beginnings of the mutant brotherhood during the ’60s, revealing the deep ties between Charles Xavier and Erik Lehnsherr.

Followed by The Wolverine (2013), then the captivating X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014), which skillfully blends past and future. The franchise also expands with the arrival of Deadpool, whose 2016 and 2018 films bring a quirky and darkly humorous tone. Fans then find X-Men: Apocalypse (2016), X-Men: Dark Phoenix (2019), The New Mutants (2020), and finally Deadpool & Wolverine in 2024, which consolidates Deadpool’s integration into this complex universe. This chronological progression by release date lets you feel thematic, technological, and narrative evolutions throughout two decades.

Following the narrative timeline: the chronological order to understand the entire X-Men universe

For coherence lovers and enthusiasts who want to grasp all the subtleties of the universe, following the narrative chronological order is the method of choice. The mutants’ story begins in 1962 with X-Men: First Class, offering us a glimpse of the brotherhood’s origins and the conflicts shaping their destiny. James McAvoy and Michael Fassbender respectively portray young Charles Xavier and Erik Lehnsherr, depicting their conflicted friendship and opposing convictions regarding coexistence between mutants and humans.

The film X-Men: Days of Future Past is one of the pillars of this timeline, as it modifies the story by introducing a new temporal plot. Wolverine travels between 2023 and 1973 to prevent an apocalyptic future, which serves to correct and rewrite certain events from previous films. This narrative manipulation makes the saga fascinating but sometimes confusing for the uninitiated viewer.

Here is a table summarizing the films in their narrative chronological order, with their specifics:

Film	Year of setting	Key points
X-Men: First Class	1962	Origins of the brotherhood, youth of Xavier and Magneto
X-Men: Days of Future Past	1973 / 2023	Time travel, creation of an alternate timeline
X-Men Origins: Wolverine	1975-1987	Logan’s origins, Weapon X program
X-Men: Apocalypse	1983	Introduction of the mutant Apocalypse
X-Men: Dark Phoenix	1992	Jean Grey and the Phoenix Force
X-Men	2005	First formation of the adult X-Men
X-Men 2	2006	Considered the best film of the original trilogy
X-Men: The Last Stand	2006	Mutant cure crisis and final confrontations
The Wolverine	2013	Continuation of Logan’s adventures in Japan
Deadpool	Between 2015 and 2018	Quirky parody focused on Wade Wilson
The New Mutants	early 2020s	New generation of mutants and horror
Deadpool & Wolverine	2024	Confrontation and dynamic between two icons
Logan	2029	Poignant end of the Wolverine saga

Following this order allows better appreciation of the complex narrative arcs and relationships between characters, while revealing the richness of storylines related to time travel and parallel realities.

The stakes of choosing between release order and chronological order

The cinematic experience is deeply influenced by the order in which one watches the saga. Release order favors progressive discovery but sometimes confusing timelines, while chronological order clarifies continuity but may reduce the surprise effect of certain narrative twists. For a first discovery, release order is often recommended, whereas chronological viewing requires good knowledge of the films to get the most out of it.

An optimized X-Men marathon: excluding controversial films for a smoother session

Certain episodes of the X-Men saga have divided fans and critics. X-Men Origins: Wolverine, X-Men: The Last Stand, and X-Men: Dark Phoenix are often cited as the least successful, whether for their narrative choices, their comic adaptations, or character management. To make your marathon more dynamic and avoid disappointing breaks, you can opt for a streamlined version.

Here are some reasons why these titles are sometimes left out:

• X-Men Origins: Wolverine was particularly criticized for poor handling of Deadpool and an unconvincing plot, despite shedding light on Logan’s origins.
• X-Men: The Last Stand often divides opinion for its abrupt conclusion to certain arcs and a tone perceived as less mature compared to the previous installments.
• X-Men: Dark Phoenix, despite its importance in the comics, fails to capture the dramatic power of the “Dark Phoenix” arc and was judged disappointing.

Removing these episodes will save you more than five hours, while maintaining a marathon rich in adventure and intrigue. You will thus fully enjoy the other films that managed to convince the audience with their narrative and visual qualities.

The Wolverine Odyssey: a dedicated journey to the iconic figure

Hugh Jackman and Wolverine are inseparable from the X-Men saga. This actor helped popularize the clawed mutant far beyond the boundaries of superhero cinema. For die-hard fans, a Wolverine-centered marathon groups eight key films that chronicle the character’s evolution over the years, mixing action, drama, and personal tensions.

• X-Men (2000): Wolverine’s first appearance in the original saga.
• X-Men 2 (2003): deepening his origins and relationships with other mutants.
• X-Men: The Last Stand (2006): conclusion of the first trilogy and important revelations.
• X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009): exploration of Logan’s mysterious origins.
• The Wolverine (2013): adventures in a Japan mixing honor and combat.
• X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014): major crossover where he plays a key role.
• Logan (2017): the poignant and mature end of this iconic hero.
• Deadpool & Wolverine (2024): explosive meeting between two star mutants.

This journey is ideal for following Wolverine’s tragic and heroic destiny, emphasizing his inner conflicts and personal battles that have marked two decades of mutant cinema. Wolverine’s arc perfectly illustrates the duality between human and mutant, brute strength and vulnerability.

Deadpool: enjoying the irreverent and humorous saga within the X-Men universe

Deadpool, played by Ryan Reynolds, has profoundly renewed the image of mutant films with his provocative tone, dark humor, and breaking of the fourth wall. The Deadpool saga consists of three must-watch films: Deadpool (2016), Deadpool 2 (2018), and Deadpool & Wolverine (2024). These films stand out with their offbeat style, far from the more serious films of the franchise, offering viewers a fun and daring break.

The essence of Deadpool lies in a satire of superhero codes with a colorful character who does not hesitate to show self-mockery and comment directly on the universe around him. This makes for a refreshing and accessible spectacle, even for those not familiar with the saga’s complex chronology.

How to compose your own viewing order in the X-Men universe

The strength of the X-Men saga lies in its richness, which allows different approaches to discover or rediscover the films. You can thus create a personalized order according to your preferences:

• By favorite characters: grouping films with the mutants you like best, such as Wolverine, Professor X, or Deadpool.
• By era: prioritizing films set in the same historical period for greater visual and thematic coherence.
• By directors: some fans enjoy following films directed by Bryan Singer or Matthew Vaughn for their particular style.
• By themes: such as political stakes, internal struggles, or mutant revolutions.

This flexibility allows you to steer your marathon towards an angle that suits you, thus highlighting the nuances and various aspects of this vast mutant fresco. Whatever your method, the pleasure of rediscovering these captivating stories is guaranteed.

The subtleties of time travel and alternate realities in the X-Men saga

The X-Men cinematic universe is particularly complex due to its numerous time travels and parallel realities. These narrative elements not only allow revisiting past events but also introduce bold reinventions of characters and their destinies.

X-Men: Days of Future Past is the flagship film illustrating this mechanism, proposing fluid temporality between the ’70s and alternate futures. This opens the door to renewed intrigues while shaking the certainties acquired in previous films. In 2025, this ability to juggle time remains a fascinating subject for fans of elaborate scenarios.

These variations in the timeline also allow revisiting certain characters in different contexts, thereby bringing increased richness and depth to the mutant universe. However, they require a certain commitment from the viewer who must sometimes adjust their understanding of events throughout viewings.

Practical tips for organizing an unforgettable X-Men marathon in 2025

Whether you are alone, with family, or friends, planning an X-Men marathon requires a bit of organization. Here are some recommendations to get the most out of your experience:

• Choose your viewing order: whether you prefer release order, narrative chronology, or a personalized path.
• Plan regular breaks: films are often long and intense, so it’s important to take moments to discuss or relax.
• Prepare themed snacks: to prolong the pleasure, have fun creating appetizers or drinks related to the mutant universe.
• Use notes and summaries: some films are complex, keep a notebook to jot down characters, events, or important timelines.
• Share your impressions: the richness of the saga is also savored by exchanging with other fans or newcomers about the plot and characters.

Organizing a marathon with this type of preparation ensures total immersion in the X-Men universe while avoiding confusion caused by the complexity of this dense saga.