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X-Men Movies: Chronological Viewing Guide

Author：Kristen Update：Apr 09,2025

The X-Men franchise, known for its iconic characters and intricate storytelling, has captivated audiences through its comic books and subsequent movie adaptations. With beloved performances by actors like Patrick Stewart as Charles Xavier and Hugh Jackman as Wolverine, these films have carved out their own significant place in cinematic history. However, the X-Men movies are notorious for their complex and sometimes convoluted timelines, involving origin stories, retcons, and time travel, which can make watching them in order a challenging yet rewarding experience.

For those looking to immerse themselves in the X-Men saga, watching the films in chronological order provides a unique perspective on the characters' journeys from their earliest points. Below, we've organized the 14 X-Men movies into a rough timeline that allows you to follow the narrative from start to finish.

Curious about how the X-Men movie timeline fits within the broader universe and its connection to the MCU? Follow this link for a detailed explanation.

With mutants now integrated into the MCU, revisiting the X-Men movies is a great way to prepare for future developments. For those who prefer to watch the films as 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
How to watch by release order

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, you can start with "X-Men: First Class" to experience the timeline chronologically. However, if you prefer to see the films as they were originally released to audiences, begin with "X-Men" (2000), where the series officially kicked off.

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, taking us back to the earliest point in the franchise's timeline. The film starts in 1944 at the Auschwitz concentration camp before moving to 1962, where we follow the young Charles Xavier and Erik Lehnsherr/Magneto as they form 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

Where to Watch

Rent/Buy

Buy

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

"X-Men: Days of Future Past" is challenging to place on the timeline due to its dual narrative, featuring both the original and newer X-Men. The story primarily unfolds in 1973, with significant scenes in an alternate 2023. Its placement here is based on key story elements, and fans of the original cast will find it especially rewarding. It could also fit 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

Where to Watch

Rent/Buy

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3. X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009)

X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009)

The first X-Men spinoff, "X-Men Origins: Wolverine," begins in 1845 but primarily takes place in 1979. It explores the origins of Hugh Jackman's Wolverine, including how he obtained his adamantium claws, and introduces Ryan Reynolds as Wade Wilson/Deadpool, making it a key part of the Wolverine timeline.

Read our review of X-Men Origins: Wolverine.