How to Watch the X-Men Movies in Chronological Order

The X-Men, initially gracing comic book pages, have achieved cinematic stardom with iconic portrayals like Patrick Stewart's Professor X and Hugh Jackman's Wolverine. However, navigating the X-Men film universe can be a temporal labyrinth, thanks to interwoven origin stories, retcons, and time-bending adventures. Your viewing order significantly impacts how plot twists and character arcs resonate. While a release-date watch is simple, we've structured these 14 films into a (roughly) chronological timeline. This approach allows you to experience the X-Men saga from its earliest moments, following each character's journey from inception.

Confused about the X-Men movie timeline's relationship to both its own universe and the MCU? We've got you covered! [Link to explanation]. Now that mutants are part of the MCU, celebrating the past is the perfect way to prepare for the future. For those preferring a release-date viewing, that list is provided below.

Here's our mostly spoiler-free guide to watching the X-Men films 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?

New to the X-Men cinematic universe? Begin with First Class and follow the chronological order. However, if you prefer the original theatrical experience, start with X-Men (2000), the series' launch point.

X-Men Blu-Ray Collection

Contains 10 movies. See it at Amazon

X-Men Movies in Chronological Order

1. X-Men: First Class (2011)

X-Men: First Class initiates a new chapter, rewinding to the franchise's earliest point. Beginning in 1944 at Auschwitz, the film progresses to 1962, charting the origins of young Charles Xavier and Erik Lehnsherr/Magneto, and the birth 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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...(continues similarly for all 14 films and the release order list, maintaining the original formatting and image placement while improving flow and wording.)