The X-Men film series is one of the most popular superhero franchises of all time. Since the first X-Men movie was released in 2000, a total of 13 films set in the X-Men universe have been produced. With so many movies spanning over two decades, it can be difficult to keep track of the order to watch them in. This guide will provide the chronological order of the X-Men movies to help fans experience the epic story properly.
1. X-Men (2000)
Directed by Bryan Singer, the original X-Men movie from 2000 kicked off the Fox franchise. It introduced audiences to key characters like Professor Charles Xavier, Wolverine, Cyclops, Jean Grey, Storm, Rogue, and Magneto. The film is set in the past, in the 1960s, and follows Professor X and Magneto as they have differing views on how mutants should interact with regular humans.
How to watch:
X-Men is available to stream on Disney+ with a subscription. It can also be purchased or rented on digital platforms like Amazon Prime Video, iTunes, Google Play, and Vudu.
2. X2 (2003)
The sequel, titled X2, saw the return of Bryan Singer as director. It built upon the foundation of the first film and expanded the scope and scale of the mutant story. Key plot points involved William Stryker’s deadly plans, Jean Grey beginning to unlock her Phoenix powers, and the X-Men protecting their students from attack. X2 is considered one of the best superhero sequels ever made.
How to watch:
X2 is available to stream on Disney+ or can be purchased on digital platforms.
3. X-Men: The Last Stand (2006)
The third main installment was directed by Brett Ratner and concluded the original X-Men trilogy. It brought the long-awaited Dark Phoenix Saga to the big screen along with major showdowns between the X-Men and Brotherhood. Sadly, some fans felt it tried to pack too much into one movie and certain plotlines like Phoenix’s demise felt rushed. Still, it served as a satisfying conclusion for Patrick Stewart’s Professor X and Ian McKellen’s Magneto.
How to watch:
X-Men: The Last Stand can be streamed on Disney+ or rented/purchased digitally.
4. X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009)
Hugh Jackman returned for this solo spin-off chronicling Wolverine’s mysterious past. However, the movie received mixed reviews for deviations from the comics and questionable CGI effects. It did provide more insight into Logan’s adamantium implantation and early interactions with Sabretooth. Still, many saw it as an ultimately disposable entry that didn’t live up to its potential.
How to watch:
X-Men Origins: Wolverine can be rented or purchased on digital platforms like iTunes, Amazon Prime, Google Play, and Vudu.
5. X-Men: First Class (2011)
With this prequel film, the franchise underwent a soft reboot. Directed by Matthew Vaughn, X-Men: First Class went back to the 1960s to depict the beginnings of Professor X and Magneto’s friendship and the formation of their teams – the X-Men and the Brotherhood of Mutants. James McAvoy and Michael Fassbender led strong performances that established the new era. It’s considered one of the best X-films.
How to watch:
X-Men: First Class can be streamed on Disney+ or rented/purchased digitally.
6. The Wolverine (2013)
In this standalone sequel to X-Men Origins: Wolverine, Hugh Jackman returned once more in what is widely seen as the best Wolverine movie. Taking place after X-Men: The Last Stand, it saw Logan travel to Japan where he faced his ultimate nemesis, Yukio, Mariko Yashida, and Viper. The film received praise for its emotional depth, action sequences, and Japanese settings.
How to watch:
The Wolverine can be rented or purchased on digital platforms.
7. X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014)
Directed by Bryan Singer, this time-travel film wowed audiences by merging the casts of the original X-Men trilogy with X-Men: First Class. The story involved preventing a dystopian future where mutants are hunted by Sentinels through an attempt to change the past. It featured incredible action and creatively united the two timelines. Days of Future Past is celebrated as one of the greatest superhero films ever made.
How to watch:
X-Men: Days of Future Past can be streamed on Disney+ or rented/purchased digitally.
8. X-Men: Apocalypse (2016)
Set in 1983, this prequel focused on the next big villain in the franchise, En Sabah Nur/Apocalypse (played by Oscar Isaac). It dealt with numerous plot threads like the rise of the titular Apocalypse, Magneto joining his forces, and the recruitment of young newcomers like Psylocke and Jubilee into the X-Men. While entertaining, some felt it didn’t quite live up to Days of Future Past.
How to watch:
X-Men: Apocalypse can be streamed on Disney+ or rented/purchased digitally.
9. Logan (2017)
Hugh Jackman’s third and final solo Wolverine movie (and final role in the X-Men franchise) received rave reviews for breaking convention. Set in 2029, it showed a weary, aged Logan caring for Professor X while dealing with newly triggered mutant Laura/X-23. Logan brought a gritty, emotional drama with parental themes as Wolverine faced his most personal threats yet. It’s considered one of the finest superhero films ever made.
How to watch:
Logan can be rented or purchased on digital platforms.
10. Deadpool (2016)
The surprise box office smash that launched its own successful franchise was set in the X-Men movie universe. Ryan Reynolds seamlessly slipped back into his role as the Merc with a Mouth in this hard-R comedy film that parodied and celebrated superhero movies simultaneously. It ignored continuity errors to stand alone, though a post-credits scene teased future team-ups with Colossus and Negasonic Teenage Warhead.
How to watch:
Deadpool is available to stream on Disney+ or can be rented/purchased on digital platforms.
11. Deadpool 2 (2018)
The sequel was another box office hit that upped the hilarity and violence. Deadpool formed the first “X-Force” with new allies like Domino and Cable, played by Josh Brolin. He also began mentoring the troubled young mutant Russell/Firefist. Fan service came through references to past X-films and a sincere effort to develop the team dynamic. Like the first, it was a perfect R-rated complement to the main franchise.
How to watch:
Deadpool 2 can be streamed or rented/purchased digitally as well.
12. Dark Phoenix (2019)
This Simon Kinberg-directed film was intended as a proper adaptation of the iconic Dark Phoenix saga that was rushed in X-Men: The Last Stand. Unfortunately, it underperformed at the box office. Set in 1992, Jean Grey began absorbing a mysterious cosmic force that amplified her powers beyond control. It received criticism for a muddled plot despite solid performances from Sophie Turner, Jessica Chastain, and others.
How to watch:
Dark Phoenix can be rented or purchased digitally.
13. The New Mutants (2020)
Originally scheduled for an April 2018 release, this X-Men horror film from director Josh Boone was delayed multiple times before premiering in August 2020.