Are you ready to dive into the X-Men film series? With so many movies and timelines, it’s understandable if you’re a bit confused about where to start. Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! I’ll take you through the X-Men movies in chronological order and help you make sense of the two major timelines. Whether you’re a first-time viewer or just looking to refresh your memory, here’s everything you need to know.
X-Men Movie Chronology Explained
The X-Men movies are split into two main timelines, with the 2014 film X-Men: Days of Future Past acting as the pivot that reshuffles the series. Before that, the original trilogy led by Patrick Stewart as Professor X and Ian McKellen as Magneto tells one story. Then, the First Class era, featuring James McAvoy and Michael Fassbender, dives into a younger version of these characters.
If you’re wondering why certain actors play the same characters at different ages, it’s all due to the timeline shifts. So, let’s break it down:
Chronological Viewing Order (including Days of Future Past ripple effect):
- X-Men: First Class (2011)
The beginning of the story. Set in the 1960s, we get to see how Charles Xavier (Professor X) and Erik Lehnsherr (Magneto) first meet. - X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014)
This is where things get complicated. Wolverine travels back in time to 1973 to prevent the creation of the Sentinels, which devastate the future. By the end of the movie, the entire timeline has shifted. - X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009)
Set in the mid-20th century and beyond, this movie delves into Wolverine’s backstory and shows how he gets his adamantium claws. - X-Men: Apocalypse (2016)
Set in the 1980s, we meet a young Jean Grey, Cyclops, and Storm. Apocalypse, the first mutant, awakens and threatens the world. - X-Men: Dark Phoenix (2019)
Jean Grey’s powers grow uncontrollable, leading to a dramatic face-off within the X-Men. This film takes place in the 1990s. - X-Men (2000)
Here’s where it all began for moviegoers. In this film, the X-Men face Magneto’s plan to turn humans into mutants. - X2: X-Men United (2003)
Professor X and Magneto team up to stop a common enemy: Colonel William Stryker, who seeks to eradicate all mutants. - X-Men: The Last Stand (2006)
Jean Grey, now reborn as the Dark Phoenix, becomes a huge threat. It’s a movie where loyalties are tested, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. - The Wolverine (2013)
Set after The Last Stand, Wolverine goes to Japan and faces one of his most personal battles. - Logan (2017)
A stunning conclusion to Wolverine’s story. Set in the near future, Logan takes care of a frail Professor X as mutantkind faces extinction. - The New Mutants (2020)
A group of young mutants discovers their abilities while being held in a secret facility. This is set in the Deadpool and Logan timeline but introduces fresh faces. - Deadpool (2016) & Deadpool 2 (2018)
While more comedy than drama, the Deadpool movies fit into the X-Men universe. They reference characters and events from the films. - Deadpool 3 (2024)
The upcoming Deadpool & Wolverine movie, set to release in 2024, is expected to bring Wolverine back into the fold after Logan. With Deadpool’s meta humor, you can expect some wild timeline jokes!
Why the Timeline Changes?
The pivot point is X-Men: Days of Future Past. In this film, Wolverine goes back in time to stop Mystique from killing Dr. Bolivar Trask, the man responsible for developing the Sentinels—mutant-hunting robots. His success in the 1970s drastically alters the future, reviving characters like Jean Grey and Cyclops, who had previously died in The Last Stand. This reset explains why the characters are alive again in later films.
As the timeline shifts, the roles of younger characters played by James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, and Sophie Turner take over, while the original actors such as Patrick Stewart and Ian McKellen are seen less frequently.
Original Trilogy vs. New Timeline
The major differences between the original timeline (2000-2006) and the new timeline (2011 onwards) are tied to the characters’ fates. For example:
- Jean Grey, originally killed in The Last Stand, is alive again in the new timeline.
- Magneto’s views on humanity evolve differently in the new storyline.
- Wolverine remains a constant character but experiences different outcomes across the two timelines.
Where to Start?
If you’re new to the X-Men series, watching them in chronological order will provide the smoothest viewing experience. If you prefer to watch based on release order to see how the films evolved, then starting with X-Men (2000) would be your path.
References
This guide should help you understand the X-Men universe better. The complexity of time travel and character arcs make it a unique experience—enjoy your marathon!
