X-Men Watch Order Evolution

The year 2000 saw the release of the inaugural film in the “X-Men” series, which played a pivotal role in rejuvenating the superhero genre, which was experiencing a significant downturn at the time. Fast forward 23 years to 2023, and the 13th official installment in the franchise, was last released in cinemas. With a multitude of films, spin-offs, and TV series, it can be difficult to navigate the expansive world of mutants. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just starting, figuring out the best order to watch the X-Men films can be a challenge. In this article, I’ll break down the franchise history and recommended watch orders for the X-Men franchise.

The X-Men franchise

X-Men United

Over 23 years, the X-Men franchise has produced 13 films and introduced us to the iconic character of Wolverine. However, once the dust has settled after the release of “The New Mutants,” in 2020, the future of the X universe remains uncertain. Despite the exciting roster of characters introduced in the latest film, we have learned from past experiences that potential does not always translate into reality.

Despite this uncertainty, the X-Men movies have provided us with a vast and intricate universe full of compelling characters and storylines. From the tenacious pursuit of General William Stryker to the loose interpretation of the Dark Phoenix saga, and even to the “future that was,” which emphasized the profound impact of our past decisions on our present and future, the franchise has delivered a diverse range of themes and concepts.

X-Men Release order

This is the order in which the films were released and is the most straightforward way to watch them. It is also the order in which the films were intended to be viewed. The order is as follows:

X-Men (2000)
X2: X-Men United (2003)
X-Men: The Last Stand (2006)
X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009)
X-Men: First Class (2011)
The Wolverine (2013)
X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014)
Deadpool (2016)
X-Men: Apocalypse (2016)
Logan (2017)
Deadpool 2 (2018)
Dark Phoenix (2019)
The New Mutants (2020)

The new mutants

Upon reflecting on the 13 X-Men films, the first thing that becomes apparent is the sheer level of chaos that permeates throughout. This chaos is reflective of the comic book industry, which has seen changes in writers, origin stories, and constant resets of the past and present (a trend that continues today). Even for those new to the X-Men universe, it can be challenging to determine where to begin. It is nearly impossible to keep track of which characters have died, who has returned from the dead, and how. Not to mention, it can be difficult to remember how the characters met and what they have experienced over the years.

Conversely, if you look back at the classic animated X-Men series from the 90s, which has since become a cult classic, you will realize that it is possible to bring order to the chaos. By focusing on each character’s unique characteristics and presenting a cohesive origin story for each, the series was able to embark on numerous fascinating storylines that opened up the characters to new worlds and introduced us to the rich universe of the X-Men brand in a more organized manner.

Back in the X-Men days

Director Bryan Singer, who was involved in writing the X-Men stories, created a cohesive line in the first two movies, “X-Men” (2000) and “X2: X-Men United” (2003). The first movie introduced us to a small, elegant, and understated group of heroes facing off against the mutant brotherhood that threatened humanity. The story was simple and classic, presenting each hero in a way that suited them best. Jean Grey demonstrated her intelligence when she spoke in front of the US Senate, while Cyclops and Storm were sent on field missions to rescue the lost masked superhero and Rogue. Meanwhile, the brotherhood of mutants, consisting of familiar and classic villains such as Toad, Sabretooth, and Mystique, was led by Magneto in his search for revenge and justice for his people.

The conflict between the two groups in the X-Men franchise showcased the different approaches of minority groups living under the constant threat of society. One approach was to persuade society to accept them as ordinary people with normal lives, while the other was to take control of or eliminate the dominant society and create a new order in the world. These opposing views were represented by Xavier and Magneto, respectively.

Patrick Stewart and Ian McKellen did an exceptional job portraying these iconic characters in the first X-Men film. The charged past between the two was palpable from the moment they appeared on screen together. Xavier attempted to convince his friend Eric to believe in coexistence, while Eric affectionately mocked the innocence that remained in his old friend. Their mental connection was also evident, as Xavier tried to enter Magneto’s mind, only to be blocked after years of experience. This connection was further explored in the second trilogy, which depicted the young friends in their first years of acquaintance, played by James McAvoy and Michael Fassbender.

Along with the two main characters, the franchise aimed to solidify the X-men themselves as another anchor. While the first film introduced a small and tight-knit group, the second film features new additions such as Nightcrawler and Iceman (who briefly appeared in the first film), and the cohesive group is reluctantly divided when Xavier and Cyclops fall under William Stryker’s control. Meanwhile, Jean and Storm are forced to ally with Magneto and Mystique, as both sides understand the threat to all mutants. Considered one of the best films in the series, it is often ranked first due to its faithful depiction of the X-men and its distinctiveness from the comics. It’s a movie that can be enjoyed repeatedly.

Up until now, two X-men films have been released that feature a variety of captivating characters engaged in a battle for their survival against both their kind and a society that still rejects them. However, the third film, “X-Men: The Last Stand” (2006), which concludes the initial trilogy, marks the start of a cinematic universe frenzy.

Bryan Singer’s decision to direct “Superman Returns” (2006) for Warner Bros, left the franchise and its fans outraged. Interestingly, both films were released a month apart in the summer of 2006, with X-Men seemingly gaining the upper hand at the box office. The singer was replaced by Brett Ratner, who faced even greater fury. While the first film tackled Magneto’s endeavor to transform all humans into mutants as a solution to their conflict, “X-Men: The Last Stand” offered an interesting conclusion to the trilogy by introducing a drug that cures the mutant gene, rendering all mutants ordinary people. However, the concept suffered from sloppy writing, inadequate character development, and the addition of the Dark Phoenix saga, one of the most significant Axman storylines, without sufficient focus. The saga deserved a standalone film treatment.

x-men watch order

For now, let’s put aside the fact that the film altered the way Jean Gray obtains the Phoenix entity, opting for a storyline where the Phoenix represents a dark aspect of Jean’s personality. In the comics, the Phoenix is acquired during a mission in space with the Axman. It’s understandable why the filmmakers made this change, as going into space could have complicated the story and potentially alienated the general audience.

Instead, “X-Men: The Last Stand”, could have focused on the drug that divides the mutants, featuring sentries that would forcefully administer it even against their will. This would have brought a satisfying conclusion to the struggle between mutants and humans, which was the banner theme of the trilogy. The Phoenix saga could have been explored in a separate film that does justice to the character and her powers. The film’s saving grace is Kelsey Grammer’s superb portrayal of Beast, which is a bright spot in an otherwise disappointing movie.

X-Men Movies Chronological order

This order presents the films in chronological order, which can provide a different viewing experience. The order is as follows:

X-Men chronological movie order
X-Men: First Class (2011)
X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014)
X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009)
X-Men: Apocalypse (2016)
Dark Phoenix (2019)
X-Men (2000)
X2 (2003)
X-Men: The Last Stand (2006)
The Wolverine (2013)
Deadpool (2016)
Deadpool 2 (2018)
The New Mutants (2020)
Logan (2017)

X-men The present (or actually, the past)

Following the issues that arose from the original trilogy, including the deaths of Xavier (who was later revived) and major characters like Cyclops and Jean Grey, the decision was made to reboot the entire X-men cinematic universe. The new trilogy would span three decades, delving into the history of the team from the 1960s to the 1980s. Bryan Singer returned as a producer and writer, while Matthew Vaughn, known for directing “Kick-Ass”, was chosen to direct the first film in the rebooted franchise.

Released in 2011, “X-Men: First Class (2011)” quickly gained popularity among both mainstream audiences and comic book fans. The film showcased James McAvoy and Michael Fassbender as Charles Xavier and Erik Lehnsherr in their younger years, and their on-screen chemistry, established by the director, continued throughout the trilogy. The film also introduced two other pivotal characters in the series: Nicholas Hoult as the young Beast, who finally received the spotlight he deserved, and Jennifer Lawrence as a young Mystique, who struggled between Xavier’s peaceful approach and Magneto’s warlike tactics.

The film also introduced other notable X-Men characters, such as Havok (Scott Summers/Cyclops’ older brother), as well as new mutants, like the “Hellfire Club” led by Sebastian Shaw (played brilliantly by Kevin Bacon), and Emma Frost (played by January Jones), a character from the comics who received a lackluster adaptation on screen. The film also paid homage to the early comic book stories from the 60s and 70s, while expanding the cinematic universe.

The film successfully offers new perspectives on the X-Men and injects a pace that was previously lacking in the franchise. The action sequences are thrilling, and the film manages to convey interesting content related to historical events such as the missile crisis in Cuba, while also presenting fresh facets of the main characters.

“X-Men: First Class “primarily focuses on building the individual characters of Xavier, Magneto, Beast, and Mystique, with only a brief introduction to the X-Men as a team. While Havok and his team have the potential for the future, their introduction felt superficial and may not have been the best choice for the franchise reboot. If Vaughn intended to build the X-Men of the 1960s, he should have considered including the original team members such as Scott, Gene, Iceman, and Angel, or at least some of them. Despite the cool and interesting adaptation of the Hellfire Club, the group did not quite fit the definition of the “X-Men”.”

x men watch order

In ״The Wolverine” (2013), we still do not see the formation of the actual “X-Men” team, which may not have been a bad choice given the complex storyline. “X-Men: Days of Future Past” (2014) revisits a classic story arc from the X-Men comics, with Singer returning to direct the film that connects the past and future timelines, bridging the gap between the original trilogy and the new one. The iconic duo of Stewart and McKellen reprise their roles as Xavier and Magneto, while McAvoy and Fassbender continue to portray their younger counterparts. Hugh Jackman, the only actor to have appeared in all the “X-Men” films, returns as Wolverine with his signature adamantium claws, and the film boasts an impressive ensemble cast of actors who have appeared in previous films, as well as new characters like Bolivar Trask played by Peter Dinklage (known for his role as Tyrion from “Game of Thrones”) and guest appearances by X-Men characters from the wider universe, including Bishop and Blink.

It’s important to note that the group of mutants in “Days of Future Past” was not the only group of X-Men presented in the trilogy. In “X-Men: Apocalypse”, (2016) which was released a year later, we are introduced to a group of young X-Men that includes Cyclops, Jean Grey, Storm, Nightcrawler, and Quicksilver, among others. This group is trained by Xavier and Mystique and plays a central role in the fight against the villainous Apocalypse. However, indeed, the focus in the trilogy is mainly on individual characters rather than the team as a whole, and the group dynamic is not as prominent as in other superhero team films.

See also: Top 20 Best Marvel Movies Ranked

“Apocalypse” was released in 2016 and received mixed reviews from both critics and fans. While some praised the action sequences and the performances of the new cast members, others criticized the film’s convoluted plot and lack of character development.

The film focuses on the mutant Apocalypse, played by Oscar Isaac, who awakens after thousands of years and seeks to destroy the world and create a new one in his image. The X-Men, led by Professor Xavier and Magneto, must team up to stop him and his Four Horsemen, which include Psylocke, Storm, Angel, and Magneto himself.

While the film does present a cohesive X-Men group towards the end, many felt that it took too long for the team to come together and that the focus was too much on Apocalypse and his followers rather than the X-Men themselves.

Despite the mixed reception, “Apocalypse” did manage to gross over $500 million worldwide, indicating that there was still a strong interest in the franchise. However, it would be the last film in the current trilogy as the franchise shifted focus to individual character films such as “Logan” (2017) and “Deadpool” (2018).

X-Men Back To The Future

x-men watch order

Scott, Jean, Storm, Nightcrawler, and Quicksilver have the potential to bring fresh perspectives to the X-Men franchise and take it to exciting new heights. However, the direction of the franchise will be influenced by whether Singer remains at the helm or not. While acknowledging his contributions as a director who established the X-Men in cinema, it may be time for him to step aside and allow new directors to take charge.

Simon Kinberg, the screenwriter of “X-Men: The Last Stand,” as well as the writer and producer of “X-Men: Days of Future Past” and “X-Men: Apocalypse,” has revealed that the upcoming film will take place in the 90s. This decision has garnered mixed reactions from fans, with some finding it gimmicky and controversial. However, if the filmmakers can capture the essence of the stories from that decade in the comics and draw inspiration from the classic animated series, we may be in for a unique X-Men movie experience. Nonetheless, it is important not to get our hopes up too high.

The X-Men franchise has also introduced us to the character of Wolverine, who has appeared in both trilogies and has been portrayed by Hugh Jackman. Jackman made his final appearance as Wolverine in “Logan” (2017) and concluded the character’s trilogy with Patrick Stewart’s Xavier by his side. Thus far, the Wolverine spin-off movies have not been very successful, with the first being a complete failure and the second bringing a likable but not interesting enough story. With Stewart’s involvement in the final film and a deeper exploration of the relationship between Logan and Xavier, the trilogy finally received the respect it deserves!

Furthermore, Deadpool, played by Ryan Reynolds, received his film adaptation in 2018, which included a surprising portrayal of Colossus that surpassed all his previous appearances in the X-Men films. At present, the future direction of the franchise is unclear. Various options have been suggested, including the introduction of the villain Sinister and a long-awaited Gambit movie starring Channing Tatum (which is currently experiencing production setbacks).

I hope that Fox and the creative team behind the X-Men cinematic universe will take some time to reassess the situation, untangle the mess, and determine where they want – and where we want – the team and expanded universe to go. Despite bringing us diverse and intriguing perspectives, albeit with varying degrees of success, the X-Men films have provided a thrilling and enjoyable experience thus far. However, we may be willing to wait a few years for the next installment, given the recent saturation of comic book films and the genre’s precarious position.

X-men Movies Character-focused order

This order groups the films based on the main character or team featured in each film. The order is as follows:

X-Men (2000)
X2: X-Men United (2003)
X-Men: The Last Stand (2006)
X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009)
The Wolverine (2013)
Deadpool (2016)
X-Men: First Class (2011)
X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014)
X-Men: Apocalypse (2016)
Logan (2017)
Deadpool 2 (2018)
Dark Phoenix (2019)
The New Mutants (2020)


A musician and film buff. I'm a Film graduate of The Sam Spiegel Film and T.V. School program. Creative writing by nature, a very curious girl, exploring all geek fandom.