Your ultimate chronological guide to 14 films in 'X-Men' universe
With the recent release of Deadpool & Wolverine, which is proving to be a blockbuster hit, fans are excited to revisit the X-Men universe that introduced us to Hugh Jackman's iconic Wolverine. The X-Men franchise consists of 14 films, including the original trilogy, the Wolverine trilogy, four prequel films, the Deadpool trilogy, and a spin-off. For those who want to experience this superhero saga in chronological order, here's a comprehensive guide.
'X-Men: First Class' kicks off the saga
The first film to watch is X-Men: First Class (2011), which sets the stage for the X-Men universe. Set in the 1960s, it tells the origin story of Charles Xavier/Professor X (James McAvoy) and Erik Lensherr/Magneto (Michael Fassbender). The film explores the formation of the Brotherhood of Mutants and their struggle against Sebastian Shaw (Kevin Bacon), setting up the ideological conflict that drives much of the franchise.
'Days of Future Past' and 'Origins: Wolverine' follow
Next up is X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014), which bridges the gap between the First Class prequel and the original X-Men. The plot revolves around Wolverine traveling back to the 1970s to alter the fate of mutant-kind. Following this is X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009), primarily set in the 1970s. It chronicles Logan's transformation into Wolverine and his quest for revenge against Sabretooth and William Stryker.
'Apocalypse' and 'Dark Phoenix' continue the timeline
The fourth film in this universe is X-Men: Apocalypse (2016), set in the 1980s. The film follows Xavier's new X-Men team as they attempt to stop Apocalypse from causing worldwide destruction. Following this is Dark Phoenix (2019), set a decade after Apocalypse. The film retells Jean Grey's Phoenix tale as her powers spiral out of control, leading Xavier and Magneto to stop her.
Original trilogy: 'X-Men,' 'X2,' and 'The Last Stand'
Next in line is the original trilogy, starting with X-Men (2000), where Rogue discovers she's a mutant and meets Wolverine. They find themselves caught between Magneto's Brotherhood of Mutants and Charles Xavier's X-Men. This is followed by X2: X-Men United (2003), where the X-Men must save Xavier from William Stryker's plans to eradicate all mutants. The trilogy concludes with X-Men: The Last Stand (2006), which reveals Jean Grey's rebirth as the all-powerful Phoenix.
Next in line: 'The Wolverine,' 'Deadpool,' and 'The New Mutants'
Following the original trilogy is The Wolverine (2013), where Logan returns to Canada and is invited to Tokyo by Ichiro Yashida—leading him into a dangerous plot involving the Yakuza and mutant Viper. Next is Deadpool (2016), which tells the origin story of Wade Wilson's transformation from an ailing mercenary to an immortal mutant. This is followed by The New Mutants (2020), a self-contained mutant spinoff that follows five mutant patients who must face their personal demons to escape a hospital.
'Deadpool 2,' 'Logan,' and 'Deadpool & Wolverine' conclude the saga
The 12th film is Deadpool 2 (2018), where Deadpool forms a team of mutant heroes to protect a fire-bending mutant named Russell from a time-traveling cyborg named Cable. Next is Logan (2017), set in 2029. An aging Wolverine and Charles Xavier must protect Laura—a rage-filled mutant from being hunted. The final film is the latest, Deadpool & Wolverine. Wade enters a mid-life crisis and, along with Wolverine, must find a way back to his timeline to save his world.
