Watching movies in chronological order is essential for fully immersing yourself in the cinematic universe of your favorite franchises. When it comes to iconic franchises like Marvel movies in order, DC movies in order, Batman movies in order or Harry Potter movies in order, following the chronological sequence ensures you witness the growth and transformation of beloved superheroes and supervillains.
With over 20 years of X-Men movies, keeping the timeline and order straight can seem more convoluted than one of Wolverine's berserker rampages. But watching these mutant adventures in chronological order creates an expansive cinematic universe that builds over decades. This guide provides the ideal viewing order to experience the X-Men sagas based on when the events occur within the convoluted timeline.
Watch the emotional highs and lows of Professor X, Magneto, Wolverine, Mystique and all your favorite heroes and villains unfold from their beginnings. Whether you're a newcomer or longtime X-Men fan, this is the definitive way to dive in and unlock the powers of this iconic superhero world.
X-Men Movies in Order
Before going into details of each movie separately, we have compiled a list of all X-Men Movies in chronological order in the following table. You can jump to any movie details by clicking its name from the following table.
| Order No. | Movie Name (Year) | IMDb Rating |
| 1 | 7.7 | |
| 2 | 7.9 | |
| 3 | 6.5 | |
| 4 | 6.9 | |
| 5 | 5.7 | |
| 6 | 7.3 | |
| 7 | 7.4 | |
| 8 | 6.6 | |
| 9 | 6.7 | |
| 10 | 8.0 | |
| 11 | 5.3 | |
| 12 | 7.6 | |
| 13 | 8.1 |
1 - X-Men: First Class (2011)
- All Cast: James McAvoy (Professor X), Michael Fassbender (Magneto), Jennifer Lawrence (Mystique), Kevin Bacon (Sebastian Shaw), Rose Byrne (Moira MacTaggert), January Jones (Emma Frost), Nicholas Hoult (Beast), Jason Flemyng (Azazel), Zoë Kravitz (Angel Salvadore), Lucas Till (Havok)
- Director: Matthew Vaughn
- Network: 20th Century Fox
- Premiere Date: June 1, 2011
- IMDb Rating: 7.7
- Country: USA, UK
- Audience: PG-13
- Budget: $160 million
- Revenue: $353.6 million
- Run Time: 132 minutes
- Languages: English, German, Russian
- Release Platform: Theatrical
- Where to Watch: Disney+
Set against the backdrop of the Cold War in 1962, X-Men: First Class chronicles the early beginnings of Xavier and Magneto's competing philosophies. Charles Xavier (James McAvoy) assembles his first team of mutant heroes, including Mystique (Jennifer Lawrence), Beast (Nicholas Hoult) and Havok (Lucas Till) to stop Sebastian Shaw (Kevin Bacon) who wants to trigger nuclear war between the US and Soviet Union.
Meanwhile, the young Erik Lehnsherr (Michael Fassbender) seeks vengeance against Shaw for murdering his mother. The two join forces but ultimately split due to clash of ideals about mutant kind's relation to humanity. Loaded with stylish period flair and stellar actors, First Class serves as the genesis for the eternal conflict between Professor X and Magneto.
2 - X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014)
- All Cast: Patrick Stewart (Professor X), Hugh Jackman (Wolverine), Ian McKellen (Magneto), James McAvoy (Young Professor X), Michael Fassbender (Young Magneto), Jennifer Lawrence (Mystique), Halle Berry (Storm), Nicholas Hoult (Beast), Anna Paquin (Rogue), Ellen Page (Kitty Pryde)
- Director: Bryan Singer
- Network: 20th Century Fox
- Premiere Date: May 10, 2014
- IMDb Rating: 7.9
- Country: USA, UK, Canada
- Audience: PG-13
- Budget: $200 million
- Revenue: $747.9 million
- Run Time: 132 minutes
- Languages: English, Vietnamese, French
- Release Platform: Theatrical
- Where to Watch: Disney+
In a dystopian 2023, mutants are nearly extinct from deadly Sentinel robots. Professor X and Magneto send Wolverine back to 1973 to change history and prevent Mystique from assassinating the Sentinels' creator Bolivar Trask. Wolverine unites the younger versions of Charles Xavier and Erik Lehnsherr to alter the fateful events.
Smartly combining the original and new X-Men casts, Days of Future Past intricately blends sci-fi and political thriller motifs. The complex plot relies heavily on time travel logic but remains an emotional high point, centered on Charles and Erik's relationship. Both a sequel and partial reboot, it rewrites the timeline in satisfying ways to reinvigorate the cinematic universe.
3 - X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009)
- All Cast: Hugh Jackman (Logan / Wolverine), Liev Schreiber (Victor Creed / Sabretooth), Danny Huston (William Stryker), will.i.am (John Wraith), Lynn Collins (Kayla Silverfox), Kevin Durand (Fred Dukes / Blob), Dominic Monaghan (Chris Bradley / Bolt), Taylor Kitsch (Gambit), Daniel Henney (David North / Agent Zero)
- Director: Gavin Hood
- Network: 20th Century Fox, Marvel Entertainment
- Premiere Date: April 28, 2009
- IMDb Rating: 6.5
- Country: USA, UK
- Audience: PG-13
- Budget: $150 million
- Revenue: $373.1 million
- Run Time: 107 minutes
- Languages: English, Spanish, French
- Release Platform: Theatrical
- Where to Watch: Disney+
Set in the late 1970s, this Wolverine prequel depicts Logan's violent past before joining the X-Men. It traces his complicated brotherly relationship with fellow mutant Victor Creed/Sabretooth through years of warfare. After a traumatic incident, Logan tries leading a quiet life until he's drawn into a sinister government program aiming to turn mutants into weapons.
Though criticized for its muddled plot, Origins still entertains with explosive action sequences as it establishes Wolverine's tragic origin story. We see the feral antihero take on fan favorite baddies like Blob, Gambit and Deadpool while showcasing his berserker rage and near-invincibility.
4 - X-Men: Apocalypse (2016)
- All Cast: James McAvoy (Professor X), Michael Fassbender (Magneto), Jennifer Lawrence (Mystique), Oscar Isaac (Apocalypse), Nicholas Hoult (Beast), Rose Byrne (Moira MacTaggert), Tye Sheridan (Cyclops), Sophie Turner (Jean Grey), Olivia Munn (Psylocke), Evan Peters (Quicksilver)
- Director: Bryan Singer
- Network: 20th Century Fox
- Premiere Date: May 9, 2016
- IMDb Rating: 6.9
- Country: USA
- Audience: PG-13
- Budget: $178 million
- Revenue: $543.9 million
- Run Time: 144 minutes
- Languages: English
- Release Platform: Theatrical
- Where to Watch: Disney+
Set in 1983, the ancient mutant Apocalypse awakens after millennia and seeks to cleanse the world of weak humans and usher in the age of mutants. Apocalypse gathers powerful mutants like Storm, Angel and Psylocke as his Four Horsemen to serve his sinister agenda. To stop him, Professor X and Mystique must train the young Cyclops, Jean Grey and Quicksilver to master their new abilities and stand united with fellow mutants.
Bombastic action sequences and stunning visual effects bolster this heavy tale focused on the legendary original X-Men lineup. Though the convoluted plot sags at times, highlights include Quicksilver's ultra-slow-motion scene and the young trio coming into their powers.
5 - X-Men: Dark Phoenix (2019)
- All Cast: James McAvoy (Professor X), Michael Fassbender (Magneto), Jennifer Lawrence (Mystique), Sophie Turner (Jean Grey), Jessica Chastain (Vuk), Tye Sheridan (Cyclops), Alexandra Shipp (Storm), Nicholas Hoult (Beast), Evan Peters (Quicksilver), Kodi Smit-McPhee (Nightcrawler)
- Director: Simon Kinberg
- Network: 20th Century Fox
- Premiere Date: June 5, 2019
- IMDb Rating: 5.7
- Country: USA
- Audience: PG-13
- Budget: $200 million
- Revenue: $252.4 million
- Run Time: 114 minutes
- Languages: English
- Release Platform: Theatrical
- Where to Watch: Disney+
In 1992, the X-Men are revered national heroes until a mission in space goes awry, leaving Jean Grey possessed by a cosmic force that enhances her powers but corrodes her inhibitions. As she loses control and chaos ensues, Professor X and Magneto clash over how to save Jean whether redemption and destruction is the answer.
Despite top-notch visual effects and actors, Dark Phoenix failed to stick the landing for this iconic X-Men storyline. Buried under CGI spectacle, the emotive character drama between Professor X, Magneto and Jean gets muddled. Yet it still captures the essence of the seminal comic book arc about corruption of power that defined the X-Men.
6 - X-Men (2000)
- All Cast: Patrick Stewart (Professor X), Hugh Jackman (Wolverine), Ian McKellen (Magneto), Famke Janssen (Jean Grey), James Marsden (Cyclops), Halle Berry (Storm), Anna Paquin (Rogue), Bruce Davison (Senator Kelly), Rebecca Romijn (Mystique), Ray Park (Toad)
- Director: Bryan Singer
- Network: 20th Century Fox
- Premiere Date: July 12, 2000
- IMDb Rating: 7.3
- Country: USA
- Audience: PG-13
- Budget: $75 million
- Revenue: $296.3 million
- Run Time: 104 minutes
- Languages: English
- Release Platform: Theatrical
- Where to Watch: Disney+
In the near future, mutants have emerged but face widespread discrimination. Magneto believes a war is brewing while Professor X seeks peaceful coexistence between mutants and humans. When Magneto develops a machine to mutate world leaders, the X-Men must work together to stop his militant faction and protect humankind.
Bringing the beloved comic characters to the big screen for the first time, X-Men kicked off the modern superhero blockbuster craze with its allegories on identity. The ensemble cast shines but Wolverine became the breakout hero. Despite some cheesy execution, it captured the comics' sci-fi essence and themes of outsiders.
7 - X2: X-Men United (2003)
- All Cast: Patrick Stewart (Professor X), Hugh Jackman (Wolverine), Ian McKellen (Magneto), Halle Berry (Storm), Famke Janssen (Jean Grey), James Marsden (Cyclops), Anna Paquin (Rogue), Rebecca Romijn (Mystique), Brian Cox (Colonel William Stryker), Alan Cumming (Nightcrawler)
- Director: Bryan Singer
- Network: 20th Century Fox
- Premiere Date: April 24, 2003
- IMDb Rating: 7.4
- Country: USA, Canada
- Audience: PG-13
- Budget: $110 million
- Revenue: $407.7 million
- Run Time: 134 minutes
- Languages: English
- Release Platform: Theatrical
- Where to Watch: Disney+
When Professor X and Cyclops are captured by Colonel Stryker, the X-Men reluctantly join forces with Magneto to mount a rescue mission. As Wolverine digs into his mysterious past at Stryker's base Alkali Lake, the human military scientist plots to eradicate all mutantkind.
Expanding the world and action, X2 polished the effects and added depth to Magneto beyond one-dimensional villainy. Leaning into broader social themes, the sequel carved an exemplary model for the comic book movie genre by balancing blockbuster bombast with emotional intimacy.
8 - X-Men: The Last Stand (2006)
- All Cast: Hugh Jackman (Logan / Wolverine), Halle Berry (Ororo Munroe / Storm), Ian McKellen (Erik Lehnsherr / Magneto), Famke Janssen (Jean Grey / Phoenix), Anna Paquin (Marie / Rogue), Kelsey Grammer (Dr. Henry "Hank" McCoy / Beast), James Marsden (Scott Summers / Cyclops), Rebecca Romijn (Raven Darkholme / Mystique), Shawn Ashmore (Bobby Drake / Iceman), Aaron Stanford (John Allerdyce / Pyro)
- Director: Brett Ratner
- Network: 20th Century Fox
- Premiere Date: May 26, 2006
- IMDb Rating: 6.6
- Country: USA, Canada, UK
- Audience: PG-13
- Budget: $210 million
- Revenue: $459.4 million
- Run Time: 104 minutes
- Languages: English
- Release Platform: Theatrical
- Where to Watch: Disney+
A pharmaceutical company develops an antidote to the mutant gene, provoking controversy about a cure as Magneto gathers an army. But the greatest threat emerges when Jean Grey returns consumed by the Phoenix force, forcing the X-Men into a showdown with her terrifying powers.
Attempting to adapt the acclaimed Dark Phoenix Saga, the film stumbled with inconsistent tone, slashed plotlines and reliance on hollow CGI spectacle. Yet it still captured visceral tragedy in Jean's story while laying the groundwork for deeper Wolverine exploration. The Last Stand concluded the original X-Men trilogy on a bittersweet note.
9 - The Wolverine (2013)
- All Cast: Hugh Jackman (Logan / Wolverine), Tao Okamoto (Mariko Yashida), Rila Fukushima (Yukio), Hiroyuki Sanada (Shingen Yashida), Svetlana Khodchenkova (Viper), Brian Tee (Noburo Mori), Hal Yamanouchi (Yashida), Will Yun Lee (Kenuichio Harada), Famke Janssen (Jean Grey)
- Director: James Mangold
- Network: 20th Century Fox
- Premiere Date: July 16, 2013
- IMDb Rating: 6.7
- Country: USA, UK, Australia, Japan
- Audience: PG-13
- Budget: $120 million
- Revenue: $414.8 million
- Run Time: 126 minutes
- Languages: English, Japanese
- Release Platform: Theatrical
- Where to Watch: Disney+
Still mourning Jean Grey, Logan travels to Japan where he encounters Yukio, Mariko Yashida and a figure from his past. As they get embroiled in family deceptions surrounding the dying Yashida, Logan must use his healing abilities to fight the villainous Viper while coming to terms with his immortality and purpose.
Trading large-scale action for smaller scale drama, The Wolverine grounds itself in Logan's inner torment over love, death and identity. Director James Mangold crafts a soul-searching character journey, perfectly capturing the ronin qualities integral to Wolverine.
10 - Deadpool (2016)
- All Cast: Ryan Reynolds (Wade Wilson / Deadpool), Morena Baccarin (Vanessa Carlysle), Ed Skrein (Francis Freeman / Ajax), T.J. Miller (Jack Hammer / Weasel), Gina Carano (Christina / Angel Dust), Brianna Hildebrand (Ellie Phimister / Negasonic Teenage Warhead), Stefan KapiÄić (Piotr Rasputin / Colossus), Leslie Uggams (Blind Al)
- Director: Tim Miller
- Network: 20th Century Fox
- Premiere Date: February 8, 2016
- IMDb Rating: 8.0
- Country: USA
- Audience: R
- Budget: $58 million
- Revenue: $783.1 million
- Run Time: 108 minutes
- Languages: English
- Release Platform: Theatrical
- Where to Watch: Disney+
After undergoing an experiment to cure his cancer that leaves him disfigured but immortal, mercenary Wade Wilson becomes Deadpool and seeks revenge against Ajax, the man responsible. Armed with accelerated healing powers and twisted humor, he violently goes after those who brutalized him.
Gleefully indulgent in R-rated raunchiness, Deadpool reinvigorated the superhero genre through irreverent self-awareness and stylized ultra-violence. Ryan Reynolds was born to play the Merc with a Mouth in this riotously entertaining and profane origin story eviscerating superhero conventions.
11 - The New Mutants (2020)
- All Cast: Maisie Williams (Rahne Sinclair / Wolfsbane), Anya Taylor-Joy (Illyana Rasputin / Magik), Charlie Heaton (Sam Guthrie / Cannonball), Henry Zaga (Roberto da Costa / Sunspot), Blu Hunt (Danielle Moonstar / Mirage), Alice Braga (Cecilia Reyes)
- Director: Josh Boone
- Network: 20th Century Studios
- Premiere Date: August 28, 2020
- IMDb Rating: 5.3
- Country: USA
- Audience: PG
- Budget: $80 million
- Revenue: $44.6 million
- Run Time: 94 minutes
- Languages: English
- Release Platform: Theatrical
- Where to Watch: HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video
Five teenage mutants - Rahne, Illyana, Sam, Roberto and Danielle - are held captive in a secret facility where Dr. Reyes claims to be researching cures. As they experience terrifying visions, the friends learn of their powers and turn on each other when they attempt escape.
Attempting a darker teen-focused reinvention, The New Mutants was mired by reshoots and delays but finally manifested more as a run-of-the-mill YA supernatural thriller. Lacking enough scares or compelling character development, its potential was squandered. Yet the young cast still shows promise, making this last Fox-era X-Men more of a footnote than finale.
12 - Deadpool 2 (2018)
- All Cast: Ryan Reynolds (Wade Wilson / Deadpool), Josh Brolin (Nathan Summers / Cable), Morena Baccarin (Vanessa Carlysle), Julian Dennison (Russell Collins / Firefist), Zazie Beetz (Neena Thurman / Domino), T.J. Miller (Jack Hammer / Weasel), Brianna Hildebrand (Ellie Phimister / Negasonic Teenage Warhead), Jack Kesy (Black Tom Cassidy), Shioli Kutsuna (Yukio), Eddie Marsan (Headmaster)
- Director: David Leitch
- Network: 20th Century Fox, Marvel Entertainment
- Premiere Date: May 10, 2018
- IMDb Rating: 7.6
- Country: USA
- Audience: R
- Budget: $110 million
- Revenue: $785.8 million
- Run Time: 119 minutes
- Languages: English
- Release Platform: Theatrical
- Where to Watch: Disney+
After losing Vanessa, a depressed Deadpool assembles a team called X-Force to protect a young, volatile mutant named Russell from time-traveling soldier Cable. But Deadpool's recklessness gets most of X-Force killed during their first mission.
More zany, graphic and spoof-tastic than the first, Deadpool 2 doubles down on the debauchery through deterioration of the fourth wall and gleeful violence. Josh Brolin makes a fantastic gritty foil to Reynolds' motormouth assassin in this rare sequel that matches the original.
13 - Logan (2017)
- All Cast: Hugh Jackman (Logan / Wolverine), Patrick Stewart (Charles Xavier / Professor X), Dafne Keen (Laura Kinney / X-23), Boyd Holbrook (Donald Pierce), Stephen Merchant (Caliban), Richard E. Grant (Dr. Zander Rice), Eriq La Salle (Will Munson), Elise Neal (Kathryn Munson), Elizabeth Rodriguez (Gabriela Lopez), Doris Morgado (Maria)
- Director: James Mangold
- Network: 20th Century Fox, Marvel Entertainment
- Premiere Date: February 17, 2017
- IMDb Rating: 8.1
- Country: USA, Australia, Canada
- Audience: R
- Budget: $97 million
- Revenue: $619 million
- Run Time: 137 minutes
- Languages: English, Spanish
- Release Platform: Theatrical
- Where to Watch: Disney+
In 2029, no mutants have been born in 25 years and Logan's healing is fading. Hiding out on the Mexican border, he cares for an aged Professor X who is losing control of his powers. When the mysterious Laura arrives seeking sanctuary, Logan reluctantly protects her from the murderous Reavers.
Embracing hard R-rated grit, Logan strips away gloss for an uncompromising, gut-wrenching swan song grounded in regret and mortality. Jackman completes Wolverine's arc with profound, nuanced emotion. Against bleak stylistic violence, glimmers of hope emerge for the next generation of mutants.
DPM Top Picks
- X2: X-Men United (2003) - Expanding the world and action, X2 polished the effects and added depth to Magneto beyond one-dimensional villainy. Leaning into broader social themes, the sequel carved an exemplary model for the comic book movie genre by balancing blockbuster bombast with emotional intimacy.
- X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014) - Smartly combining the original and new X-Men casts, Days of Future Past intricately blends sci-fi and political thriller motifs through a complex time travel plot focused on Charles and Erik's relationship.
- Logan (2017) - Embracing hard R-rated grit, Logan stripped away gloss for an uncompromising, gut-wrenching swan song grounded in regret and mortality to complete Wolverine's story.
Final Verdict
The X-Men cinematic saga has created a beloved film universe delivering mutant thrills for over 20 years. Tracking the eternal conflict between Professor X and Magneto, these interwoven stories form an expansive mythology across decades.
Watching in chronological order immerses you in the emotional journeys of Charles, Erik, Raven, Logan and all the legendary heroes and villains through each generation. The intricate timelines reward longtime fans and provide newcomers a comprehensive path into the mutant lore.
Spanning Oscar-nominated dramas, mind-bending sci-fi epics, horrifying tales and hysterical satires, the X-Men movies contain something for every viewer while reminding us that what makes us different makes us stronger.
FAQs
Q: What is the correct order of the X-Men movies?
The chronological order is: X-Men: First Class, X-Men: Days of Future Past, X-Men Origins: Wolverine, X-Men, X2, X-Men: The Last Stand, The Wolverine, X-Men: Apocalypse, X-Men: Dark Phoenix, Deadpool, Deadpool 2 and Logan.
Q: Should you watch X-Men in chronological order or release order?
Watching in chronological order based on the timeline of events provides the most cohesive and immersive way to view the X-Men cinematic universe. Release order breaks up character arcs.
Q: What are the first 3 X-Men movies?
The first 3 X-Men movies in release order are X-Men (2000), X2 (2003) and X-Men: The Last Stand (2006). They comprise the original trilogy focused on Hugh Jackman's Wolverine along with Patrick Stewart's Professor X and Ian McKellen's Magneto.
Q: What is the 3rd X-Men movie?
X-Men: The Last Stand (2006) is the 3rd movie in release order. It centers on Jean Grey's transformation into Phoenix alongside the controversial mutant cure. It concluded the original X-Men trilogy.
Q: What is the chronological order of Wolverine movies?
In chronological order, the Wolverine movies are: X-Men Origins: Wolverine, X-Men, X2, X-Men: The Last Stand, The Wolverine, X-Men: Days of Future Past, Logan.