How to Watch the X-Men Movies in Chronological Order

The X-Men, initially gracing comic book pages, have captivated audiences through their film adaptations, featuring iconic portrayals like Patrick Stewart's Professor X and Hugh Jackman's Wolverine. However, navigating the X-Men film timeline can be a challenge, thanks to its intricate blend of origin stories, retcons, and time travel. Your viewing order significantly impacts the payoff of certain reveals and character arcs.

While a simple release-date viewing is an option, we've structured the 14 films to approximate a cohesive timeline. This approach allows you to follow each character's journey from its inception, experiencing the X-Men saga chronologically.

Confused about the X-Men movie timeline's relationship to both its own universe and the MCU? Our comprehensive guide provides clarification (as much as possible!).

With mutants now part of the MCU, we believe celebrating the past is the best way to prepare for the future. For those preferring the original release order, we've included that list below.

Here's our mostly spoiler-free guide to watching the X-Men movies in chronological order:

Jump to:

How to watch in chronological orderHow to watch by release order

The X-Men Movies in (Chronological) Order

14 Images

Which X-Men Movie Should You Watch First?

New to the X-Men film universe? Begin with First Class and follow the chronological order. Alternatively, experience the films as originally released, starting with X-Men (2000).

X-Men Blu-Ray Collection

88Contains 10 movies.See it at Amazon

X-Men Movies in Chronological Order

1. X-Men: First Class (2011)

X-Men: First Class initiates a new chapter, rewinding to the franchise's earliest point. Beginning in 1944 at Auschwitz, the film progresses to 1962, detailing the origins of Charles Xavier, Erik Lehnsherr/Magneto, the X-Men, and the Brotherhood of Mutants.

Read our review of X-Men: First Class.

X-Men: First Class20th Century FoxJun 3, 2011

Where to Watch

Powered byRent/BuyRent/BuyBuyMore

This pattern continues for entries 2-14, maintaining the consistent formatting and style. The repetitive structure of each movie entry (image, title, release date, streaming options, etc.) is preserved.