Home > News > X-Men Movies: Chronological Viewing Guide

X-Men Movies: Chronological Viewing Guide

Author：Kristen Update：Mar 28,2025

The X-Men franchise, renowned for its iconic characters like Patrick Stewart's Charles Xavier and Hugh Jackman's Wolverine, has captivated audiences through its complex and thrilling movie adaptations. These films, celebrated for their intricate timelines involving origin stories, retcons, and time travel, offer a unique viewing experience. Whether you choose to watch them in chronological order or as they were released, each approach shapes how pivotal moments and reveals unfold.

To fully immerse yourself in the X-Men saga from its inception, we've crafted a rough timeline that aligns the 14 films in chronological order. This sequence allows you to trace each character's journey from the beginning, enhancing your understanding and appreciation of the narrative arcs.

Curious about how the X-Men movie timeline integrates with the broader universe, including the MCU? Dive deeper by following the link where we break it down as comprehensively as possible.

With mutants now part of the MCU, revisiting the original films is a fitting tribute to the franchise's legacy. For those who prefer the release order, we've included that sequence as well.

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

Jump to:

How to watch in chronological order
How to watch by release order

The X-Men Movies in (Chronological) Order

14 Images

Which X-Men Movie Should You Watch First?

If you're new to the franchise, starting with "X-Men: First Class" offers a chronological introduction to the saga. However, if you wish to experience the films as they were released, begin with "X-Men" (2000), the series' initial entry.

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" marks the beginning of a new chapter, setting the earliest point in the franchise's timeline. The story starts in 1944 at the Auschwitz concentration camp and jumps to 1962, detailing the origins of Charles Xavier and Erik Lehnsherr/Magneto, and the formation of both the X-Men and the Brotherhood of Mutants.

Read our review of X-Men: First Class.

X-Men: First Class
20th Century Fox
Jun 3, 2011

Where to Watch

2. X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014)

"X-Men: Days of Future Past" is challenging to pinpoint on the timeline, as it involves both the original and newer X-Men casts. The bulk of the story unfolds in 1973, with significant scenes in an alternate 2023. Despite its complexity, its placement here is justified by key plot points. Fans of the original crew will find it a rewarding watch, though it can also fit at the end of the list.

Read our review of X-Men: Days of Future Past.

X-Men: Days of Future Past
Marvel Studios
May 23, 2014

Where to Watch

Related Guides
Overview
Plot
Cast and Characters
Bryan Singer on Twitter

3. X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009)

X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009)

This first X-Men spinoff begins in 1845 but primarily takes place in 1979, exploring the origins of Hugh Jackman's Wolverine, including the iconic adamantium claws, and introduces Ryan Reynolds as Wade Wilson/Deadpool, an essential part of Wolverine's story.

Read our review of X-Men Origins: Wolverine.