How to Watch the X-Men Movies in Chronological Order

Author : Natalie Mar 17,2025

The X-Men, initially gracing comic book pages, have captivated audiences through their film adaptations, featuring beloved characters 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 web of origin stories, retcons, and time travel. Your viewing order significantly impacts how certain reveals and character arcs resonate. While a simple release-date viewing is an option, we've structured these 14 films to roughly align with a cohesive timeline. This approach allows you to experience the X-Men saga from its earliest moments, following each character's journey chronologically.

Confused about the X-Men movie universe and its connection to the MCU? We've got you covered! Follow this link for a detailed explanation (as best as we can!). With mutants now part of the MCU, honoring the past is the perfect way to prepare for the future. For those preferring a release-date viewing order, we've included that option below.

Here's a mostly spoiler-free guide on how to watch the X-Men movies in chronological order!

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The X-Men Movies in (Chronological) Order

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Which X-Men Movie Should You Watch First?

For newcomers, starting with *X-Men: First Class* and following the chronological order is recommended. However, experiencing the films as originally released requires beginning with *X-Men* (2000), the series' starting point.

X-Men Blu-Ray Collection

Contains 10 movies. See it at Amazon

X-Men Movies in Chronological Order

1. X-Men: First Class (2011)

X-Men: First Class*X-Men: First Class* initiates a new chapter, rewinding the franchise to its earliest point. Beginning in 1944 at Auschwitz, the film then jumps to 1962, chronicling the young Charles Xavier and Erik Lehnsherr/Magneto, and the origins of both the X-Men and the Brotherhood.
*Read our review of X-Men: First Class.*
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2. X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014)

X-Men: Days of Future Past*X-Men: Days of Future Past* presents a timeline challenge, blending the original and newer X-Men casts. Primarily set in 1973, it also features an alternate 2023. Its placement is based on story elements we won't spoil, but appreciating the original cast enhances the viewing experience. Alternatively, it could be placed near the end of this list.
*Read our review of X-Men: Days of Future Past.*
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...[and so on, following the same formatting for the remaining films]

The remaining films will follow a similar structure, maintaining consistency in formatting and image placement. Remember to replace the "[and so on]" with the content for films 3 through 14, following the example provided for films 1 and 2.