X Horror Series - Watch Order: Release Order
The X series represents a modern masterclass in horror filmmaking, with Ti West crafting a trilogy that spans decades while maintaining tight narrative connections. This release order watch list preserves the filmmaker's intended experience, allowing viewers to discover Pearl's backstory after witnessing her terrifying actions in the initial film.
Starting with X establishes the core mystery and horror, while Pearl serves as a revelatory prequel that recontextualizes the events. MaXXXine then continues Maxine's story directly, completing the trilogy's exploration of ambition, trauma, and survival across different eras of American horror cinema.
X
In 1979, a group of young filmmakers set out to make an adult film in rural Texas, but when their reclusive, elderly hosts catch them in the act, the cast find themselves fighting for their lives.
Pearl
Trapped on her family’s isolated farm, Pearl must tend to her ailing father under the bitter and overbearing watch of her devout mother. Lusting for a glamorous life like she’s seen in the movies, Pearl’s ambitions, temptations, and repressions collide.
MaXXXine
In 1980s Hollywood, adult film star and aspiring actress Maxine Minx finally gets her big break. But as a mysterious killer stalks the starlets of Hollywood, a trail of blood threatens to reveal her sinister past.
Other Film Series
Candyman
A horror franchise centered on the vengeful spirit of Candyman, exploring urban legends and supernatural terror across different timelines and locations.
Grindhouse
An exploitation cinema tribute that began as a 2007 double feature and spawned multiple spin-off films from its fake trailers.
Insidious
A supernatural horror series exploring The Further, a terrifying spirit realm where malevolent entities prey on the living.
Phantasm
A surreal horror franchise following young Mike Pearson and ice cream vendor Reggie in their ongoing battle against the interdimensional Tall Man and his deadly silver spheres.
Romero's Living Dead
George A. Romero's groundbreaking zombie saga, featuring classic horror films and several reboots.
Saw
A horror franchise centered on the elaborate death traps and moral philosophy of serial killer John Kramer, known as Jigsaw.