X-Men Movies: Release Order

2000 - 202414 Films28h 3m4 Average

The X-Men franchise launched the modern superhero movie era with its exploration of mutants struggling for acceptance in a world that fears them. This expansive series spans multiple generations, timelines, and character arcs, from Professor Xavier and Magneto's origins to Wolverine's final journey.

The release order watch list presents the franchise as audiences experienced it, with prequels and spin-offs gradually expanding the mythology. This order allows viewers to experience the evolving storytelling techniques and special effects while following the reveals about character backstories and connections across the timeline.

There are 3 other watch orders available – see the links up above.

1
X-Men poster

X-Men

20001h 44m4
Director: Bryan Singer
Cast: Hugh Jackman, Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen, Famke Janssen, James Marsden

When two mutants arrive at a school for gifted youngsters, they become involved with the X-Men, a team of superhero mutants who must stop a terrorist organization led by the villainous Magneto.

AdventureActionScience Fiction
2
X2 poster

X2

20032h 13m4.1
Director: Bryan Singer
Cast: Patrick Stewart, Hugh Jackman, Brian Cox, Ian McKellen, Famke Janssen

Professor Xavier and his X-Men must join forces with their usual enemies Magneto and Mystique to stop Colonel Stryker's dangerous anti-mutant campaign. The team faces their greatest challenge yet as rising tensions between humans and mutants reach a breaking point.

AdventureActionScience Fiction
3
X-Men: The Last Stand poster

X-Men: The Last Stand

20061h 44m3.6
Director: Brett Ratner
Cast: Hugh Jackman, Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen, Famke Janssen, Halle Berry

When a cure for mutations is discovered, the X-Men and Magneto's Brotherhood find themselves on opposite sides of a conflict that will determine the future of mutant-kind.

AdventureActionScience FictionThriller
4
X-Men Origins: Wolverine poster

X-Men Origins: Wolverine

20091h 47m3.4
Director: Gavin Hood
Cast: Hugh Jackman, Liev Schreiber, Danny Huston, Lynn Collins, Kevin Durand

Logan undergoes the experimental Weapon X program to become the indestructible Wolverine while seeking revenge for his girlfriend's death.

AdventureActionScience Fiction
5
X-Men: First Class poster

X-Men: First Class

20112h 12m4.3
Director: Matthew Vaughn
Cast: James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Jennifer Lawrence, Rose Byrne, Kevin Bacon

A prequel exploring the origins of Charles Xavier and Erik Lensherr, two young mutants who start as close friends before becoming the iconic adversaries Professor X and Magneto. Together with other mutants, they must unite to face a global threat that will ultimately drive them apart.

ActionScience FictionAdventure
6
The Wolverine poster

The Wolverine

20132h 6m3.5
Director: James Mangold
Cast: Hugh Jackman, Hiroyuki Sanada, Tao Okamoto, Rila Fukushima, Famke Janssen

Wolverine travels to modern-day Japan where he faces his ultimate nemesis and confronts tests that challenge his physical, emotional, and mortal limits.

ActionScience FictionAdventure
7
X-Men: Days of Future Past poster

X-Men: Days of Future Past

20142h 12m4.5
Director: Bryan Singer
Cast: Hugh Jackman, James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen

The X-Men must send one of their own back in time to change a pivotal moment in history in order to prevent a catastrophic future where mutants face extinction.

ActionAdventureScience Fiction
8
Deadpool poster

Deadpool

20161h 48m4.5
Director: Tim Miller
Cast: Ryan Reynolds, Morena Baccarin, Ed Skrein, T.J. Miller, Gina Carano

Former Special Forces operative Wade Wilson becomes the wisecracking, fourth-wall-breaking antihero Deadpool after a rogue experiment gives him accelerated healing powers. Armed with his newfound abilities and twisted sense of humor, he seeks revenge against those who nearly destroyed his life.

ActionAdventureComedy
9
X-Men: Apocalypse poster

X-Men: Apocalypse

20162h 24m3.6
Director: Bryan Singer
Cast: James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Jennifer Lawrence, Nicholas Hoult, Oscar Isaac

When the ancient and powerful mutant Apocalypse awakens after thousands of years, the X-Men must band together to stop his plan to destroy and remake the world.

ActionAdventureScience FictionFantasy
10
Logan poster

Logan

20172h 17m4.7
Director: James Mangold
Cast: Hugh Jackman, Dafne Keen, Patrick Stewart, Elizabeth Rodriguez, Boyd Holbrook

In the near future, an aging Logan cares for Professor X while trying to stay hidden, but their quiet existence is disrupted when a young mutant seeks their help while being hunted by dangerous forces.

ActionDramaScience Fiction
11
Deadpool 2 poster

Deadpool 2

20182h4.4
Director: David Leitch
Cast: Ryan Reynolds, Josh Brolin, Morena Baccarin, Julian Dennison, Zazie Beetz

Wisecracking mercenary Deadpool must protect a young mutant from the time-traveling soldier Cable while assembling his own team of unlikely heroes.

ActionComedyAdventure
12
Dark Phoenix poster

Dark Phoenix

20191h 54m3.2
Director: Simon Kinberg
Cast: Sophie Turner, James McAvoy, Nicholas Hoult, Tye Sheridan, Michael Fassbender

When Jean Grey is exposed to a mysterious cosmic force during a space rescue mission, she becomes incredibly powerful but dangerously unstable. The X-Men must unite to save their teammate while facing an alien threat that seeks to exploit Jean's newfound abilities.

Science FictionActionAdventure
13
The New Mutants poster

The New Mutants

20201h 34m3.3
Director: Josh Boone
Cast: Blu Hunt, Maisie Williams, Anya Taylor-Joy, Charlie Heaton, Henry Zaga

Five young mutants discover their supernatural abilities while being held captive in a mysterious facility, and must work together to escape their dark past and fight for their freedom.

Science FictionHorrorAction
14
Deadpool & Wolverine poster

Deadpool & Wolverine

20242h 8m4.5
Director: Shawn Levy
Cast: Ryan Reynolds, Hugh Jackman, Emma Corrin, Matthew Macfadyen, Dafne Keen

A retired Wade Wilson must reluctantly return as Deadpool and team up with an unwilling Wolverine to save his homeworld from an existential threat.

ActionComedyScience Fiction