Home News > How to Watch the X-Men Movies in Chronological Order

How to Watch the X-Men Movies in Chronological Order

by Lillian Mar 17,2025

The X-Men, initially gracing comic book pages, have captivated audiences through their film adaptations, featuring iconic performances 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 how plot reveals and character arcs resonate.

While a straightforward release-order viewing is tempting, we've structured these 14 films to approximate a cohesive timeline. This approach lets you experience the X-Men saga chronologically, following each character's journey from its inception.

Confused about the X-Men movie timeline's relationship to both its own universe and the MCU? Our comprehensive guide clarifies the complexities (as best as possible)!

With mutants now part of the MCU, we believe honoring the past is the best preparation for the future. For those preferring a release-date viewing order, we've included that option below.

Here's our largely 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?

New to the X-Men universe? Start with First Class and follow the chronological order. However, if you prefer the original release experience, begin with X-Men (2000), the series' starting point.

X-Men Blu-Ray Collection

88 Contains 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, chronicling young Charles Xavier and Erik Lehnsherr/Magneto, and the genesis of the X-Men and the Brotherhood of Mutants.