The X-Men Film Universe in Chronological Order
The X-Men film series stands as a monumental achievement in the realm of superhero cinema, blending compelling narratives with a rich tapestry of characters that resonate deeply with audiences. This series, more than just a collection of action-packed spectacles, delves into the complexities of identity, discrimination, and the essence of humanity, setting it apart from its counterparts. Its chronological progression not only charts the evolution of its characters but also mirrors the shifting landscape of societal issues, making each film relevant in its own right.
From the groundbreaking debut in 2000 starring Halle Berry (Cloud Atlas) and Hugh Jackman (The Fountain) that heralded a new era of superhero films to the more introspective and character-driven narratives in later installments, the X-Men series has consistently pushed the boundaries of the genre.
Navigating through the X-Men movies in chronological order offers a unique lens through which to experience the growth and challenges of its characters, akin to moving through the pages of a living comic book. This approach not only enriches the viewer's understanding of the X-Men universe but also highlights the series' virtues: its ability to blend high-stakes drama with the personal journeys of its characters, and its courage to tackle complex social issues through the allegory of mutants.
The Complete X-Men Chronology
The entire live-action saga presented in its in-universe chronological order.
1. X-Men: First ClassReleased: 2011
The story begins by focusing on a young Charles Xavier and Erik Lehnsherr as they discover their powers against the backdrop of the Cuban Missile Crisis. This film lays the groundwork for the X-Men and the Brotherhood of Mutants, exploring the origins of their friendship and the ideological schism that would come to define their relationship.
2. X-Men: Days of Future PastReleased: 2014
Connecting the original trilogy's cast with their younger counterparts, this film sees Wolverine's consciousness sent back to 1973 to prevent an assassination that leads to the creation of the Sentinels, mutant-hunting robots that have created a dystopian future. The film effectively reboots the timeline, paving the way for a new series of events.
3. X-Men Origins: WolverineReleased: 2009
This film delves into Logan's extensive backstory, beginning with the discovery of his powers in 1845 and chronicling his life through various wars alongside his brother, Victor Creed. The main plot, set around 1979, details his recruitment into Team X, the brutal Weapon X program where he gets his adamantium skeleton, and the beginning of his memory loss.
4. X-Men: ApocalypseReleased: 2016
Following the timeline reset of Days of Future Past, this installment is set in 1983. It introduces En Sabah Nur, the world's first and most powerful mutant, who awakens after millennia. Disillusioned with the modern world, he recruits four powerful mutants, including a grief-stricken Magneto, to cleanse humanity and create a new world order.
5. X-Men: Dark PhoenixReleased: 2019
Set in 1992, about a decade after Apocalypse, the X-Men are national heroes. During a rescue mission in space, Jean Grey is struck by a cosmic force that dramatically amplifies her powers but also makes her dangerously unstable. The film focuses on her internal struggle and the X-Men's conflict over how to save their friend from the entity that threatens the universe.
6. X-MenReleased: 2000
The film that started it all. Set in the "near future," it introduces a world where mutants are a reality and feared by many. Logan and Rogue are drawn into the conflict between Professor Xavier's X-Men, who seek peaceful coexistence, and Magneto's Brotherhood, who believe in mutant supremacy.
7. X2: X-Men UnitedReleased: 2003
Picking up after the first film, the X-Men are forced to team up with Magneto's Brotherhood to stop Colonel William Stryker, a military scientist who leads an assault on Xavier's school and plans a global genocide of mutants using his own version of Cerebro.
8. X-Men: The Last StandReleased: 2006
A "cure" for mutation becomes available, dividing the mutant community. The conflict escalates with the resurrection of Jean Grey as the all-powerful and unstable Phoenix, leading to a final, devastating confrontation between the X-Men, the Brotherhood, and human forces.
9. The WolverineReleased: 2013
Set after the events of The Last Stand, a guilt-ridden Logan is living in self-imposed exile. He is summoned to Japan by an old acquaintance, where he is drawn into a deadly conflict involving the Yakuza and a conspiracy that forces him to confront his own mortality when his healing factor is compromised.
10. DeadpoolReleased: 2016
While its timeline is notoriously flexible due to the main character's fourth-wall-breaking nature, the film is set squarely in the modern era. It follows Wade Wilson's transformation from a wisecracking mercenary into the disfigured but indestructible anti-hero Deadpool as he hunts down the man who ruined his life.
11. Deadpool 2Released: 2018
Continuing Deadpool's chaotic adventures, this sequel introduces the time-traveling soldier Cable and the young, volatile mutant Russell Collins (Firefist). To protect the boy, Deadpool forms the X-Force, a team of mostly expendable mutants. The film further plays with the X-Men universe's timeline and conventions.
12. The New MutantsReleased: 2020
This horror-tinged installment is set in the contemporary era. It follows five young mutants who are held in a secret medical facility against their will. As they grapple with the traumatic origins of their powers, they must band together to escape their captors and the demonic entities haunting them.
13. LoganReleased: 2017
Set in a bleak 2029 where new mutants have not been born for 25 years, an aging and weary Logan cares for an ailing Professor X. Their attempts to hide from the world are upended when they encounter Laura, a young girl with powers eerily similar to Wolverine's, who is being hunted by dark forces. The film serves as a powerful and emotional conclusion to Logan's journey.
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