The X-Men universe includes over 13 movies. Each has a gripping storyline that ties seamlessly into the original narrative. These qualities make this saga unforgettable, even after two decades. Planning a rewatch? Here's the chronological movie order for the most immersive cinematic experience.
The X-Men universe introduced audiences to mutants—humans born with extraordinary abilities. The series uses themes of power, identity, and prejudice to weave intricate storylines. Each movie features iconic characters like Professor X, Wolverine, Jean Grey, and Magneto. And the action-packed, thrilling sequences make them unforgettable.
The X-Men series has kept audiences hooked with its many films for over two decades. While some fit logically into the main timeline, determining how others connect can be challenging. That's why watching the X-Men movies in chronological order can greatly enhance your viewing experience.
X-Men Movies In Chronological Order
There are over 13 movies in the X-Men universe. Some of them explore the backstories of key characters, making them crucial for understanding the narrative. Then, other movies outside the X-Men universe link important events and characters to the main plot. So, if you want to experience the mutant phenomenon fully, the X-Men timeline below can be a perfect guide.
X-Men First Class (2011)
First Class was released 11 years after the first X-Men movie. But if you look at the storyline chronologically, this movie takes audiences back to 1962. The movie explores the X-Men team's humble beginnings. It explains how Professor X and Magneto became friends. And the circumstances that made them drift apart.
X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009)
This movie is based on one of X-Men's favorite characters, Logan, aka Wolverine. Using a series of flashbacks, the movie shows every major war Wolverine has been a part of. It also tells you how he ended up on the adamantium surgery table.
X-Men: Days Of Future Past (2014)
Placing Days of Future Past in the X-Men timeline is challenging. Although the movie is set in 1973, it is connected to the future through Wolverine's consciousness. Here, audiences meet a new enemy, called the Sentinels. These mutant-killing machines take orders from Bolivar Trask, who wants to kill all the mutants in the future.
X-Men: Apocalypse (2016)
Apocalypse opens with a sequence in 3600 BC Egypt. In case you're wondering why it is fourth in the timeline, you should know that most of the movie unfolds in 1983. X-Men: Apocalypse features the ultimate battle between the X-Men and a prehistoric, all-powerful villain.
X-Men: Dark Phoenix (2019)
This movie introduces audiences to one of the most loved characters of the series: Jean Grey. It explores Jean's immense strength. But also exposes how unstable her powers are. As Jean struggles to control her abilities, it is up to the X-Men to protect the world from her wrath.
X-Men (2000)
This is the movie that started it all. Released in 2000, the X-Men showcased mutants, humans with special powers. The story revolves around Prof X and his team of mutants. Their mission is to protect humanity from Magneto, a mutant who is tired of the prejudice against his kind.
X-Men United (2003)
The movie features an unexpected and uneasy alliance between Professor X and Magneto. The two join forces to fight off a military scientist, Colonel William Stryker. But this enemy isn't new. In fact, he is connected to Wolverine's past. A past that he has tried very hard to forget. This movie is darker, deeper, and packed with action.
X-Men: The Last Stand (2006)
The Last Stand threatens the core existence of mutants. A so-called 'cure' for mutation becomes available to everyone. While some mutants see it as a hope for an inclusive future. Others see the cure as an attempt to remove mutant existence from the world.
The Wolverine (2013)
This movie is set after the events of the X-Men trilogy. Logan is heartbroken from Jean's loss and becomes a recluse. But news of an old friend, Yashida, dying brings him to Japan. Unfortunately, before Logan gets a chance at mortality, Yashida passes away. Now it is up to him to protect Yashida's granddaughter from his enemies.
Deadpool 1 & 2 (2016 - 2018)
The movie Deadpool isn't directly linked to X-Men, but it is set in the same universe. This connection becomes apparent when a character, Colossus, appears in the movie in an X-Men uniform.
Logan (2017)
Logan is an emotional farewell to the Wolverine audiences grew to love in the series. It is set in a bleak future where mutants are nearly extinct. Logan spends his days caring for Professor X. But when a young mutant girl comes to him for help, he is forced back in action for one final mission.
The New Mutants (2020)
This is a spin-off series of the original X-Men. It features five teenage mutants who undergo treatment at a secret lab. Someone wants to 'cure' them of their dangerous powers. But as they reveal their stories to each other, they realize that someone is trying to destroy them.
Deadpool & Wolverine (2024)
Set against the backdrop of the multiverse, it's the most recent instalment in the X-Men universe. The movie brings together two of the most iconic Marvel characters: Wolverine and Deadpool. When Deadpool's madness collides with Wolverine's gruff intensity, the result is an unforgettably wide ride.
How to Make Similar Timelines With EdrawMind?
I love keeping track of my favorite movie universes using timelines. Every time a new movie is released, I simply find out the year it's set in and slide the title into its proper place in chronological order. If you're a movie buff like me, you can create your own timelines too—with EdrawMind. The software is beginner-friendly and lets you design timelines for free.
Just download and launch the EdrawMind app, select a timeline template, and start adding your movies in the right order. It's that simple! But if you prefer to create a movie timeline from scratch, follow the steps below to design a professional-looking layout.
Step 1Open A Blank Canvas
- Download and launch EdrawMind's software.
- Create a new Wondershare account or log in to EdrawMind using your social ID.
- Click Create on the left panel of your home screen to get started.
- Select Local Mindmap from the Blank Document menu.
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Step 2Change the Timeline's Layout
- I have created this timeline using a top-down layout. So, click the Main Idea to reveal the floating menu.
- Now, select Layout to see the available selection.
- Select the third option from the Timeline layout.
Step 3Insert Heading
- Let's insert an image instead of using plain text as the timeline heading.
- Click Main Idea and remove the text inside the box.
- Locate Insert on the top toolbar and click to reveal options.
- Choose Insert > Picture from the menu and upload an image inside the Main Idea text box.
Step 4Customize The Main Topic
- Click the Main Topic and edit the text inside to match your timeline.
- Change the outline of the text box by selecting Shape from the menu.
- You can also change the Fill Color of the text box and its Border Color by accessing the Style editing panel on the right.
Step 5Select Layout Structure
- Click the Main Topic and navigate to the editing panel on the right.
- Locate Structure under the Layout tab and click for more options.
- Choose the third mindmap structure for this timeline.
Step 6Add Timeline Events
- After selecting the layout structure, we can start adding Subtopics to the Main Topic.
- For that, click the Main Topic and press tab twice. Now, drag and drop one of the subtopics' text boxes on the other side of the Main Topic.
- Insert the movie's name on the left and its highlight on the right.
Step 7Add An Image
- Images can make the timeline more visually appealing. So, click on the left subtopic and follow Insert > Picture to insert the movie thumbnail.
- Change the image's position for a better viewing experience. Click the image and select Location. Set it to Right alignment.
Bonus Step: Alter The Image Shape
- If you're not happy with the default square image shape in EdrawMind, you can change it in EdrawMax.
- Upload the movie thumbnail on EdrawMax's blank canvas and click to access customization options.
- Select Crop to Shape from the floating menu and choose another outline.
- Copy the cropped picture and paste it back into EdrawMind.
Step 8: Save the Diagram
- Add more movies to the timeline following the above steps.
- Once the timeline is ready, click File in the top-left corner of the toolbar.
- If you want to save the file in EdrawMind's default format, select Save from the menu.
- But if you want the file in other formats, such as JPEG, Word, PPT, HTML, TXT, PDF, PNG, or SVG, choose Export from the list.
It's A Wrap!
The X-Men series is a complete entertainment package. It combines science fiction with drama, action, and superhero abilities. And how can we forget charming characters like Prof X and Jean, who make you want to root for the mutants? You can always count on the X-Men to save the day—just like you can rely on EdrawMind when it's time to map out timelines or ideas quickly and clearly.
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