The X-Men, initially gracing comic book pages, have achieved cinematic stardom with beloved portrayals like Patrick Stewart's Professor X and Hugh Jackman's Wolverine. However, navigating the X-Men film timeline can be a challenge, thanks to origin stories, retcons, and time travel. Your viewing order significantly impacts how plot reveals and character arcs resonate.

While a simple release-date viewing is tempting, we've structured the 14 films to approximate a cohesive timeline. This approach lets you follow each character's journey from its inception, experiencing the X-Men saga chronologically.

Confused about the X-Men movie universe and its MCU connections? Our detailed explanation clarifies the complexities (as much as possible)!

With mutants now part of the MCU, celebrating the past prepares us for the future. For those preferring a release-order viewing, that list is provided below.

Here's our largely spoiler-free guide to watching the X-Men movies in chronological order:

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The X-Men Movies in (Chronological) Order

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Which X-Men Movie Should You Watch First?

New to the X-Men films? Begin with First Class for a chronological journey. Prefer the original theatrical experience? Start with X-Men (2000), the series' launchpad.

X-Men Blu-Ray Collection

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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, it then jumps to 1962, detailing young Charles Xavier and Erik Lehnsherr/Magneto's origins, and the birth of the X-Men and the Brotherhood.

Read our review of X-Men: First Class.

X-Men: First Class 20th Century Fox Jun 3, 2011

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...(continues with similar formatting for the remaining films)