X-Men Movies In Chronological Order & IMDB Scores
The X-Men movie franchise has been a rollercoaster of mutant-powered action and drama since its inception in August 2000, although the comics have been around since the ‘60s. With a mix of beloved characters, intricate storylines, and dazzling special effects, these films have captured the hearts of comic book fans and moviegoers alike.
You might ask yourself: What's the best way to watch the X-Men movies? If so, should you watch them in order?
One exciting way to experience the saga is by watching the movies chronologically, which means following the timeline of events within the X-Men universe rather than the order in which the films were released. This offers a unique perspective on the evolution of characters and story arcs throughout the series.
To help out those who are interested in seeing the X-Men movies in chronological order, we’ve assembled the following list, which includes a synopsis of each film and its IMDB rating.
1. X-Men: First Class - 7.7
Starring James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, and Jennifer Lawrence, X-Men: First Class takes us back to the 1960s, exploring the origins of the X-Men and their first encounter with the powerful mutant, Sebastian Shaw.
Set against the backdrop of the Cuban Missile Crisis, this film delves deep into the complex relationship between Charles Xavier and Erik Lensherr, laying the groundwork for their eventual rivalry as Professor X and Magneto in X-Men (2000). With its stylish retro setting and dynamic performances, First Class revitalised the X-Men franchise and set the stage for many future instalments in the series.
2. X-Men: Days Of Future Past - 7.9
The X-Men face their most daunting challenge in this mind-bending adventure starring Hugh Jackman, James McAvoy, and Michael Fassbender. The mutant race is on the brink of extinction, so Wolverine is sent back in time to the '70s to prevent a catastrophic event that could doom both humans and mutants.
As past and future collide, the X-Men must unite across several generations to change the course of history and ensure the survival of the mutant race. Packed with thrilling action sequences and poignant character moments, Days Of Future Past is a standout entry in the X-Men saga and one of the most highly rated X-Men films on IMDB.
3. X-Men Origins: Wolverine - 6.5
In this action-packed prequel, Hugh Jackman returns as the iconic Wolverine, delving into the mysterious past of one of Marvel Movies most enigmatic and loved characters. Set against numerous historical events, we learn about Wolverine's childhood as James Howlett, his time with Major Stryker's Team X, and his relationship with his half-brother, Victor Creed.
Along the way, Logan encounters familiar faces and deadly adversaries, leading to a climactic showdown that shapes his destiny. Despite mixed reviews, X-Men Origins: Wolverine remains a must-watch for fans eager to uncover the secrets of Wolverine's past.
4. X-Men: Apocalypse - 6.9
In this epic instalment of the X-Men saga, the team faces its most formidable foe yet: an ancient mutant called Apocalypse, played by Oscar Isaac. Awakening after thousands of years, Apocalypse seeks to cleanse the world of weaklings and establish a new world order with himself as its ruler. As the fate of humanity hangs in the balance, Professor X and his team of young mutants band together to best Apocalypse and his Four Horsemen before it's too late.
5. X-Men: Dark Phoenix - 5.7
Sophie Turner takes centre stage as Jean Grey in this chapter of the X-Men saga. When a solar flare imbues Jean with unfathomable power, she struggles to control the destructive force within her, unleashing the dark entity known as the Phoenix. As Jean's powers spiral out of control, the X-Men must confront their most powerful adversary yet: one of their own. Thanks to its gripping storyline and emotional depth, Dark Phoenix marks a turning point in the X-Men series as the team grapples with the consequences of their actions and what it means to be a hero.
6. X-Men - 7.3
Bryan Singer's groundbreaking film introduced audiences to the world of mutants and the legendary X-Men. With an all-star cast including Hugh Jackman, Patrick Stewart, and Ian McKellen, X-Men lays the foundation for the film franchise.
When supervillain Magneto threatens to unleash a mutant genocide, Professor X assembles a team of gifted individuals to stand against him. This leads to an epic showdown that shapes the future of mutant-kind. With its thrilling action sequences and thought-provoking themes, X-Men remains a classic of the superhero genre.
7. X2: X-Men United - 7.4
In this exhilarating sequel to X-Men, the X-Men face a new threat when a mutant-hunting military scientist launches a deadly attack on Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters. With the stakes higher than ever, Wolverine, Professor X, and their allies must join forces with former enemies to stop a common threat. As secrets are revealed and alliances tested, the X-Men must confront the dark forces that seek to destroy them and forge a path toward unity and redemption. With its pulse-pounding action and complex characters, X2: X-Men United is a triumph of the superhero genre.
8. X-Men: The Last Stand - 6.6
Directed by Brett Ratner, X-Men: The Last Stand pits the X-Men against their most dangerous adversary yet when a pharmaceutical company develops a serum that can suppress mutant powers. The cure threatens to form a schism within the mutant community and leads to a devastating conflict between those who embrace their powers and those who want to get rid of them. As the fate of mutant-kind hangs in the balance, the X-Men need to confront their own demons to protect a world that fears and often hates them.
9. The Wolverine - 6.7
In this thrilling solo adventure, Hugh Jackman reprises his role as the legendary Wolverine when he journeys to Japan. Haunted by memories, Logan finds himself embroiled in a deadly conspiracy involving Yakuza gangsters, ninjas, and a mysterious figure from his past. As he battles enemies old and new, Logan confronts his own mortality and grapples with the recurring question of the superhero genre: what does it mean to be a hero? With its intense action sequences contrasted against some thoughtful moments, The Wolverine is a gripping tale of redemption and self-discovery.
10. Deadpool* - 8
In this irreverent and action-packed adventure, Ryan Reynolds brings the Merc with a Mouth to life. As former Special Forces operative Wade Wilson, Reynolds undergoes a risky experimental procedure that leaves him with a grossly disfigured appearance, accelerated healing powers, and an even more twisted sense of humour.
After adopting the alter ego Deadpool, Wilson embarks on a quest for revenge against the man who disfigured him, leaving a trail of chaos and wisecracks in his wake. With its unique blend of comedy and carnage, Deadpool defies genre conventions and establishes itself as a cult classic in the X-Men universe.
*Even though Deadpool isn’t a ‘traditional’ X-Men film, you may want to add it to your marathon if you're feeling particularly thorough, as the film does feature a few interesting X-Men.
11. The New Mutants (5.3)
In this fresh take on the X-men series, a group of young mutants discover their unique abilities while held captive in a secret facility. As they struggle to control their powers and uncover the truth behind their imprisonment, they must band together to escape before it's too late. With its atmospheric setting and psychological horror elements, The New Mutants offers a unique take on the X-Men formula, introducing audiences to a new generation of heroes and villains. With standout performances and a gripping storyline, The New Mutants is a thrilling addition to the X-Men canon.
12. Deadpool 2 (7.6)
Reynolds reprises his role as Wade Wilson, The Merc with a Mouth, in this action-packed sequel to Deadpool. In it, he teams up with a motley crew of mutants to form the highly derivative X-Force, which includes a couple of X-Men from the first Deadpool film. Together, they seek to protect a young mutant from a time-travelling cyborg assassin, played by Josh Brolin.
With the fate of the world hanging in the balance, Deadpool must confront his demons and risk everything to save the woman he loves. With hilarious one-liners, jaw-dropping action sequences, and even a few heartwarming moments, Deadpool 2 surpasses its predecessor in many ways.
13. Logan (8.1)
In this gritty and emotionally resonant swan song, Hugh Jackman delivers a tour-de-force performance as an ageing and weary Wolverine. Set in a bleak future where mutants are nearly extinct, Logan follows the titular hero as he embarks on one final mission to protect a young mutant girl from a shadowy organisation.
As old wounds are reopened and new alliances forged, Logan is forced to confront his own mortality and grapple with the legacy of violence that has come to define him. With its haunting atmosphere and several moments of conflicted morality, Logan is a fitting farewell to a cinematic icon. This film certainly earned its place as the highest-rated X-Men film on IMDB.
That’s it for our post on the X-Men films in chronological order. But just in case you want to see the X-Men Movies in order of release, here they are:
- X-Men: July 14, 2000
- X2: May 2, 2003
- X-Men: The Last Stand: May 26, 2006
- X-Men Origins: Wolverine: May 1, 2009
- X-Men: First Class: June 3, 2011
- The Wolverine: July 26, 2013
- X-Men: Days of Future Past: May 23, 2014
- Deadpool: February 12, 2016
- X-Men: Apocalypse: May 27, 2016
- Logan: March 3, 2017
- Deadpool 2: May 18, 2018
- Dark Phoenix: June 7, 2019
- The New Mutants: August 28, 2020
- Deadpool & Wolverine: (Scheduled for) July 26, 2024
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