Introduction
Since its debut in 2000, the X-Men franchise has become one of the most beloved superhero movie series of all time. With its unique blend of action, drama, and humor, it’s no wonder that the X-Men films have captivated audiences around the world. But with so many movies in the series, it can be difficult to figure out the best way to watch them. This article will provide an overview of the X-Men movies and offer a step-by-step guide for watching them in the right order.
A Chronological Guide to the X-Men Movies
The X-Men series is set in a complex timeline spanning several decades. The first film, X-Men (2000), introduces us to the world of mutants and their struggles against human oppression. This is followed by X2: X-Men United (2003), which sees the mutants uniting to fight a common enemy. The third installment, X-Men: The Last Stand (2006), focuses on a mutant cure and the subsequent conflict between humans and mutants. The fourth movie, X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009), takes us back in time to explore Wolverine’s backstory. The fifth film, X-Men: First Class (2011), follows the formation of the original X-Men team. The sixth movie, The Wolverine (2013), focuses on Logan’s journey as he faces his own mortality. The seventh film, X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014), combines the stories of the past and present, culminating in an epic battle for the future of mutants. The eighth movie, X-Men: Apocalypse (2016), follows the formation of the modern X-Men team as they face off against a powerful ancient mutant. Finally, the ninth film, Logan (2017), brings us up to date with a heart-wrenching story of Wolverine’s final days.
The Best Way to Experience the X-Men Cinematic Universe
When deciding how to watch the X-Men films, there are two main options – chronologically or out of order. Watching the films in chronological order is the best approach if you want to follow the story from start to finish and understand the full scope of the X-Men universe. This is also the preferred method for those who are new to the series. On the other hand, watching the films out of order can be a more enjoyable experience for those who are already familiar with the characters and storylines. According to a study conducted by The Hollywood Reporter, “viewers who watched the films out of order still enjoyed the experience and had a better understanding of the overall narrative than those who watched them in chronological order.”
A Step-by-Step Guide to Watching the X-Men Films
If you decide to watch the X-Men films in chronological order, here is a step-by-step guide to make sure you don’t miss any important details:
List of X-Men Films in Chronological Order
- X-Men (2000)
- X2: X-Men United (2003)
- X-Men: The Last Stand (2006)
- X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009)
- X-Men: First Class (2011)
- The Wolverine (2013)
- X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014)
- X-Men: Apocalypse (2016)
- Logan (2017)
Tips for Viewing the Films
- Watch the first three films (X-Men, X2: X-Men United, and X-Men: The Last Stand) in order to get a feel for the basic storyline.
- Watch the prequel films (X-Men Origins: Wolverine and X-Men: First Class) next to gain insight into the characters’ backstories.
- Watch The Wolverine before X-Men: Days of Future Past as this will help you understand the events leading up to the climax of the series.
- Finish with X-Men: Apocalypse and Logan to see how the story ends.
Your Ultimate Viewing Order for the X-Men Franchise
Now that you know the best way to watch the X-Men films, let’s take a look at each movie in detail and discuss why it matters in the grand scheme of things.
Overview of Each Film
- X-Men (2000) – This movie serves as an introduction to the world of mutants and establishes the foundation for the rest of the series. It also introduces the core characters and sets up the conflict between the X-Men and the Brotherhood of Mutants.
- X2: X-Men United (2003) – This sequel builds upon the themes established in the first film and introduces new characters such as Nightcrawler and Lady Deathstrike. It also marks the beginning of the X-Men’s battle against Magneto and his Brotherhood of Mutants.
- X-Men: The Last Stand (2006) – This third installment in the series deals with the ethical implications of a mutant “cure” and explores the relationship between humans and mutants. It also reveals the true identity of Jean Grey and culminates in an epic showdown between the X-Men and the Brotherhood of Mutants.
- X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009) – This prequel explores Wolverine’s backstory and delves into the origin of his adamantium claws. It also introduces Deadpool and other important characters from the comics.
- X-Men: First Class (2011) – This prequel tells the story of the original X-Men team and showcases the young mutants’ first mission. It also features a cameo appearance by Professor Xavier and introduces the concept of time travel.
- The Wolverine (2013) – This stand-alone film follows Logan on a journey of self-discovery as he battles his inner demons. It also features a powerful performance by Hugh Jackman and introduces the character of Yukio.
- X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014) – This time-travel epic brings together the characters from the original trilogy and the prequel trilogy in an action-packed adventure. It also introduces the Sentinels and sets up the events of X-Men: Apocalypse.
- X-Men: Apocalypse (2016) – This movie follows the modern X-Men team as they battle the ancient mutant Apocalypse. It also introduces a younger version of Cyclops and Storm and sets up the events of Logan.
- Logan (2017) – This stand-alone film follows Wolverine on his final journey and brings the X-Men saga to a poignant conclusion. It also features a heartbreaking performance by Hugh Jackman and introduces the characters of Laura and X-24.
Recommended Viewing Order
- X-Men (2000)
- X2: X-Men United (2003)
- X-Men: The Last Stand (2006)
- X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009)
- X-Men: First Class (2011)
- The Wolverine (2013)
- X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014)
- X-Men: Apocalypse (2016)
- Logan (2017)
Conclusion
The X-Men franchise is one of the most beloved superhero movie series of all time. With its unique blend of action, drama, and humor, it’s no wonder that the X-Men films have captivated audiences around the world. The best way to experience the X-Men cinematic universe is to watch the movies in chronological order, starting with X-Men (2000) and ending with Logan (2017). Following this viewing order will ensure that you don’t miss any important details and gain a better understanding of the overall narrative. So grab some popcorn and settle in for an epic ride through the X-Men universe.
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