X-Men Original Trilogy Watching Order

The original trilogy of X-Men films marks the start of the entire X-men film franchise. It introduces the world of the X-Men and explains the challenges faced by that world.

This watching order is designed to give an outline of the original trilogy of X-Men movies. It explains what order to watch the X-Men original trilogy. It also explains what movies to watch immediately afterward and looks at connections between these films.

For more information about the individual films in this watching order, make sure to check the “Continuity” link. This links to a full continuity background detailing what to watch before that movie, what to watch after it, the references within it, and any other relevant details.

 X-Men Original Trilogy Watching Order

The original trilogy of X-Men films is the start of a film franchise and does not require viewers to have seen anything beforehand. Prequels for the trilogy were released later but we suggest watching them after the original trilogy, not before it.

The entire trilogy is pretty straightforward. Viewers simply need to watch the movies in the order of their release date. This starts with X-Men (Continuity), continues with X2 (Continuity), and concludes with X-Men: The Last Stand (Continuity). Together, these three films tell a story that can be considered complete all on its own.

In addition to these three main films, X-Men Origins: Wolverine (Continuity) is included here. Though this movie is a prequel and a spin-off, it has a large number of ties to the original trilogy. Throughout the trilogy, the mystery of Wolverine’s past is continuously hinted at. Wolverine is a prequel that finally reveals these mysteries. Because of this, we’ve included it as part of this watching order.

After the Original Trilogy

After the original trilogy of X-Men films, the X-Men franchise continues in a few different ways. We suggest watching the films in order of their release date, which is how they are structured in the table below. However, we'll also explain the different watching options that are available.

X-Men: First Class was released shortly after X-Men Origins: Wolverine (Continuity). It is a prequel to the original trilogy of X-Men films that specifically focuses on Professor X and Magneto's past. This is a good next step for those watching the movies in release order.

The Wolverine was released after X-Men: First Class. However, it takes place in the aftermath of X-Men: The Last Stand (Continuity) and mostly focuses on Wolverine, not the rest of the X-Men. Because of this, it makes for a solid next step for fans who only care about Wolverine or who are watching the movies in timeline order.

X-Men: Days of Future Past was released after The Wolverine. This movie is part sequel, part prequel, and part reboot. About half of the movie features the main X-Men long after the original trilogy. The other half of the movie continues the storyline from X-Men: First Class. Technically, this is the first main X-Men film to be set after the original trilogy, so it could be a good choice for viewers who are exclusively watching the main films in timeline order. However, we highly suggest at least watching X-Men: First Class before Days of Future Past.