Skip Dark Phoenix and Watch THESE X-Men Movies In Order

The X-Men have had a special place in the hearts of comic and superhero fans not because they are invincible, but because they are relatable. But unlike the Avengers, the X-Men movie universe is riddled with failures and complicated timelines that make no sense. So what is the best way to watch the X-Men movies in order? Read on.

Dark Phoenix Doesn’t Make the Cut

Dark Phoenix was a big disappointment for the end of the X-Men era. It didn’t offer resolution, conclusion, sentimentality, or anything that could pay tribute to the 20 years of superhero greatness.

I had high hopes for Dark Phoenix but unfortunately, it crashed and burned. I don’t even think you need to watch it when considering the body of X-Men movies. Here’s my no-spoiler, 60-second review of Dark Phoenix:

Watch These X-Men Movies In Order

So what movies should you watch in the X-Men universe? And how can you watch the X-Men movies in order? With prequels, spin-offs, and at least two different time lines, it gets messy.

I recommend beginning with the film that started it all (and by all, I mean the modern version of what we consider superhero movies!) – the original X-Men.

1. X-Men: Patrick Stewart stars as Professor X and he leads a fine cast that includes Ian McKellen (Magneto) and Hugh Jackman (Wolverine). This movie is fresh, funny, and full of characters you can empathize with.
2. X2: X-Men United: The sequel to X-Men is a solid movie with lots of action and a love triangle that adds interesting tension.
3. X-Men: The Last Stand: There’s a lot wrong with this movie (mainly that it’s missing director Bryan Singer). But I think watching all three of the original X-Men trilogy movies is important.
4. X-Men: First Class: This prequel exquisitely delves into the origins of the X-Men and offers emotion, thrills, and plenty of action. This is my favorite of all the X-Men movies.
5. X-Men: Days of Future Past: James McAvoy shines in this fantastic movie that brings together the old and new cast via time-travel. If you only watch one X-Men movie, this should be it, as it works pretty well as a stand-alone.
6. Logan: It’s gut-wrenching and brutal, yet beautiful and with a glimmer of hope at the end in Laura. This feels like the movie that should have ended the current iteration of the X-Men universe.

In my opinion, the rest of the X-Men movies are optional. Dead Pool is fun – and lots of people LOVED those two movies. But that type of humor, and the mockery of the superhero genre, isn’t really my cup of tea.

Now that Disney is in control of Marvel – including X-Men and Fantastic Four characters – I’m hoping to see some brand-new movies with fresh faces and exciting angles in the Marvel universe.