Every X-Men movie to watch before you see Deadpool & Wolverine

As a long-time fan of the X-Men universe and having followed the adventures of Wolverine and Deadpool for years, I can’t help but be excited about the upcoming movie, “Deadpool & Wolverine.” Having grown up watching these characters come to life on the big screen, I believe that revisiting some key movies in the franchise is essential to fully appreciate the storyline and nuances of this new film.

As a long-time fan of Marvel movies, I have to admit that I’ve been feeling a bit disappointed lately. With so many shows and films being released under the MCU banner, it’s become harder for each one to stand out and feel special. Don’t get me wrong, there have been some gems among the sea of releases, but the overall experience hasn’t been as exhilarating as it once was.

As a longtime Marvel fan and someone who has grown up watching these iconic characters come to life on the big screen, I couldn’t be more excited for the release of “Deadpool & Wolverine” in 2024. Having followed the development of this project since its announcement, I can’t help but feel that this is going to be a game-changer.

With Disney now in control of 20th Century Fox, the producer of all previous “X-Men” live-action films, there are endless possibilities for references, cameos, and humorous winks from “Deadpool” and “Wolverine.” With a total of 13 “X-Men” movies to choose from (excluding the upcoming “Logan” and “Wade Wilson’s” new adventure), it’s worth considering which ones to rewatch to get fully prepared.

As a longtime fan of the X-Men universe, I’ve seen my fair share of movies and comic books. Based on my personal experience, I’ve put together a list of must-watch X-Men films to maximize your marathon experience. Of course, everyone’s taste is different, but for those new to the franchise or looking for a refresher, this list should provide an excellent foundation.

1. X-Men (2000)

The first X-Men movie, released in 2000, marked the beginning of the superhero craze in Hollywood. Admit it, this film isn’t as fresh as it used to be. However, its timeless value can’t be ignored. It sets the stage for the encounter between Logan and key characters such as Charles Xavier (Patrick Stewart), Scott Summers (James Marsden), Rogue (Anna Paquin), Storm (Halle Berry), and Jean Grey (Famke Janssen). Additionally, it introduces villains like Magneto (Ian McKellan), Toad (Ray Park), Mystique (Rebecca Romijn-Stamos), and Sabertooth (Tyler Mane). If you’re curious about the origin of this entire franchise, X-Men is the film to watch first.

2. X2 (2003)

If X-Men has grown old, X2 represents a fresh and engaging contrast. Despite being released in the early 2000s, this film packs a surprising punch, much like Wolverine’s adamantium claws. With an impressive roster of new mutants and a complex plot that keeps viewers hooked until the very end, X2 is a must-watch. Moreover, it plays a significant role in shaping Logan’s character arc, as it marks the beginning of his backstory exploration and the introduction of his iconic adamantium skeleton. Brian Cox, who portrays Logan’s antagonist William Stryker in Succession, delivers a compelling performance that adds depth to Jackman’s powerful portrayal of Wolverine.

3. X-Men: The Last Stand (2006)

As someone who has been a devoted fan of the X-Men franchise since the early 2000s, I must admit that “X-Men: The Last Stand” left me deeply disappointed. After the brilliance of “X2: X-Men United,” which raised the bar for superhero movies, this third installment felt like a letdown.

In relation to X-Men folklore and Wolverine’s persona, that film holds a pivotal scene: the demise of Jean Grey. Although I may have given away the ending of an almost 20-year-old production, if you’ve watched any X-Men movie afterwards, you’ve likely seen Logan express deep sadness over Jean’s absence. This emotional arc significantly influences Logan’s character development. While it’s worth revisiting for a comprehensive understanding, don’t anticipate an earth-shattering experience.

4. X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009)

Moving on to the core subject, if you aim to swiftly watch the X-Men films prior to Deadpool and Wolverine, focus on the Wolverine trilogy and the initial two Deadpool movies. The Wolverine trilogy kicks off with X-Men Origins: Wolverine, which delves into Logan’s backstory and transforms him into the character we recognize by the time of X-Men.

The film received criticism when initially released, but upon re-watching, it’s not entirely disappointing. It delves into Logan’s childhood experiences, his complicated relationship with Sabertooth (portrayed by Liev Schreiber from “Ray Donovan”), and sheds light on Logan’s questionable past dealings with William Stryker. Furthermore, this movie marks the first appearance of Reynolds as Deadpool. Unfortunately, the portrayal of Deadpool in this film was mismanaged, prompting “Deadpool 2” to include a post-credits scene where Deadpool crossed over to rectify his alternate self’s mistakes. Despite its flaws, it offers valuable insights into Logan’s background that help explain many subsequent actions.

5. X-Men: First Class (2011): OPTIONAL

Among the movies on this list, only “X-Men: First Class” can be considered a non-essential watch. It has minimal connections to both “Wolverine” and “Deadpool.” Although there might be some cameos from its cast in “Deadpool & Wolverine,” the absence of Logan or Wade makes it seem less crucial. The primary reason to view “First Class” is to discover a new X-Men team with James McAvoy as Xavier, Michael Fassbender as Magneto, Jennifer Lawrence as Mystique, and Nicholas Hoult as Beast. Some actors from this film appeared in “Deadpool 2,” but its distinct cast makes it an optional choice.

As a dedicated gamer of the X-Men universe, I strongly recommend watching “First Class” during this marathon if you want to get acquainted with the younger cast members before the massive crossover event, “Days of Future Past.” If you’re new to this movie, it’s definitely worth your time. However, if you’ve already seen it at least once, you might be able to skip ahead to “The Wolverine” without missing much context.

6. The Wolverine (2016)

The second installment of Logan’s solo film series, titled “The Wolverine,” is directed by James Mangold for the first time in the X-Men franchise. This movie introduces a new, darker and grittier tone for the Wolverine storyline, making it a pivotal addition to Logan’s life journey.

As a gamer, I’d put it this way: After Jean Grey met her unfortunate end, an old friend dragged me away to Japan for a new adventure. There, I was thrust into a complex chess game among heirs vying for control of a powerful business empire. Along the way, I discovered newfound love in a woman named Mariko, reminiscent of the brave Toda Mariko from Shogun. The Wolverine might not have been as loud or flashy as other X-Men films, but it’s a crucial part of my journey that every fan should check out to understand my evolution as a hero.

7. X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014)

For numerous X-Men fans, “X-Men: Days of Future Past” stands out as Fox’s finest X-Men film achievement. A groundbreaking crossover event, it skillfully employed time travel twists to merge the original X-Men trilogy cast with the new faces from “First Class.” To this day, it continues to be among the top-tier X-Men films, pushing boundaries and delivering success.

According to Logan’s account, “Days of Future Past” represents both an ending and a fresh start. In this alternate reality, where the majority of mutants have been eliminated or imprisoned by the Sentinels, the X-Men devise a risky strategy. They send Wolverine’s consciousness back to the 1970s, enabling him to thwart an assassination attempt against Bolivar Trask (portrayed by “Game of Thrones” actor Peter Dinklage). The outcome sees the X-Men prevailing, but it remains unclear if new timelines have emerged or just the existing ones have been modified. We can anticipate possibly discovering the answer in “Deadpool & Wolverine.”

8. Deadpool (2016)

Finally, we reach number 8 on the list: the Deadpool films! You can enjoy this instalment at any point for a fun and exciting experience. Although it’s the eighth film in the X-Men series, Deadpool has a distinct storyline that sets it apart from most other X-Men movies. It does include some references to both the First Class and original trilogy eras.

Without a doubt, you’re already familiar with the storyline of “Deadpool 3,” aren’t you? This installment serves as the backstory for Wade Wilson, illustrating his transformation into Deadpool and his penchant for humorously eliminating villains. Given that “Deadpool & Wolverine” is the third film in the “Deadpool” franchise, it’s essential viewing. The upcoming movie will heavily rely on the foundation laid out here. Moreover, get ready for an unforgettable cinematic experience!

9. Logan (2017)

In the entertainingly humorous X-Men film, we transition to the most solemn one. After portraying Wolverine for an impressive 17 years, Logan was created as a farewell for Hugh Jackman’s tenure as the character. This installment depicts a world where Logan’s aging no longer functions effectively, leading him into old age. The majority of X-Men are absent, leaving Logan to wait for his own demise. Amidst this scenario comes X23, a young mutant portrayed by Dafne Keen, who compels Logan to resume his heroic role once more. Logan is a gritty, violent film deserving of its R-rating and serves as a poignant conclusion to Jackman’s tenure as an X-Man.

Ryan Reynolds has confirmed that the ending of “Logan” for Deadpool and Wolverine won’t be changed, implying that there will need to be an explanation for how these characters survive after apparently dying in this film. The possibilities are endless in the multiverse!

10. Deadpool 2 (2018)

Concluding our X-Men movie binge, we finish with Deadpool 2, the second film in the series where Ryan Reynolds portrays the wisecracking anti-hero Deadpool. Given that Deadpool 3 (or Deadpool & Wolverine) picks up directly from Deadpool 2, it’s crucial to catch this movie before going to the cinema. The film showcases a significant emotional journey for Wade Wilson, brings in Josh Brolin as the time-traveling Cable, and sets up some mischief from Deadpool that is likely to irk the Time Variance Authority – given his new affiliation with the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

The second installment of Deadpool, titled “Deadpool 2,” is similarly engaging as the original, with an added layer of emotional depth and somewhat fewer comedic moments. It serves as an excellent lead-up to the anticipated team-up of Deadpool and Wolverine, making it a fitting conclusion to a lengthy X-Men film series binge session.

What about the other X-Men films?

As a longtime fan of the X-Men franchise, I’ve watched every movie with great enthusiasm and anticipation. However, I must admit that there are a few installments that left me feeling a bit confused and disconnected from the storyline. I’m talking about “X-Men: Apocalypse” and “X-Men: Dark Phoenix.”

The most recent X-Men film I’d like to discuss is The New Mutants. This was the latest X-Men production released following Disney’s takeover of 20th Century Fox. It centers on a band of adolescent mutants attempting an escape from a research facility, with only tenuous links to Deadpool and Wolverine that aren’t essential viewing for the upcoming film unless you’re a completist determined to watch every installment in the series.

In summary, prior to watching Deadpool and Wolverine, spending some time with the X-Men movies can add to your enjoyment. With numerous X-Men films available, revisiting them all may feel overwhelming. Use this list as a flexible guide instead of a strict rule. If contemplating a particular film leaves you feeling drained, feel free to give it a miss. Ultimately, the goal is to have a good time, remind yourself of the various characters, and build excitement!

Deadpool & Wolverine hits theaters on Friday, July 26.

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2024-07-23 19:42