What Comes Directly After X-Men: First Class
The next major installment in the original X-Men film series after X-Men: First Class is X-Men: Days of Future Past. This 2014 film merges the casts of the earlier trilogy and the First Class era, using time travel to connect the 1970s and a dystopian future. The movie is based on the classic graphic novel storyline and expands the timeline by adding younger versions of characters like Wolverine, Storm, and Cyclops. Days of Future Past was produced by 20th Century Fox and grossed over $746 million worldwide, according to box office data from Forbes.
Following Days of Future Past, the X-Men film series continued with X-Men: Apocalypse in 2016 and then X-Men: Dark Phoenix in 2019. Apocalypse is set in 1983 and introduces the ancient mutant En Sabah Nur, played by Oscar Isaac, while Dark Phoenix adapts the iconic Dark Phoenix Saga from the comics. Both films star the same core cast from First Class, including Michael Fassbender as Magneto and Jennifer Lawrence as Mystique. Dark Phoenix marked the final theatrical chapter of the Fox X-Men saga before the franchise was restructured under the Marvel Studios umbrella.
How the X-Men Timeline Connects to the Marvel Cinematic Universe
After the Fox X-Men films ended, the X-Men characters were integrated into the Marvel Cinematic Universe through the Disney acquisition of 21st Century Fox in 2019. Marvel Studios officially announced the X-Men would join the MCU, with the first film currently in development. The exact release date has not been set, but the project is confirmed to be a reboot of the X-Men franchise within the broader MCU timeline. Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige has stated that the new X-Men films will be distinct from the previous Fox series while honoring the source material.
The integration of the X-Men into the MCU means the events of the Fox films are now separate from the official MCU continuity. Marvel Studios has not yet confirmed how the X-Men will be introduced into the current MCU timeline, but trailers and announcements are expected to reveal more details in the coming years. Fans can track official updates through Marvel's website and verified social channels. The transition positions the X-Men alongside other Marvel properties such as the Avengers, Spider-Man, and the Fantastic Four under a unified studio strategy.
Where to Watch the X-Men Movies in Release Order
To watch the films that come after X-Men: First Class in release order, start with X-Men: Days of Future Past, followed by X-Men: Apocalypse and X-Men: Dark Phoenix. These three films complete the prequel trilogy that began with X-Men: First Class and form a connected storyline spanning from the 1970s to the 1980s. The original X-Men trilogy from 2000 to 2006 is also available for viewers who want to watch the franchise from the beginning. All of these films are available on major streaming platforms and digital purchase services, with availability varying by region.
For the most current streaming and purchase options, check the official Disney+ and Amazon Prime Video pages, which list the X-Men catalog as licensing agreements evolve. Disney has not yet confirmed a dedicated X-Men streaming hub, but the films remain accessible through existing digital storefronts. The MCU phase structure, which includes phases up to Phase Six, provides a clear roadmap for upcoming Marvel releases, including the new X-Men project. Official announcements about the new X-Men film are expected through Marvel Studios' channels and major industry outlets.