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 1. Entertainment
 2. Movies
 3. Action Movies
 4. Marvel Movies
 5. Deadpool 3


THE MARVEL MOVIES AND SHOWS TO WATCH BEFORE DEADPOOL AND WOLVERINE

Features
By Jess Bacon
published 18 July 2024

Here's what MCU movies and shows to add to your list

 * 
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 * Comments

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate
commission. Here’s how it works.


(Image credit: Marvel/20th Century Fox)


After almost two decades, Marvel has answered fans' long-running prayers as the
X-Men franchise is set to crossover into the Marvel Cinematic Universe in
Deadpool and Wolverine. 



The highly anticipated threequel to Ryan Reynolds' R-rated Deadpool brings his
real-life best friend and on-screen rival, Hugh Jackman out of retirement as
Logan aka the Wolverine. Even though Jackman famously left the three-clawed
mutant behind him in 2018’s Logan, Wolverine is back, thanks to the infinite
possibilities of time travel and Marvel’s multiverse. 



Yet, with over 45 MCU projects to date and 14 X-Men films to wade through before
this highly-anticipated frenemies bromance takes to the big screen, it can be
difficult to know where to start with this interconnected universe. Though you
might get away with skipping certain films of characters with speculated cameos,
such as Elektra, there’s some much-needed context for a lot of the events that
are anticipated to happen within this film. 




For anyone new to the Marvel timeline or the X-Men franchise, we’ve curated a
handy guide of essential viewing if you want to understand all the references,
cameos and those all-important Easter Eggs. This is completely spoiler-free for
the final movie too, so don’t worry about that!

LATEST VIDEOS FROM gamesradarTotal Film



If you’re after more MCU too, check out our guides to all of the upcoming Marvel
movies and shows and how to watch the Marvel movies in order.




X-MEN



(Image credit: 20th Century Fox)

Release date: 2000

X-Men was the film that kick-started the 14-film franchise, so it is a must
watch for an introduction to some pivotal characters. From Wolverine’s
recruitment by Charles Xavier to meeting his forbidden love, Jean Grey, and
friends and fellow mutants Storm and Cyclops, it offers a strong foundation to
this wide-ranging universe.


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Wolverine takes another stray mutant, Rogue, under his wing as the duo come face
to face with radically different mutant-led groups who want to improve the
existence of mutant kind. Xavier is leading the X-Men set on a non-violent
approach to securing mutant rights as they nurture the next generation of
mutants at his school for the gifted. 

While Magneto runs the Brotherhood of Mutants; a collective of mutants who
believe they are the next stage in human evolution and are driven to become the
superior race. This conflict and fight for mutant acceptance, rights and
understanding transcends all the X-Men films and was established within this
first film in 2000. 

It’s also worth a watch as Marvel has confirmed that Tyler Mane’s iteration of
Wolverine’s nemesis, Sabertooth and Ray Park’s Toad will return for Deadpool and
Wolverine, and this film introduces more of their background, powers and
alliances.

Read our X-Men review

X-Men
Watch at Disney+


X2 (X-MEN 2)



(Image credit: Fox)

Release date: 2003

In X2: X-Men United, Wolverine comes to the forefront of the X-Men. To an
extent, Logan is always driven by the quest for his identity and to recover his
lost memories, but this film is a pivotal moment within that journey. 

He comes face to face with his maker, Colonel William Striker, who leads a
night-time assault on Xavier’s school to steal the mutant children and build his
own version of Xavier’s high-powered telekinetic machine, Cerebro. As the war
between humans and mutants escalates, Logan evolves into a seminal figure to
lead and guide the next generation of mutants. 

The second film in the Fox trilogy also introduced two characters that will
return in Deadpool and Wolverine: Pyro and Lady Deathstrike. While the latter
only appeared in the battle sequence, there was a more in-depth dive into Pyro’s
character as he turned from a loyal school student to a violent rebel with
Magento. 

It’s often regarded as the best film within the trilogy for the exploration of
the inner conflict between mutants, who want to be accepted, not revered, as
they are shunned and even shamed by their own families. 

Read our X-Men 2 review




X-MEN: THE LAST STAND



Release date: 2006

X-Men: The Last Stand is one of the most important films in the franchise for
understanding Wolverine’s motivations and heartache. In the finale, Wolverine
faced his worst enemy, the woman he loved, Jean Grey.  

As Jean discovered the true depths of her untamed power and ascended to her
alter ego the Dark Phoenix, Logan was burdened with the responsibility of being
the only mutant strong enough to stop her. Under Magneto’s guidance, Jean is
inhibited, set on destruction and unable to control her never-ending stream of
raw power. 

Logan’s conflict between stopping Jean or letting her destroy the face of all
mutant and human kind, is a battle within his identity that he feels for years
after these events. The consequences of his decisions haunt him throughout the
subsequent movies; so this 2006 film needs to be on your watch list. 

Read our X-Men: The Last Stand review




X-MEN ORIGINS: WOLVERINE



(Image credit: 20th Century Studios)

Release date: 2009

Back in 2009, long before the R-rated Deadpool was born, Reynolds made his first
appearance as Wade in X-Men Origins: Wolverine. As Logan’s first standalone
film, this followed his early life and friendship with his half-brother Victor
Creed (Liev Schreiber). Tracked across centuries, the mutant soldiers fight in
wars until they reach the present day and Logan is tired of the endless cycle of
death, re-birth and violence. 

Enraged by Logan turning his back on his abilities and own kind, Victor evolves
into his archnemesis, Sabretooth. Known for his psychopathic tendencies,
Sabretooth is a serial killer who relishes in bloodshed and uses his ferocious
feline claws and superhuman strength for destruction. This is one of two
depictions of this character within the Marvel universe, though it has been
teased that Sabretooth in Deadpool and Wolverine will resemble the one seen in
X-Men instead. 

For an understanding of Logan’s backstory and his trajectory from bloodthirsty
soldier to reformed mutant hero, look no further than X-Men Origins: Wolverine.

Read our X-Men Origins: Wolverine review




X-MEN: FIRST CLASS



(Image credit: 20th Century Studios)

Release date: 2011

The prequel to Fox’s X-Men trilogy begins with X-Men: First Class. Though this
film doesn’t feature Wolverine, other than a very brief cameo, it explores the
early friendship of Xavier and Magneto in the ‘60s and the series of events that
evolve them into archnemesis. 

First Class offers more insight into the rivalries and prejudices that
frequently appear within this franchise, as mutants fight for their rights to
exist safely and freely in a world that wants to persecute them. Keep an eye out
for Azazel, a teleporting mutant, who has been rumored to appear in Deadpool and
Wolverine. The introduction to this character will inform the wider universe and
context for the upcoming film. 

Read our X-Men: First Class review

X-Men: First Class
7.7/10
Watch at DisneyPlus


THE AVENGERS



Release date: 2012

If you’re new to the MCU, then it would be worth revisiting 2012’s The Avengers.
The first team-up of Earth Mightiest Heroes is a touchstone within the MCU that
provides a good basis for understanding the foundational superheroes within this
universe. 

In contrast to Wade Wilson, the Avengers are hailed as heroes, especially after
they save New York from an alien invasion led by Thor’s younger, mischievous
brother, Loki. It’s one of the most referenced movies across the franchise and
it’s a good way to enter the MCU without delving into all the standalone
series. 

As seen in the trailer, Wade is offered the chance to become an Avenger and be a
"hero amongst heroes" in their timeline. So some context about this superhuman,
super skilled set of individuals is a perfect place to start. 

Read our The Avengers review

The Avengers
8/10
Watch at Amazon Instant Video


X-MEN: DAYS OF FUTURE PAST



(Image credit: 20th Century Studios)

Release date: 2014

X-Men: Days of Future Past rewrites the entire timeline of the X-Men movies. Set
across the past and present, this intricate film brings together both
generations and eras of the X-Men from the prequel films and the X-Men trilogy. 

Wolverine is at the center of this narrative, as he changes events in the past
to fix a horrific future that is unfolding. In Deadpool and Wolverine, the
trailer teases that Wolverine saved an entire universe, which seems to be a
reference to this film. Though his heroism came at a cost, as most of the X-Men
are now dead. 

After watching the X-Men trilogy and First Class, tune into Days of Future Past
to have an understanding of where the franchise left each of the mutants after
the timeline had been rewritten.  

Read our X-Men: Days of Future Past review

X-Men: Days of Future Past
7.9/10
Watch at Amazon Instant Video


DEADPOOL



(Image credit: 20th Century Studios)

Release date: 2016

In order to appreciate the third film in the series, it’s time to venture back
to the beginning with Deadpool. In 2016, Marvel re-wrote the character of Wade
Wilson to fit more in line with the comic books and introduced this
foul-mouthed, masked vigilante to the world with a tone entirely different from
any other superhero movie on their roster. 

Through Wade’s own words in a direct, fourth wall address at times, he revisits
the events that led to him becoming Deadpool, from his time as a Special Forces
operative to his cancer diagnosis and the rogue experiment that woke his mutant
genes and left him disfigured with super-healing powers. 

As well as this, the film also explores Wade’s relationship with Vanessa who he
tries to protect, even when it hurts her the most and this becomes a core
foundation of their trajectory in their sequel too. With graphic violence,
plenty of gore and a self-conscious commentary, Deadpool is an ideal
introduction to one half of this double act in Deadpool and Wolverine that
offers a glimpse of what to expect from the threequel. 

Read our Deadpool review

Deadpool
8/10
€5at Amazon


DEADPOOL 2



(Image credit: 20th Century Fox)

Release date: 2018

It seems like 2018’s Deadpool 2 will have some integral plot points that inform
the context of Deadpool and Wolverine. Following on from the events in Deadpool,
not only does Wade’s relationship with Vanessa evolve in unexpected ways, it is
also Wade’s first use of time travel. He uses the device to make one significant
change to his own timeline, by saving the life of someone he loves and
re-writing the future. 

Naturally, there are major repercussions for this action, as teased in the
Deadpool and Wolverine trailer. Wade catches the eagled-eye TVA’s attention who
are notoriously hot on catching anyone who alters a timeline, as seen in Loki.
So, this sequel is essential viewing for context or there will be some major
spoilers and surprises in the third film… 

Read our Deadpool 2 review

Deadpool 2
7.6/10
Watch at DisneyPlus


LOGAN



(Image credit: Fox/Disney)

Release date: 2018

One of the most pivotal films to watch prior to Deadpool and Wolverine is Logan.
The 2018 film marked a poignant end to Jackman’s time as the claw-cladded
mutant. The film follows Logan in his twilight years, as his superhuman healing
abilities fail him and he begins to age and deteriorate rapidly. He’s also left
to look after an elderly Xavier, whose dementia is causing havoc with his
telekinesis powers making him a more dangerous mutant as the days pass. 

Arguably, it’s one of the strongest films within this franchise that marked an
emotional end to Wolverine, which Jackman at the time thought would be his final
appearance as this character. Ahead of Deadpool and Wolverine, Jackman has
confirmed that the events of Logan and his emotional death will not be undone,
but his character will be explored in a new way. 

From the trailer it seems there are scenes at Logan’s grave too, and in order to
understand the next iteration of Wolverine, it would be worth going back to see
his former end too. 

Read our Logan review

Logan
8.1/10
€7.50at Amazon
€26.99at Zavvi DE
€33.48at Amazon


AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR



(Image credit: Disney Plus)

Release date: 2018

If you have time, Avengers: Infinity War should be added to your watch list.
This epic first-part to the two-parter finale to the Infinity Saga boasts
countless characters and integral plot points that have set up the following
phases of the MCU. 

In Infinity War, the Avengers set out to defeat Thanos, who wants to eradicate
half the universe’s population with the snap of his fingers using the elemental
power of the Infinity Stones. 

Even with the might of the Avengers, who extend across generations and realms,
it’s the most significant loss that leads half of the world to be left in dust.
For every film post Infinity War and Endgame in the MCU, these two films are
essential viewing as they determined both the end of this era and the future of
the MCU. 

Read our Avengers: Infinity War review

Avengers: Infinity War
8.4/10
Watch at Amazon Instant Video


AVENGERS: ENDGAME



(Image credit: Marvel Studios)

Release date: 2019

Within the MCU, Avengers: Endgame was one of the first big-scale uses of time
travel. Set five years after Thanos’ snap, the Avengers attempt a time heist to
travel back and stop Thanos from wiping out half of the universe. 

It offers an insight into how time travel works in the MCU with the use of
Ant-Man’s quantum realm and offers an insight into how the world stands
post-blip too. Both Endgame and Infinity War are essential viewing with any film
set beyond this phase, as it rewrote the existence of the Avengers and if Wade
is set to join this band of heroes, then potentially he’ll be joining
post-blip. 

Read our Avengers: Endgame review

Avengers: Endgame
8.4/10
Watch at Amazon Instant Video
€7.12at Amazon
€14.99at Zavvi DE


 LOKI



(Image credit: Marvel)

Season 1 release date: 2021
Season 2 release date: 2023

Die-hard fans will have noticed that the Time Variance Authority or TVA appears
in the Deadpool and Wolverine Trailer. Introduced in Season 1 of Loki, this
authority guards the sacred timeline and prunes any variants or timelines that
don’t align with this chosen one. Loki from 2012 is plucked from his timeline
and informed of the TVA’s existence and has to come to terms with the fact that
his destiny is both set in stone and has been written for him.

The horned anti-hero found it difficult to stomach, that all his destruction was
outside of his control, which led him to rebel against the sacred timeline and
venture into the multiverse. It seems possible that Wade’s reaction could be
similar, since this anti-hero has already altered time to try and control his
own future. 

Though we doubt there will be a Tom Hiddleston cameo, the best way to learn all
the timey-wimey jargon that informs the TVA’s existence is to watch both season
one and two of Loki. 

Read our Loki review and our Loki season 2 review

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

For more on Deadpool 3, check out our guides to the best Deadpool stories,
Marvel Phase 5, and the best Marvel movies.


Jess Bacon
Social Links Navigation

Jess is a freelance culture and entertainment journalist based in Cambridgeshire
who has bylines in Rolling Stone, GQ, Dazed, Cosmopolitan, Stylist, Radio Times,
The Guardian and the i. With a degree in English Literature and a Masters in
Creative Writing, Jess is passionate about story-telling in all its forms and
especially the representation of women and mental health on-screen. In between
overanalyzing her favorite TV shows, films and internet trends, she’s working on
her debut non-fiction book. 

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