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The third Deadpool movie opens in cinemas in the UK on July 25, 2024 and in the US the next day, so it’s time to make sure you stay up to date with the movies based on the Marvel comic books .
If you’re not a Marvel fan but are still considering heading to the cinema for Deadpool 3, you might be worried that you’ll have trouble understanding what’s going on. At this point, the MCU is a huge franchise, and it can certainly be confusing. Fortunately, it’s never too late to get on that train.
Shawn Levy, the director of Deadpool and Wolverine, said the film is accessible to newcomers, so you can enjoy it even if you don’t know much about the MCU. However, if you know the backstories and lore of the main characters, you will definitely enjoy it even more.
This is a guide to all the important movies and TV shows you need to watch before going to the cinema. If you want to know more about the new MCU movie, check out our review of Deadpool and Wolverine.
Marvel Studios
Marvel Studios
Marvel Studios
What movies and shows should I watch to understand Deadpool and Wolverine?
Deadpool and Wolverine have so far only appeared in mutant films made by 20th Century Fox, which has the rights to the X-Men series.
For a long time, Disney, owner of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), could not introduce mutant heroes into its stories. Things changed in 2019, when 20th Century Fox and Disney Studios struck a deal that brought mutants to the MCU – they were introduced in Ms. Marvel and Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.
Deadpool and Wolverine will once again combine heroes from two cinematic universes.
Here are the movies and series from both franchises that you should watch before Deadpool and Wolverine:
X-Men Origin: Wolverine (2009)
This film covers the backstory of Wolverine, also known as Logan. It also introduces Ryan Reynolds as Wade Wilson, aka Deadpool, but in a very creepy, laughable way.
Deadpool (2016)
The film serves as a reboot of the Deadpool plot from X-Men Origins. It reintroduces the mercenary Wade Wilson and tells the story of his mutation and his path to revenge.
Deadpool 2 (2018)
This covers another of Deadpool’s adventures, involving his girlfriend Vanessa, Domino, Cable, and a few other friends and enemies.
Loki season 1 (2021)
The series introduces Time Variance Authority (TVA), the special agency that will play a major role in Deadpool and Wolverine. It also explains the concept of the multiverse, which is extremely important to the MCU. Pay special attention to the episode Journey Into Mystery, in which The Void appears.
Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021)
As a result of a spell cast by Doctor Strange, characters from alternate realities appear in Spider-Man’s world. By watching the film you will understand the concept of magical portals and any references to Spider-Man that may appear in Deadpool and Wolverine (we can only hope).
How to watch all the Wolverine movies in chronological order
If you want to know the whole story of Wolverine, here is the list of all the films he appears in, in chronological order:
X-Men: First Class (2011)
A young Magneto and Charles Xavier try to recruit Wolverine for the first time. He only appears briefly in the film, but the film is a good starting point if you want to dive into the X-Men universe.
X-Men Origin: Wolverine (2009)
This film covers Logan’s backstory. The story begins in the 19th century, but the most important part concerns Wolverine’s modern-day adventures.
X Men (2000)
Wolverine joins Professor Charles Xavier’s School for Gifted Youngsters and becomes a member of the X-Men.
X2: X-Men United (2003)
Logan must fight against a certain person from his past who wants to erase all mutants.
Marvel Studios
Marvel Studios
Marvel Studios
X-Men: The Last Stand (2006)
Jean Gray frees her dark alternate personality, Phoenix, and Wolverine is involved in curbing her destructive powers.
The Wolverine (2013)
This film covers Logan’s adventures in Japan, where he must protect his old friend’s granddaughter.
X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014)
Wolverine travels from the post-apocalyptic future to the 1970s and alters a timeline. The movie won’t be related to Deadpool and Wolverine, but watching it could be a lot of fun.
X-Men: Apocalypse (2016)
In the altered timeline, the first mutant awakens and attempts to destroy the world. Wolverine appears here as the violent Weapon X. It is highly unlikely that Deadpool and Wolverine will reference this story.
Logan: Wolverine (2017)
The standalone film is completely separate from previous Wolverine films, but is considered one of the best comic book adaptations ever made. It takes place at an unspecified time in the future, with Wolverine as an old, tired man, haunted by guilt.
20th Century Fox
20th Century Fox
20th Century Fox
How to watch the Marvel content before Deadpool and Wolverine
Britain
In the United Kingdom, all X-Men films, as well as Spider-Man: No Way Home and Loki, are available on Disney+.
This means you can easily stream all the productions featured in our guide.
The standard ad-supported Disney+ subscription costs £4.99 per month. You can also opt for an ad-free subscription for €7.99 per month.
US
In the US things are more complicated.
All MCU movies and series (including Spider-Man: No Way Home and Loki) can be viewed on Disney+.
The service also has some X-Men movies, but not all of them.
From our list, you can watch these movies on Disney+: X-Men Origins: Wolverine, X-Men, X2: X-Men United, X-Men: The Last Stand, The Wolverine, X-Men: Apocalypse, Logan, Deadpool, Deadpool 2.
You can find it on Hulu X-Men: First Class.
You can sign up for Disney+ for an ad-supported subscription for $7.99 per month. The ad-free tier costs $10.99 per month. You can also opt for an ad-supported Disney+ and Hulu bundle for $9.99 per month.
You can stream on Max X-Men: Days of Future Past. You can choose a basic plan with ads for $9.99 per month, or purchase an ad-free plan for $16.99 per month.