12 Marvel Movies To Watch Before Deadpool & Wolverine

Deadpool & Wolverine is primed to address numerous Marvel movie franchises, and therefore requires a reasonable level of familiarity with Marvel’s cinematic history. The MCU’s Deadpool & Wolverine officially concludes Fox’s X-Men movies, and transitions Ryan Reynolds’ Deadpool into the MCU timeline. Drawing on elements from both superhero franchises, Deadpool & Wolverine will be better enjoyed by those who have seen certain key movies.

The early Marvel movies were not produced by Marvel Studios, but rather a string of different distributors who owned respective characters. 20th Century Fox retained the rights to the X-Men characters, including Deadpool. However, following Disney’s acquisition of Fox, Marvel regained the X-Men character rights. This allowed for Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine and Ryan Reynolds’ Deadpool to be integrated into the MCU. In the process, Deadpool & Wolverine bids farewell to the early era of superhero cinema, with a litany of characters and references from decades of Marvel movies.

12 Deadpool (2016)

The Character’s Triumphant Revival

The first Deadpool reestablished the character of Wade Wilson with remarkable fidelity to the comic books, following Deadpool’s much-criticized portrayal in X-Men Origins: Wolverine. This film delves into Wade’s transformation into Deadpool, providing a comprehensive backstory that includes his terminal cancer diagnosis, the experimental treatment that gives him his powers, and the horrific consequences he endures.

Moreover, Deadpool introduces and develops key relationships, particularly with Vanessa, his love interest, whose connection to Wade is central to his motivations. The film’s unique blend of irreverent humor, fourth-wall-breaking antics, and brutal action sets the tone for the series, distinguishing Deadpool from other superhero movies. Understanding these foundational elements, including Wade’s origin, personality, and pivotal relationships, is crucial for fully appreciating the character’s development and story arcs anticipated in Deadpool & Wolverine.

11 Deadpool 2 (2018)

Deadpool 2 Leads Into Deadpool & Wolverine

Deadpool 2 is a crucial film to watch before Deadpool & Wolverine because it significantly evolves Deadpool’s relationships and introduces elements that directly impact the upcoming sequel. The movie expands Wade Wilson’s friendship circle. These characters are integral to Deadpool’s world, and their presence influences Wade Wilson’s motivation – as seen in the Deadpool & Wolverine trailer.

Moreover, Deadpool 2‘s use of time travel is pivotal. Cable’s time-traveling device and Deadpool’s subsequent use of it to alter events create significant consequences that Deadpool will face in the next installment. This sets the stage for the TVA’s involvement, as Deadpool is held accountable for changes in the timeline. According to the Deadpool & Wolverine trailer, the narrative will pick up precisely where Deadpool 2 left off, with Wade Wilson’s established friends and family.

10 X-Men (2000)

The First Mutant Movie

X-Men (2000) marks the beginning of Fox’s X-Men franchise, laying the foundation for the universe that Deadpool and Wolverine inhabit. This movie introduces key characters and themes that have persisted throughout the series, establishing the complex world of mutants and their struggles. Importantly, X-Men (2000) features Tyler Mane’s Sabretooth and Ray Park’s Toad, characters confirmed to reappear in Deadpool & Wolverine.

Toad and Sabretooth’s role in X-Men (2000) provides essential context for their dynamics and histories with Wolverine. Additionally, Deadpool’s frequent fourth-wall-breaking and meta-references will undoubtedly include nods to this seminal film. Understanding the origins of these characters and the universe they navigate will enhance viewers’ appreciation of the interwoven plots and character arcs that Deadpool & Wolverine will explore, making X-Men (2000) essential viewing.

9 X2: X-Men United (2003)

The Best Mutant Movie

X2: X-Men United is often hailed as the best X-Men movie, masterfully exploring themes of mutant discrimination while centering on Wolverine as a prime hero. Wolverine’s journey, including his quest for identity and his protective role within the X-Men, forms the emotional core of the movie, showcasing his evolution from a lone warrior to a team leader. This evolution will be key for Deadpool & Wolverine, as Wolverine is convinced to save the universe once more.

X2: X-Men United also marks the debut of Aaron Stanford as Pyro and Kelly Hu as Lady Deathstrike. Pyro’s decent into villainy is especially compelling, driven by his frustration with society’s treatment of mutants, and he eventually aligns with Magneto. Deathstrike, meanwhile, appeared in the movie’s most thrilling fight scene. Given that both will appear in Deadpool & Wolverine, understanding their backstories and motivations from X2 would be helpful.

8 X-Men: The Last Stand (2006)

The Divisive But Highly Consequential Mutant Movie

Though divisive, X-Men: The Last Stand proved to be one of the most consequential movies in the franchise. Depicting Jean Grey’s transformation into the malevolent Dark Phoenix, the narrative culminates in Wolverine being forced to kill Jean. This moment haunts him and often serves as his primary motivation in subsequent films.

The emotional weight of this event is central to Wolverine’s character development, influencing his actions and decisions. Understanding this context enriches the narrative of Deadpool & Wolverine, as it is likely to be referenced, especially with rumors of Famke Janssen reprising her role as Jean Grey. X-Men: The Last Stand also introduces Dania Ramirez as Callisto, who will reappear in Deadpool & Wolverine.

7 X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009)

Deadpool & Wolverine’s Previous Encounter

X-Men Origins: Wolverine featured Deadpool’s cinematic debut and is the only previous time Wolverine and Deadpool have met on screen. The film’s portrayal of Deadpool, particularly with his mouth sewn shut, was highly controversial, and has already been a frequent subject of humorous references and meta-commentary in the Deadpool films. Now that Wolverine will be joining Wade Wilson, Deadpool & Wolverine will likely continue this trend.

X-Men Origins: Wolverine serves as a nostalgic touchstone, providing context for the in-jokes and references that are likely to appear in Deadpool & Wolverine. Considering Deadpool’s trademark fourth-wall-breaking style, he will almost certainly mock the pair’s infamous first meeting. Furthermore, watching this movie helps appreciate Ryan Reynolds’ strides to revive Deadpool’s character in a more successful and faithful rendition.

6 X-Men: First Class (2011)

The Mutant Movie Reboot

X-Men: First Class rebooted the franchise and reestablished key mutant themes, setting the tone for future films. This prequel delves into the origins of the X-Men, exploring themes of acceptance, prejudice, and the struggle for mutant rights, which are central to the franchise’s narrative. First Class also features Azazel, a teleporting mutant who plays a significant role in the storyline.

Azazel will appear in Deadpool & Wolverine, making X-Menn: First Class beneficial viewing. Additionally, by revisiting the roots of the X-Men and the formation of pivotal alliances and rivalries, X-Men: First Class provides essential context for the characters and their world. The film’s exploration of the early relationships between key figures like Xavier and Magneto, makes it a foundational entrant of the X-Men saga.

5 X-Men: Days Of Future Past (2014)

Wolverine Saves The Universe

X-Men: Days of Future Past was a pivotal entrant in the X-Men franchise, with notable parallels with Deadpool & Wolverine. Firstly, the movie is instrumental in resetting the X-Men movie timeline, wherein Wolverine changes events in the past to fix the dystopian future. In many ways, Days of Future Past sought to intertwine the two eras of X-Men movies. While Deadpool & Wolverine will handle concluding the entire franchise.

In the Deadpool & Wolverine trailer, Deadpool’s mention of Wolverine saving the entire universe and the implication that the X-Men are deceased align closely with the themes explored in Days of Future Past, suggesting Deadpool was referencing this event. Additionally, Days of Future Pastshowcases the high stakes and complexities of altering timelines, making it the perfect precursor to the pair’s adventures with the TVA in Deadpool & Wolverine.

4 Logan (2017)

Wolverine’s Poignant Farewell

Logan is essential viewing before Deadpool & Wolverine as it marks the poignant conclusion of Hugh Jackman’s portrayal of Wolverine. Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman have assured fans that Wolverine’s death in Logan will not be undone or retconned, implying that Wolverine in Deadpool & Wolverine will be a variant or from earlier in the timeline. However, it’s highly likely that Deadpool himself will address this directly in the narrative.

Imagery from the Deadpool & Wolverine trailer hints at a visit to the location of Logan’s death, further connecting the two films. Logan provided a powerful and emotional end to Wolverine’s character arc, and Deadpool & Wolverine will build upon this legacy, essentially continuing Jackman’s farewell appearance into a second movie. Understanding themes and developments in Logan is vital for appreciating Jackman’s reprisal in Deadpool & Wolverine.

3 Daredevil (2003)

The Classic Daredevil And Elektra Tale

Watching Daredevil before Deadpool & Wolverine would be helpful, primarily as it introduces Jennifer Garner’s Elektra. Garner’s Elektra is one of the first confirmed characters in Deadpool & Wolverine. She established very effectively in Daredevil, producing several highly memorable scenes, particularly the training sequence.

The solo follow-up, Elektra, failed to add significant depth to the character beyond her resurrection, making Daredevil the more critical film for understanding her origin and motivations. Additionally, it is rumored that Ben Affleck could cameo as Matt Murdock, making Daredevil the best overview of both characters. As another of Fox’s Marvel movies, Daredevil is part of the Marvel movie era that Deadpool & Wolverine will conclude for good, making it a worthwhile watch to appreciate the whole Fox Marvel franchise.

2 Avengers: Infinity War (2018)

The MCU’s Greatest Offering

Watching Avengers: Infinity War before Deadpool & Wolverine is beneficial for those unfamiliar with the Marvel Cinematic Universe, as it serves as a comprehensive touchstone for understanding important characters and events. Infinity War culminates numerous storylines and character arcs established across multiple MCU films. Many of these are present on the TVA’s television monitors, which Deadpool will reference.

Indeed, Deadpool has stated in the Deadpool & Wolverine trailer that “Your little cinematic universe is about to change forever.” This directly concerns Deadpool transitioning from the X-Men timeline to the MCU, with potentially universe-altering results. Important events like the Snap and the Infinity Stones will therefore likely be recalled. While comprehending the entire MCU would be recommended, Infinity War will provide the broad strokes needed for Deadpool & Wolverine.

1 Avengers: Endgame (2019)

Essential MCU Viewing With Potentially Huge Consequences For Deadpool & Wolverine

Avengers: Endgame is essential viewing before Deadpool & Wolverine, especially due to its Time Heist storyline and its implications for the MCU. Endgame’s Time Heist, involving the retrieval of the Infinity Stones from different points in time, could play a role in Deadpool’s mission and the TVA’s agenda in Deadpool & Wolverine. While it appears Deadpool’s time travel in Deadpool 2 triggers this, the Time Heist could have caused issues that need to be addressed by Deadpool and the TVA.

Moreover, specific features from Endgame, such as Ant-Man’s helmet and Doctor Strange’s portals, appear in the Deadpool & Wolverine trailer. Understanding them and their significance in Endgame will strengthen their integration into Deadpool’s universe. Endgame‘s exploration of time travel mechanics and its impact on the MCU sets the stage for Deadpool’s potential crossover and adaptation within this complex timeline and the universe-melding nature of Deadpool & Wolverine.