7 Marvel movies you must watch before Deadpool and Wolverine

It's almost time for what is sure to be this year's biggest movie! Deadpool and Wolverine is the long-awaited big-screen return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe after 2023's The Marvels and it's shaping up to be one of the franchise's biggest installments ever. Yes, ever!

Ryan Reynolds brings his irreverent Merc With A Mouth into the MCU for his third Deadpool movie, and he will be joined by Hugh Jackman, who brings back his legendary X-Men character Wolverine for his 10th movie appearance. It's also set to be a major part of the franchise's game-changing Multiverse Saga, and could well feature a multitude of cameos and returns from other Marvel movies.

It's a lot to take in for even the most tenured of Marvel fans, but if this film is your entry point into the story, then there are a few movies that you should probably watch (or rewatch) to prepare for it.

Deadpool and Deadpool 2

No surprise here; Deadpool and Wolverine is the third movie to star Ryan Reynolds' Merc With A Mouth, so there is no better way to prepare for the film than to watch the first two Deadpool movies as they will show you exactly what to expect from the all-talk, all-fight, all-around good time that is Wade Wilson.

The first film was released in 2016 and it was shot on a relatively low budget given that it was such a risk to take, but Reynolds was committed to making it work, promoting the movie himself via unique and innovative ways that worked like a charm. It was a resounding success, as Deadpool received critical acclaim, constantly being cited as one of the great superhero origin stories in the years since. It was also a monumental box office success, allowing for its sequel to happen.

Deadpool 2 came out in 2018 and saw Wade go up against the formidable Marvel character Cable. In a rather ironic twist, Cable is played by Josh Brolin, who also portrayed Thanos in the MCU movies - the franchise in which Deadpool is now a part of.

X-Men Origins: Wolverine

If you want to know more about Wolverine before he makes his MCU debut, it's probably best to check out how it all started for him. X-Men Origins: Wolverine was released in 2009 and it takes you all the way back to the beginning of Logan's story, kicking off a trilogy of Wolverine movies for the Fox X-Men franchise (which continued to run parallel to them). It wasn't well-received at the time of its release due to the diversions it took from the source material but it does a decent job showcasing Wolverine's origins.

It's also important viewing for Deadpool and Wolverine as it also features Ryan Reynolds in his debut as Deadpool. The adaptation is extremely different to the one we know, but as it's the only time that Wade Wilson and Logan crossed paths prior to the upcoming MCU movie, it's worth a watch to see how they work opposite each other.

X-Men, X2: X-Men United, X-Men: The Last Stand

Wolverine made his cinematic debut in 2000's X-Men, reluctantly joining Professor Charles Xavier's band of not-so-merry mutants in a bid to stop Magneto from wiping out humanity altogether. He proved himself a formidable warrior and an admirable hero, becoming a permanent member of the team and leading them into battle in both X2: X-Men United and X-Men: The Last Stand.

These three movies are somewhat less essential than the beginning and ending of Logan's story, but they are the most important parts of the X-Men movie franchise as they are responsible for its existence. If you only have time to watch one, then we definitely recommend the first one.

Logan

Hugh Jackman's journey as Wolverine came to an end (or so we thought) in 2017's Logan. An adaptation of the Old Man Logan storyline from Marvel Comics, it showcases a future where an aged Wolverine cares for Professor X in his final years before he crosses paths with a young clone of himself known as X-23. He becomes a reluctant father figure to her, protecting her from a major threat and becoming the hero one more time.

Logan is one of the greatest superhero movies ever made and it's important viewing prior to Deadpool and Wolverine as Wade will tell the story of this Wolverine to the new Logan that he meets in the movie. There have also been rumors of a certain character from this movie making an appearance in the upcoming film, so it's definitely worth a watch for the backstory just in case. It's also a masterpiece and should definitely be watched for that reason, too.

Have some more time? Here are some more optional choices

If you have some spare time, there are some other movies you could probably watch in the build-up to Deadpool and Wolverine. They aren't as essential to the plot and likely won't have any story beats of their's featured in the movie. That said, there is some value in watching them prior to seeing the summer blockbuster.

These choices are either based on the fact that certain characters from them are rumored to appear or that they are just another important entry in the X-Men franchise worth watching for more context.

• X-Men: First Class (2011)
• The Wolverine (2013)
• X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014)
• Daredevil (2003)
• Elektra (2005)
• Fantastic Four (2005)
• Loki seasons 1 and 2

Deadpool and Wolverine arrives in movie theaters on July 26, 2024.