Deadpool & Wolverine is upon us and now that it’s been out for two full weekends, we feel comfortable posting our “What to Watch Guide”.

Why didn’t I post this before the film’s release? Mainly I’m terrible at timing, but also, this film is an epic crossover of many different properties from the past that I didn’t want to spoil for you. At this point, you can use our guide for repeated viewings (or, if you are one of the few who haven’t seen the film yet and have been spoiled to smithereens, you can prep yourself with this handy guide).

The easy answer is to go back and watch non-Sony, non-MCU films from the last quarter century, but that does require a lot of time. Sticking with New Line Cinema and Fox Marvel films from 1998 forward, in their release order, would be my general guidance if you want to stay spoiler-free–once you get past the spoiler warning, there’s no turning back. Ready?

SPOILER WARNING FOR ‘DEADPOOL & WOLVERINE’ LIE AHEAD.

There are 8 key films you should watch to have a better understanding of the main characters in Deadpool’s latest outing. I’m going to group them into a couple of categories, but there is something to be said about watching these films in release order, despite the timey-wimeyness of it all. Don’t worry, I’ll cap everything off with a recommended viewing order too!

Finally, before we get into it, there are an additional 3 franchises (and at least 1 movie from each) that would help with some of the more cameo-based stuff in Deadpool & Wolverine. I’ll cover that in it’s own category after the key films are laid out.

Deadpool Films

1. Deadpool (2016)
   • The original Deadpool film introduces Wade Wilson, a mercenary who undergoes an experimental procedure to cure his cancer, gaining accelerated healing powers but becoming horribly scarred in the process. Known for breaking the fourth wall, Deadpool’s humor and unorthodox methods make this a must-watch.
2. Deadpool 2 (2018)
   • This sequel expands on Deadpool’s universe, introducing new characters like Cable and Domino. It also explores Deadpool’s softer side as he tries to save a young mutant from a grim future. There are also some fun time travel shenanigans post-credits that get a should out in Deadpool & Wolverine.

Wolverine Films

1. X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009)
   • While this is probably one of the least acclaimed X-Men films in the franchise, there are still some moments in this film that are worth watching. And, in this writer’s opinion, I don’t think this film is a total trainwreck. Origins dive into Logan’s backstory, including his tumultuous relationship with his brother Victor Creed (Sabretooth) and his involvement in the Weapon X program, which gives him his adamantium skeleton.
2. The Wolverine (2013)
   • Set after the events of X-Men: The Last Stand, this movie follows Logan to Japan, where he faces his mortality and fights to protect a loved one from the Yakuza and an old enemy.
3. Logan (2017)
   • Outside of the Deadpool movies, Logan is probably one of the most important movies you could watch before seeing Deadpool & Wolverine. This film is central to this new film. Outside of that, Logan is a critical and fan favorite in the X-Men series and presents an older, weary Wolverine in a dystopian future. Teaming up with Charles Xavier and a young mutant named Laura (X-23), Logan confronts his legacy and seeks redemption.

X-Men Films

1. X-Men (2000)
   • The film that started it all. This introduces Wolverine and the X-Men, setting the stage for his relationships with other mutants and his ongoing struggle for acceptance and purpose. X-Men walked so Deadpool could run, kill, and swear.
2. X2: X-Men United (2003)
   • Focuses on Wolverine’s quest to uncover his past, featuring pivotal moments that shape his character and his understanding of his origins.
3. X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014)
   • An important film that merges the original X-Men timeline with the newer prequels. Wolverine plays a crucial role in this time-traveling adventure to prevent a dystopian future for mutants (that is totally different than the dystopian future depicted in Logan).

Other Franchises/Films

1. Fantastic Four
   • Specifically the Tim Story films from 2005 and 2007. And there is no big need to watch both films, simply Fantastic Four (2005) is enough to appreciate one biggest cameos Deadpool & Wolverine has to offer.
2. Daredevil / Elektra
   • One of the few cameos that were rumored early on was Jennifer Garner’s Elektra, so going back to her cinematic appearances is a great way to prepare for Elektra’s role in Deadpool & Wolverine. If you only have time for one of these films, I’d go with 2003’s Daredevil. Though, the story some of these cameo roles have in the latest Marvel Studios films does lend credence to give Elektra (2005) a watch.
3. Blade
   • I’m sure if I went looking for spoilers, I would have known about Wesley Snipes returning as Blade for Deadpool & Wolverine, but I was kept in the dark about his one. I wasn’t expecting it and wish I had gone back and watched at least 1998’s Blade.

Recommend Watch Order

1. X-Men
2. X2: X-Men United
3. X-Men Origins: Wolverine
4. The Wolverine
5. X-Men: Days of Future Past
6. Logan
7. Deadpool
8. Deadpool 2

If you plan on watching any of the films from the other franchises mentioned above before you go to see Deadpool & Wolverine, you can really watch them in any order. I would just stick with the release order within each franchise–IF you plan on watching the entire series within each franchise.

Important Notes

• MCU Integration: Now that the Deadpool (and the rest of the X-Men) are owned by Marvel, you can except some elements of the Marvel Cinematic Universe to creep up in Deadpool & Wolverine. But this movie leans more towards a Deadpool/Fox Marvel movie first and foremost, so don’t get wrapped up in the MCU of it all. The most helpful thing you could watch from the MCU for this film would be Loki Season 1 and Season 2, but you should be able to catch on pretty quickly without needing too.
• Character Dynamics: Watching these films will help you understand the dynamics between Deadpool’s irreverence and Wolverine’s stoicism, promising a unique and entertaining chemistry in their upcoming film.

What are you most excited about for Deadpool & Wolverine? Let us know in the comments below or join the conversation on That’s Entertainment’s Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.