X-Men: First Class (2011)
MovieOptionalLegacy
In the 1960s, a young Charles Xavier and Erik Lehnsherr build the first X-Men team during the Cuban Missile Crisis. This 2011 Marvel film was made outside Marvel Studios’ main MCU line-up, so it’s optional for the watch order and works fine on its own. At 2h 12m, it streams on Disney+ and HBO Max in the US.
| Directed by | Matthew Vaughn |
|---|---|
| Starring | James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Jennifer Lawrence, Kevin Bacon |
| Release date | June 3, 2011 |
| Runtime | 2h 12m |
| Age rating | PG-13, some material may be inappropriate for under 13 |
| IMDb rating | 7.7/10 |
| Box office | $354M worldwide |
| Series | Legacy Marvel films |
| Part of | X-Men movies in order |
| Post-credit scene | No |
Why it matters now
Introduces the younger Charles, Erik and Mystique played by James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender and Jennifer Lawrence.
Where it fits in your watch
X-Men: First Class FAQ
Can you skip X-Men: First Class?
Yes. It isn’t part of the MCU, so watch it for the characters’ history, not for MCU plot.
When was X-Men: First Class released?
X-Men: First Class was released on June 3, 2011.
Is X-Men: First Class part of the MCU?
No. X-Men: First Class is a Marvel film made outside the Marvel Cinematic Universe, so it isn’t on Marvel Studios’ official timeline.
Does X-Men: First Class have a post-credit scene?
No, X-Men: First Class has no post-credit scene.
Where to watch X-Men: First Class in the US
| Streaming (subscription) | Disney+, HBO Max |
|---|---|
| Rent or buy | Amazon, Apple TV |
Where to watch X-Men: First Class outside the US
| Country | Stream | Other options |
|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | Disney+ | Rent: Apple TV, Rakuten TV, Amazon |
| Canada | Disney+ | Rent: Apple TV, Amazon, CosmoGo |
| Australia | Disney+ | None needed |
| India | JioHotstar | None needed |
Streaming availability last verified: October 16, 2026
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