MARVEL COMICS: X-MEN CINEMATIC UNIVERSE

http://i424.photobucket.com/albums/pp327/monitor_ep/comic%20books%20in%20the%20media%20photos/marvelstudios_zps8e9cdcd2.jpg

The X-Men film series consists of superhero films based on the Marvel Comics superhero team of the same name.

20th Century Fox obtained the film rights to the characters in 1994, and after numerous drafts, Bryan Singer was hired to direct X-Men (2000) and its sequel, X2 (2003). Singer left potential third and fourth films to direct Superman Returns, leaving Brett Ratner to direct X-Men: The Last Stand (2006). Critics praised Singer's films for their dark, realistic tone and subtexts dealing with discrimination and intolerance, while Ratner's film was met with mixed reviews.

After each film earned higher box-office grosses than its predecessor, three spin-off films were released. X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009), directed by Gavin Hood, focuses on Wolverine's origin story. X-Men: First Class (2011), directed by Matthew Vaughn, focuses on the origins of Charles Xavier and Erik Lehnsherr. The Wolverine (2013), directed by James Mangold, focuses on Wolverine after the events of The Last Stand. X-Men Origins: Wolverine was met with negative reviews from the critics, while First Class and The Wolverine were met with positive reviews.

With six films released, the X-Men film series is the 15th highest-grossing film franchise ever, having grossed over $2 billion worldwide. It is set to continue with X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014), a dual sequel to both The Last Stand and First Class, and a follow-up to The Wolverine, with Singer returning as director.