Essential Movies And Shows To Watch Before Deadpool 3

Deadpool and Wolverine has come up as the biggest movie of 2024. While most of us have watched the movie in theaters, if you are one of the few who still have not watched it and are waiting for it to arrive on OTT platforms, let’s take a look at some movies that will help you relate to and understand the references and easter eggs in Deadpool 3. So, here are the movies and TV shows that you should watch before Deadpool 3.

X-Men (2000)

X-Men (2000) was the first live-action adaptation of X-Men and was also the movie that brought us Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine. This movie is special because a lot of recurring characters in the X-Men franchise made their debut with this movie and are to date fan favorites. You might wonder why it's essential to watch this film before diving into Deadpool 3. The answer is straightforward: this film marks the beginning of the X-Men timeline, which is now being integrated into the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).

X-Men Origins: Wolverine

Hugh Jackman’s portrayal of Wolverine was so impactful that it led to his standalone movie, X-Men Origins: Wolverine. It’s a critical film to watch before exploring the Deadpool franchise, as this film features the first ever appearance of Deadpool played by Ryan Reynolds. Unfortunately, this adaptation wasn't well-received, prompting Reynolds to take it upon himself to create a more authentic version of Deadpool, leading to the franchise we know today. Many jokes in the Deadpool movies reference this film, and in Deadpool 2, the character travels back in time to rectify this version of Deadpool. So, it's definitely worth a watch!

X-Men: Days of Future Past

X-Men: Days of Future Past is crucial for understanding Wolverine’s character development. The film depicts a dystopian future where mutants are nearly extinct. Wolverine is sent back in time to prevent the events leading to this bleak future, showcasing the struggles and depth of his character. In earlier films, he is portrayed as an angry brute; however, this movie highlights his growth into a leader, beautifully depicting his evolution throughout the franchise.

Deadpool

If you're gearing up for Deadpool 3, you likely have seen the first Deadpool movie. It's often hailed as the best anti-hero film to date. The film serves as an origin story for Deadpool and introduces audiences to the character breaking the fourth wall in live-action for the first time. It also reignited interest in the X-Men universe by featuring characters like Negasonic Teenage Warhead and Colossus, who play pivotal roles in mentoring Deadpool.

Logan

Logan is an emotional and powerful film that offers a profound look at an aging Wolverine. In this story, Logan encounters a young girl named X-23, who possesses abilities similar to his due to genetic mutation. This film is significant not only as a standalone story but also because it sets the stage for future arcs in the Deadpool universe. It’s essential to understand the relationship between Logan and X-23, especially given her confirmed return in Deadpool 3.

Deadpool 2

To fully appreciate Deadpool 3, watching Deadpool 2 is a must. The movie concludes with Deadpool using a time-travel device to alter past events, including saving his girlfriend and confronting versions of himself. While Deadpool 3 may not directly follow the plot of Deadpool 2, it builds on the character's development, making it an essential viewing experience.

Loki (Seasons 1 & 2)

Even though this article has primarily focused on movies, the Loki series is crucial for understanding the upcoming Deadpool installment. Loki introduces the Time Variance Authority (TVA), which plays a significant role in managing timelines and preventing multiverse chaos. By the end of the second season, the TVA evolves into an organization that safeguards multiple timelines from threats. Characters from Loki, like Hunter B-15 and Mr. Paradox, are set to appear in Deadpool 3, making it essential viewing.