--- title: "X-Men: Days of Future Past" year: 2014 kind: "film" canonical: "https://film.one/film/x-men-days-of-future-past" fi1m_id: "x-men-days-of-future-past" imdb_id: "tt1877832" tmdb_id: 127585 wikidata_id: "Q4985891" fi1m_score: 78 critics_score: 73 critics_reviews: 25 published: "2026-10-01T23:29:29.525322+00:00" updated: "2026-10-01T23:29:30.019033+00:00" region: "NZ" licence: "© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL." --- # X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014) Directed by Bryan Singer · 2h 12m · OFLC M · Action, Adventure, Science Fiction ## Identity X-Men: Days of Future Past - **Canonical:** https://film.one/film/x-men-days-of-future-past - **Type:** Film - **Fi1m ID:** x-men-days-of-future-past - **IMDb ID:** tt1877832 - **TMDB ID:** 127585 - **Wikidata ID:** Q4985891 - **Same entity:** https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1877832/, https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/127585, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q4985891 **Fi1m score: 78** · Critics 73 from 25 reviews *In a sentence:* The future is dreadful, but at least the prison break has a sense of humour > Bryan Singer’s crowded superhero film stays entertaining because its actors make the arguments matter. The character history can be cumbersome, but the playful action gives the solemn business of saving the future a welcome lift. ## Synopsis Logan / Wolverine (Hugh Jackman) faces a bleak future that can only be saved by changing the past. The effort draws in Charles Xavier (James McAvoy), Erik Lehnsherr (Michael Fassbender) and Raven / Mystique (Jennifer Lawrence), with Professor X (Patrick Stewart) and Magneto (Ian McKellen) also involved in the time-spanning struggle. A prison break at the Pentagon presents a more immediate problem, and Quicksilver’s speed becomes part of the attempt. What happens in the past will determine whether there is a future left to save. ## Review Bryan Singer’s *X-Men: Days of Future Past* is good superhero entertainment, sustained by its actors when the time-travelling business gets cumbersome. Its premise gives a crowded cast a shared task: save the future by altering the past. Simon Kinberg’s screenplay makes that easier to care about than it might sound. We stay interested because the people doing the arguing seem worth listening to, even when the explanations ask more of our patience. James McAvoy gives Charles Xavier the emotional weight that keeps the elaborate plotting from becoming an exercise. He sounds like someone for whom taking charge is difficult, and that makes his decisions worth attending to. Michael Fassbender gives Erik Lehnsherr enough conviction to make him difficult to dismiss, even when agreement looks unwise. Their exchanges have a tension that the larger action sometimes lacks, because both actors can make listening to the other person seem like hard work. Hugh Jackman is an assured presence as Logan / Wolverine, helping to steady a film full of competing personalities. Jennifer Lawrence gives Raven / Mystique an urgency that the writing does not consistently support with enough attention to her thinking. Peter Dinklage is effective as Dr. Bolivar Trask, although the film lacks an opposing presence as compelling as its central pair. The cast is strong enough to make the imbalance frustrating: we keep noticing people who deserve more time. The Pentagon sequence loosens the film up. Quicksilver’s slow-motion action gives us time to enjoy the joke inside the spectacle. We laughed with relief. Watching someone take pleasure in having a superpower makes a welcome change from watching people explain its burdens, and the sequence knows when to move on. Its timing is precise without making the whole thing feel overly rehearsed. Newton Thomas Sigel’s cinematography lets us read the slowed action clearly, giving the joke enough space to register without making it feel laboured. John Myhre’s production design gives the Pentagon a suitably officious air, which makes the irreverence funnier. Both contributions work best when there is a clear physical problem for the characters to solve. The more crowded stretches are less distinctive to look at, even when the cutting keeps them understandable. John Ottman, editing as well as composing, keeps the crowded story moving with considerable economy. The shifts between timelines are easier to follow than the accumulated character histories, although the bleak future passages do not always maintain their urgency. His score is less persuasive when it presses for grandeur; the performances have already supplied enough feeling. A quieter cue would sometimes leave more room for the actors, particularly when the dialogue is already carrying considerable importance. By the standards of superhero ensemble films, this is unusually willing to let conversation carry a scene. It does not give everyone enough room, and newcomers may reasonably wonder why certain faces are expected to mean so much. But its central performances reward the necessary patience, while the humour keeps the business of rescuing the future from becoming a chore. See it for the performances, but do not expect a patient introduction to everybody. *Fi1m score 78, published 1 October 2026.* ## What the critics say Most critics find X-Men: Days of Future Past an entertaining, ambitious entry, with praise concentrated on its central performances and inventive action. James McAvoy and Michael Fassbender draw particular approval, while several reviews credit Bryan Singer with giving the sprawling story emotional weight. Quicksilver’s slow-motion sequence is the clearest point of agreement, winning over even critics less persuaded by the rest. The favourable reviews value the attention paid to characters amid the competing timelines. Reservations centre on crowded plotting, uneven urgency and the demands placed on audience familiarity with the series. The spread runs from enthusiastic approval to mixed responses, with no wholly negative verdicts in the supplied reviews. Slant Magazine finds the parallel storylines uninventive and the dialogue emotionally hollow. The Wrap finds the film entertaining but exhausting, with the bleak future scenes upsetting the balance; elsewhere, critics differ over whether Singer keeps the large cast and complicated story sufficiently focused. ## Straight answers **Is X-Men: Days of Future Past worth watching?** *X-Men: Days of Future Past* is worth watching for superhero fans who value strong performances and playful action; we score it 78 out of 100. McAvoy and Fassbender make the arguments matter, while Quicksilver’s Pentagon sequence supplies welcome humour. The time travel stays manageable, but newcomers may find the accumulated character history cumbersome. **How long is X-Men: Days of Future Past, and what is it rated?** *X-Men: Days of Future Past* runs 2h 12m and is rated M by the OFLC in New Zealand. It is an action and adventure film. **Where can I watch X-Men: Days of Future Past in New Zealand?** *X-Men: Days of Future Past* is streaming on Disney+ in New Zealand, and it is also available to buy from Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV from NZ$13.99. Availability is checked daily; the links above go straight to each service. **How violent or frightening is X-Men: Days of Future Past, and is it suitable for children?** *X-Men: Days of Future Past* has a UK 12A certificate, so children under 12 need an accompanying adult at the cinema. Its bleak future and superhero action warrant caution for younger or sensitive children, though the humour offers relief. We would not treat it as an automatic family choice: 12A does not mean suitable for every child. **How does X-Men: Days of Future Past compare to Twelve Monkeys?** *X-Men: Days of Future Past* is the better choice for playful superhero entertainment, while [*Twelve Monkeys*](https://film.one/film/twelve-monkeys) suits an appetite for a harsher time-travel thriller. We find strong performances give both films a human centre, but their complications differ: accumulated character history weighs on the X-Men film, while restless images and an overextended script make *Twelve Monkeys* harder work. **What should I watch after X-Men: Days of Future Past?** After *X-Men: Days of Future Past*, try [*12 Monkeys*](https://film.one/film/twelve-monkeys) (1995, Fi1m 82): Time travel with bruised performances and a much nastier sense of fate. Then [*Unbreakable*](https://film.one/film/unbreakable) (2000, Fi1m 81): Superpowers treated as a personal difficulty, with room for doubt and conversation; and [*A Matter of Life and Death*](https://film.one/film/a-matter-of-life-and-death) (1946, Fi1m 92): Another fantastical struggle over human lives, handled with wit and emotional seriousness. ### Reviews we read (25) - **Los Angeles Times**, Betsy Sharkey (86/100, inferred): Sharkey finds the film a deeper, richer adventure and calls it Singer’s best X-Men film. She especially praises the cast, singling out the electric performances of James McAvoy and Michael Fassbender. [Read](https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/movies/la-et-mn-x-men-days-review-20140523-column.html) - **Empire**, William Thomas (85/100, inferred): The review finds the film largely fantastic and calls it the best X-Men film since the second. It especially praises the inventive action, singling out Quicksilver’s slow-motion sequence as a highlight. [Read](https://www.empireonline.com/movies/reviews/x-men-days-future-past-review/) - **Little White Lies**, Chris Blohm (4/4/4): The critic calls it an ambitious, thrilling blockbuster, though its crowded cast weakens its focus. The review particularly praises Michael Fassbender’s performance and the film’s dazzling set-pieces. [Read](https://lwlies.com/reviews/x-men-days-of-future-past) - **Radio Times**, Jeremy Aspinall (4/5): Aspinall calls Bryan Singer’s return triumphant and praises the ambitious, time-spanning story. The review also highlights how the film raises the stakes for the franchise. [Read](https://www.radiotimes.com/movie-guide/b-y7ng8x/xmen-days-of-future-past/) - **Total Film**, Kevin Harley (4/5): Harley praises the film as an assured, brisk revival that balances superhero thrills with emotional depth. He especially singles out Singer’s focus on Xavier and Mystique, alongside the cast’s performances and the inventive action. [Read](https://www.gamesradar.com/x-men-days-of-future-past-review/) - **Variety**, Justin Chang (78/100, inferred): Chang finds the film an ambitious, emotionally resonant return to form for Bryan Singer. He especially praises the performances of McAvoy and Fassbender and the playful Quicksilver action sequence. [Read](https://variety.com/2014/film/reviews/film-review-x-men-days-of-future-past-1201177971/) - **The AV Club**, Ignatiy Vishnevetsky (B): Vishnevetsky finds the film’s comics-style storytelling narratively satisfying, though potentially alienating to newcomers. He praises its extravagant effects sequences and its ability to use audience familiarity to move quickly across characters and timelines. [Read](https://www.avclub.com/x-men-days-of-future-past-embraces-geeky-comics-style-1798180528) - **Evening Standard**, Charlotte O'Sullivan (75/100, inferred): O'Sullivan finds the film witty, beautifully acted, and still ahead of its superhero competition, despite some confusing plotting. She praises the prison-break set piece but faults the underwritten Mystique, whose striking presence is not matched by a developed inner life. [Read](https://www.standard.co.uk/culture/film/xmen-days-of-future-past-film-review-still-light-years-ahead-of-the-competition-9422594.html) - **The Hollywood Reporter**, David Rooney (75/100, inferred): Rooney finds the film vigorously entertaining, though more dramatically diffuse than its predecessor and lacking a definitive villain. He especially praises Evan Peters’ Quicksilver, whose playful performance and brilliantly staged Pentagon sequence stand out. [Read](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/x-men-days-future-past-3-703209/) - **The Guardian**, Peter Bradshaw (70/100, inferred): Bradshaw finds the film chaotic but ultimately enjoyable, a dizzying ride that mostly escapes incoherence. He particularly praises Quicksilver’s exuberant, bullet-time Pentagon sequence, while noting that the later sections become muddled and portentous. [Read](https://www.theguardian.com/film/2014/may/22/xmen-days-of-future-past-review-hugh-jackman-peter-bradshaw) - **Vulture**, David Edelstein (70/100, inferred): Edelstein finds it a successful, entertaining superhero movie, though its commercial purpose and weak climax hold it back. He especially praises Jennifer Lawrence’s performance as Mystique, while also singling out the Quicksilver sequence as a standout set piece. [Read](https://www.vulture.com/2014/05/movie-review-x-men-days-of-future-past.html) - **RogerEbert.com** (65/100, inferred): The URL identifies this as a RogerEbert.com review, but the page content is blocked. Its verdict and any specific praise or criticism cannot be verified. [Read](https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/x-men-days-of-future-past-2014) - **Screen Daily**, Tim Grierson (65/100, inferred): The critic’s verdict cannot be determined from the accessible page. The paywall also hides what the review singles out for praise or complaint. [Read](https://www.screendaily.com/x-men-days-of-future-past/5071565.article) - **The New Yorker** (65/100, inferred): The capsule presents the film as entertaining, mixing apocalyptic stakes with wit and playful effects. It particularly praises the 3-D set pieces and Jennifer Lawrence’s screen presence. [Read](https://www.newyorker.com/goings-on-about-town/movies/x-men-days-of-future-past-2) - **Time Out**, Cath Clarke (3/5): The three-star rating suggests a mixed verdict. The available description pokes fun at Fassbender’s silly headgear, but the review text is unavailable to confirm further details. [Read](https://www.timeout.com/movies/x-men-days-of-future-past) - **Slant Magazine**, Chris Cabin (2/4): Cabin finds the film weighed down by uninventive parallel storylines and emotionally hollow dialogue. He singles out Quicksilver’s Pentagon escape as a lively sequence that captures the characters’ wit and powers. [Read](https://www.slantmagazine.com/film/x-men-days-of-future-past/) - **Den of Geek**, David Crow (4.5/5): Crow calls the film a franchise miracle and possibly the best X-Men movie, praising its ambitious storytelling and character work. He singles out James McAvoy’s performance as Xavier as the film’s emotional heart. [Read](https://www.denofgeek.com/comics/x-men-days-of-future-past-review/) - **Paste**, Scott Wold (8.5): Wold praises the film as an ambitious, entertaining blockbuster that balances its sprawling story with genuine heart. He singles out Singer’s skill at managing the large cast and complex plot while giving the characters’ themes room to breathe. [Read](https://www.pastemagazine.com/movies/x-men/x-men-days-of-future-past) - **HeyUGuys**, Amon Warmann (4/5): The critic calls it one of the year’s best blockbusters and arguably the franchise’s best installment. They praise the strong central performances and the character-focused story, while noting some lapses in the future timeline’s urgency. [Read](https://www.heyuguys.com/x-men-days-future-past-review/) - **Collider**, Matt Goldberg (B): Goldberg finds the film uplifting and a strong return to form for the franchise, despite some shortcomings in action, visuals, and pacing. He especially praises its emphasis on empathy and Quicksilver’s standout action scene. [Read](https://collider.com/x-men-days-of-future-past-review/) - **Digital Spy**, Simon Reynolds (75/100, inferred): The critic finds it an ambitious, entertaining entry that combines spectacle with strong performances, though the stakes sometimes feel too low. Evan Peters’s Quicksilver sequence is singled out as a standout action highlight. [Read](https://www.digitalspy.com/movies/a570383/x-men-days-of-future-past-review-nostalgia-and-new-frontier/) - **/Film**, Russ Fischer (7.5/10): Fischer calls it a speedy, character-oriented action film and one of the better X-Men movies. He praises the clear, energetic editing and Quicksilver’s memorable action sequence, while noting an ending that complicates earlier films’ emotional victories. [Read](https://www.slashfilm.com/531585/x-men-days-of-future-past-review/) - **Eye for Film**, Michael Pattison (65/100, inferred): Pattison finds the film enjoyable overall, despite several pointed reservations. He singles out the chemistry among the ensemble and the lively, comparatively restrained action sequences for praise. [Read](https://www.eyeforfilm.co.uk/review/x-men-days-of-future-past-2014-film-review-by-michael-pattison) - **The Playlist** (64/100, inferred): The URL identifies this as a review of the 2014 film, but the page content is blocked. The critic’s verdict and any specific praise or complaint cannot be determined. [Read](https://theplaylist.net/review-x-men-days-of-future-past-starring-michael-fassbender-james-mcavoy-hugh-jackman-20140521/) - **The Wrap**, Alonso Duralde (55/100, inferred): The critic finds the film entertaining but ultimately more exhausting than exuberant and not fully satisfying on its own. They praise Quicksilver’s action sequence and Singer’s brisk handling of the sprawling story, while faulting the imbalance created by the bleak future scenes. [Read](https://www.thewrap.com/x-men-days-future-past-review-mutant-saga-crosses-streams-old-school-newer-characters/) ## Details - **Director:** Bryan Singer - **Director:** Bryan Singer - **Screenplay:** Simon Kinberg - **Story:** Matthew Vaughn, Simon Kinberg, Jane Goldman - **Cinematography:** Newton Thomas Sigel - **Editor:** John Ottman - **Music:** John Ottman - **Production design:** John Myhre - **Costume design:** Louise Mingenbach - **Producer:** Bryan Singer, Simon Kinberg, Lauren Shuler Donner - **Cast:** Hugh Jackman as Logan / Wolverine; James McAvoy as Charles Xavier; Michael Fassbender as Erik Lehnsherr; Patrick Stewart as Professor X; Ian McKellen as Magneto; Jennifer Lawrence as Raven / Mystique; Halle Berry as Storm; Nicholas Hoult as Hank / Beast - **Runtime:** 2h 12m - **Certificate (OFLC):** M - **Release (New Zealand):** 21 May 2014 - **Genres:** Action, Adventure, Science Fiction - **Part of:** [X-Men](https://film.one/collections/x-men.md) · 1 of 1 - **Budget:** $250 million - **Box office:** $748 million - **Trailer:** https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gsjtg7m1MMM ## Where to watch in New Zealand - Disney+: streaming, uhd - Amazon Prime Video: buy NZ$13.99, sd - Apple TV: buy NZ$14.99, hd *Checked 2026-10-01.* Also available in: AE, AR, AT, AU, BE, BG, BR, CA, CH, CL, CO, CZ, DE, DK, EC, EE, ES, FI, FR, GB, GR, HK, HR, HU, IE, IL, IN, IS, IT, JP, KR, LT, MX, NL, NO, NZ, PA, PE, PL, PT, RO, RS, SE, SG, SI, TR, UA, US, ZA. Add `?region=XX` to this URL for another country. ## Awards - Academy Awards 2015: Best Visual Effects (nominated) ## If you liked this - *12 Monkeys* (1995), Fi1m 82: Time travel with bruised performances and a much nastier sense of fate. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/twelve-monkeys.md) - *The Girl Who Leapt Through Time* (2006): Changing yesterday becomes an intimate problem in this thoughtful Japanese animation. - *Unbreakable* (2000), Fi1m 81: Superpowers treated as a personal difficulty, with room for doubt and conversation. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/unbreakable.md) - *A Matter of Life and Death* (1946), Fi1m 92: Another fantastical struggle over human lives, handled with wit and emotional seriousness. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/a-matter-of-life-and-death.md) - *The Host* (2006): Family friction and monster action share the screen without cancelling each other out. --- © Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL. Canonical: https://film.one/film/x-men-days-of-future-past