X Vs. Pearl: The Definitive Guide On Which Horror Film To Watch First (Director's Cut Included)

The question of whether to watch X or its prequel, Pearl, first has become a major point of discussion among horror fans since the release of the films. With the release of MaXXXine, the final installment in director Ti West’s slasher trilogy, looming, the debate on the optimal viewing order is more relevant than ever. This guide, updated for late 2025, cuts through the noise to give you the definitive answer, explaining the pros and cons of both the release order and the chronological timeline.

The confusion stems from the non-linear storytelling: X was released first in 2022, but Pearl, which was filmed in secret immediately after, is a prequel that details the killer's origins. While you can technically enjoy them as standalone films, the experience is significantly enhanced by choosing the right order to maximize the narrative impact and thematic depth of this celebrated horror series.

The Essential X Trilogy: Key Facts and Character Profiles

Before diving into the viewing order, it is crucial to understand the core elements of the films and the character at their center, all played brilliantly by Mia Goth. The films are connected by a singular, dark narrative arc that spans decades.

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• X (2022)
  • Setting: Rural Texas, 1979
  • Genre: Slasher, Horror
  • Plot: A group of young filmmakers travel to a secluded farm to shoot an adult film, only to find themselves fighting for their lives against the farm's elderly, murderous residents.
  • Key Characters: Maxine Minx, Pearl (Elderly), Howard, Lorraine Day, RJ, Jackson Hole, Bobby-Lynne.
  • Thematic Focus: The fear of aging, the pursuit of fame, and the clash between youth culture and old-fashioned repression.
• Pearl (2022)
  • Setting: Rural Texas, 1918 (during the Spanish Flu pandemic)
  • Genre: Psychological Horror, Period Piece
  • Plot: A prequel exploring the early life of the killer from X, Pearl, as she struggles with loneliness, ambition, and a desperate yearning to escape her family farm and become a star.
  • Key Characters: Pearl (Young), Ruth, The Immigrant, Howard (Young), Her Father.
  • Thematic Focus: Unfulfilled dreams, madness, the crushing weight of expectation, and the birth of a monster.
• MaXXXine (Upcoming)
  • Setting: Los Angeles, 1980s
  • Genre: Slasher, Neo-Noir
  • Plot: A direct sequel to X, following Maxine Minx as she chases her dream of becoming a famous actress in Hollywood, all while being targeted by a mysterious killer.
  • Key Characters: Maxine Minx.
  • Thematic Focus: The dark side of Hollywood, celebrity culture, and the continuation of trauma.

The Two Main Viewing Orders: Release vs. Chronological

There are two primary ways to watch the films, each offering a distinct experience. Your choice depends entirely on what kind of narrative impact you prioritize: mystery and reveal, or a straightforward timeline.

1. The Director’s Recommended Order: Release Order (X then Pearl)

This is the order Ti West, the writer and director, has publicly stated is the intended and most rewarding way to watch the films.

• Watch Order: X (2022) → Pearl (2022) → MaXXXine (Upcoming)
• Why It Works:
  • Preserves the Mystery: Watching X first allows the elderly Pearl to remain a terrifying, mysterious, and grotesque figure. Her motives are unclear, making the slasher violence more unsettling.
  • Maximizes the Prequel's Impact: When you watch Pearl second, you go into it with the full, horrifying knowledge of who she becomes. The prequel then functions as a devastating character study, transforming the monster you saw in X into a tragic figure whose descent into madness is deeply felt.
  • Thematic Resonance: The transition from the 1970s aesthetic of X to the 1918 Technicolor-inspired world of Pearl creates a powerful juxtaposition of time and style, highlighting the timeless nature of Pearl's desperation.
• Potential Drawback: You might feel a slight narrative "jump" backward in time, which can be jarring for viewers who prefer linear stories.

2. The Timeline Order: Chronological Order (Pearl then X)

For viewers who prefer to follow a story from beginning to end, starting with the earliest events in the timeline is the way to go.

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• Watch Order: Pearl (2022) → X (2022) → MaXXXine (Upcoming)
• Why It Works:
  • Linear Narrative: You experience Pearl's life story in a straightforward, chronological fashion. You see her as a young, ambitious woman, and then watch her story culminate in the events of X decades later.
  • Empathy First: Starting with Pearl allows you to develop a deep, albeit disturbing, sense of empathy for the character before you see her as the ruthless killer in X. This can make the events of X feel more tragic and earned.
  • Enhanced Foreshadowing: Every small detail and repressed desire in Pearl serves as direct foreshadowing for the monster she becomes, giving the film a sense of inevitable doom.
• Potential Drawback: This order completely spoils the identity and motivations of the killers in X. The shocking reveal in X is lost, turning the film into a straightforward slasher rather than a mystery-horror.

The Verdict: Which Order Should You Choose Today?

The overwhelming consensus from the director and most critics is that you should watch X first, followed by Pearl.

The release order is the most dramatically satisfying because it adheres to the filmmaker's intent: X is the initial horror film, and Pearl is the bonus, the deep-dive origin story that enriches the initial viewing experience. The shocking reveal of the elderly Pearl's connection to the young, ambitious Pearl is a narrative punch that only lands if you watch X first. The feeling of going back in time to understand the monster is far more powerful than simply watching a linear biography.

For the best, most impactful, and intended cinematic experience of the X trilogy, follow this viewing path:

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1. Start with X (1979): Experience the slasher mystery and the introduction to Maxine Minx.
2. Continue with Pearl (1918): Gain the devastating context and psychological depth of the killer's origins.
3. Conclude with MaXXXine (1980s): See the final chapter of Maxine Minx's story.

This path preserves the initial terror of X while turning Pearl into a masterful, retroactive character study. Regardless of your choice, both films are essential viewing for modern horror fans, showcasing Mia Goth's incredible range and Ti West's unique vision for the slasher genre.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Do I need to watch X and Pearl before MaXXXine?

Yes. While MaXXXine will likely function as a standalone film to some extent, it is a direct sequel to X and the finale of the trilogy. To fully appreciate Maxine's journey, the stakes, and the thematic continuation of the series, watching both X and Pearl beforehand is highly recommended. The trilogy is designed to be a complete narrative arc.

Is Pearl a better movie than X?

This is subjective and a major point of debate among fans. Many critics and viewers consider Pearl to be the superior film, praising its psychological depth, Mia Goth's tour-de-force performance, and its vibrant, period-piece aesthetic. Others prefer X for its traditional slasher thrills, 1970s grindhouse vibe, and ensemble cast. Both are critically acclaimed, but Pearl often receives higher praise for its unique artistic vision.

Is the X trilogy connected to any other horror movies?

No, the X trilogy (X, Pearl, and MaXXXine) is an original creation by director Ti West. It is not a reboot, remake, or sequel to any existing horror franchise, although it draws heavy inspiration from classic slasher films like The Texas Chainsaw Massacre and psychological horror like Psycho.