Well, a good approach is to look for reading guides available online. Some comic enthusiasts have put together detailed sequences based on story arcs and crossovers. It can save you a lot of confusion.
To watch the X-Men movies in story order, begin with the earliest set of events depicted. Check online for specific timelines and recommended viewing sequences. Usually, starting from the prequel films and then going to the main series works well.
To read Marvel X-Men comics in chronological order, you first need to identify the key story arcs and their publication dates. Then, follow that order. It might take some research, but dedicated comic fan sites can help.
The best way to watch the X-Men storyline is to start with the original trilogy: X-Men (2000), X2: X-Men United (2003), and X-Men: The Last Stand (2006). Then, move on to the prequel series like X-Men: First Class (2011) and X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014).
I would also recommend 'Uncanny X - Men' issues 1 - 100. These early issues lay the foundation for the X - Men universe. You'll get to know the core characters like Cyclops, Wolverine, and Storm, and their relationships, as well as the basic conflict between mutants and humans.
First, decide which era of X-Men comics interests you the most. Then, look for trade paperbacks or digital collections that cover that period. It's a good way to get into the story without having to hunt for individual issues.
First, decide if you want to start with older or newer runs. Then, look for compilations or trades that collect key story arcs. For example, 'Days of Future Past' is a popular starting point that gives you a good sense of the X-Men universe.
You can start by choosing a classic X-Men comic arc like 'The Dark Phoenix Saga' and go from there. It's a great entry point to get familiar with the characters and the universe.