The X-Files (1993)
The exploits of FBI Special Agents Fox Mulder and Dana Scully who investigate X-Files: marginalized, unsolved cases involving paranormal phenomena. Mulder believes in the existence of aliens and the paranormal while Scully, a skeptic, is assigned to make scientific analyses of Mulder's discoveries that debunk Mulder's work and thus return him to mainstream cases.
Details
First Air Date
9/10/1993
Last Air Date
3/21/2018
Network
FOX
Rating
8/10 (3186 votes)
Status
Ended
Production Companies
Ten Thirteen Productions, 20th Century Fox Television
About The X-Files
The X-Files is a science fiction and crime mystery series that premiered in 1993, following the investigations of FBI Special Agents Fox Mulder and Dana Scully. Mulder, a believer in the paranormal, is focused on cases involving UFOs and aliens, while Scully, a medical doctor and skeptic, is assigned to provide scientific analysis to debunk his findings. Their dynamic centers on the tension between belief and skepticism as they encounter a range of supernatural and conspiratorial events. The series ran for 11 seasons, comprising 218 episodes.
The show is known for its blend of standalone "monster of the week" episodes, which delve into various paranormal phenomena, and an overarching "mythology" arc that explores a deep-seated government conspiracy involving alien colonization. This structure allowed for both self-contained mysteries and a continuous, unfolding narrative. The series has an IMDb rating of 8.6 from over 270,000 votes, indicating strong critical and audience reception.
Key themes in The X-Files include government cover-ups, the search for truth, and the nature of belief. The series introduced keywords such as "supernatural," "alien," "conspiracy," and "paranormal investigation" into mainstream television. Its influence extended beyond its genre, shaping how television dramas approached complex narratives and character development within a serialized format. The show's enduring popularity is partly due to its well-developed leads and its ability to balance thrilling mysteries with a compelling overarching plot.
Why you might be searching for The X-Files
People search for The X-Files due to its memorable catchphrases like "trust no one," the distinct dynamic between Mulder and Scully, and its frequent exploration of government conspiracies, aliens, and supernatural events. Specific imagery, such as "jars with glowing slime," also remains a recognizable element from the series.
What reviewers are saying
One reviewer found that the series was a significant influence on television drama, raising the bar for storytelling, acting, and writing on the small screen.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Common questions about finding and identifying movies
You can stream all 11 seasons of The X-Files for free on [Pluto TV](https://pluto.tv/us/shows/the-x-files). It's also available for streaming on Hulu and Disney Plus, and can be purchased on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, and Fandango At Home.
No, The X-Files is not based on a true story. It is a science fiction drama created by Chris Carter, inspired by reports of alien abductions, the Watergate scandal, and earlier suspense and horror series like *Kolchak: The Night Stalker*.
There are 11 seasons of The X-Files. The original series ran for nine seasons, and two revival seasons aired in 2016 and 2018.
The X-Files is generally considered a highly acclaimed series and a pop culture touchstone from the 1990s, often listed among the best TV shows of all time. Critics praised its ability to tap into public mistrust of institutions and its blend of science fiction, mystery, and horror.