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The X-Files

1993·Show
218Episodes in11Seasons·TV-14
76
GreatGoodWatch score
IMDb8.6Metacritic658.1Rotten Tomatoes74%85%

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The X-Files fingerprint

An , crime series: , but gripping, .

Good for date night · friends night · teens

Feel

Story

Look

Episodes

7.7
7.8
8.0
8.0
8.1
8.1
7.6
7.7
7.4
7.5
7.5

About

The truth is out there.

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.
Paranormal ProceduralConspiracy ThrillerIcy AtmosphereSkeptical vs. Believer DynamicEpisodic MysteryDeep State IntrigueIconic Theme MusicLate 90s NostalgiaPsychological HorrorUnresolved Mysteries

Crew

Directed by:
Kim Manners, Rob Bowman, David Nutter
Written by:
Chris Carter, Frank Spotnitz, Jeffrey Bell
Produced by:
Paul Rabwin, Kim Manners, Joseph Patrick Finn
Composed by:
Mark Snow

Sequels and Prequels

No sequels or prequels available

Media

Questions about The X-Files

Quick answers from GoodWatch data.

Where can I stream The X-Files?

Disney+HuluPluto TV

In the United States, The X-Files streams on Disney+ and Hulu, and it is free with ads on Pluto TV. You can rent or buy it from Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, and Fandango At Home. It also streams in 69 other countries.

Is The X-Files worth watching?

76
GreatGoodWatch score

Mostly, it's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 76 (IMDb 8.6, Rotten Tomatoes 74%, and Metacritic 65). Audiences rate it higher (84 out of 100) than critics (70).

Which season of The X-Files is best?

Seasons 5 and 6, with an IMDb average of 8.1. Season 9 is the weakest at 7.4. The highest-rated episode is Clyde Bruckman's Final Repose (season 3, episode 4) at 9.2, and the lowest is Teso dos Bichos (season 3, episode 18) at 5.9.

Is The X-Files okay for kids?

TV-14ViolenceDisturbing imageryStrong language

Not for young kids: it's rated TV-14 in the United States for violence, disturbing imagery, and strong language, and the viewing guide lists it for teens and adults.

Can I half-watch The X-Files?

Easy watchDemanding

No, it needs your attention: the title analysis rates it 9 of 10 for complexity and 8 for ambiguity.

Is The X-Files good for date night?

and 3 moreDate NightPartner WatchAdultsFriends NightIntergenerational

Yes: romance is 6 of 10, and the viewing guide lists it for date night.

What tropes does The X-Files use?

Ascended ExtraVoluntary ShapeshiftingStart to CorpseDid They or Didn't They?Longing LookJerkassPorn StashAnti-VillainNot Love InterestNo Hugging, No KissingLove Cannot OvercomeBlessed with Suckand 227 more

TV Tropes lists 239 tropes for it, including Ascended Extra, Voluntary Shapeshifting, and Start to Corpse.