The X-Files (1993)

Kernel Score: 91% · 3,466 ratings

Genres: Mystery, Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Crime

First aired: 1993-09-10

Seasons: 11 · 218 episodes

Is The X-Files worth watching?

Must-watch. Two FBI agents investigate paranormal cases, one believer and one sceptic. The best episodes are creepy and clever, and the long alien mystery hooked a generation. The strongest seasons hold up; the later ones less so.

Watch it if you

  • like paranormal mysteries
  • enjoy a two-hander partnership
  • are happy to dip into standalone episodes

Skip it if you

  • want tight, serialized plotting
  • dislike dated 90s TV

Best for: Binge weekend

Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.

Where to watch The X-Files

  • Stream: Disney+, Hulu
  • Free with ads: Pluto TV
  • Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, Fandango At Home

US availability, updated 2026-10-23.

Overview

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.

The X-Files parents' guide: ages 12+

Parents need to know that this TV-14 sci-fi mystery series about paranormal FBI investigations includes scary, disturbing content and monster-of-the-week horror.

  • Violence & scariness: Strong — Investigations into the paranormal, monsters, and murders include disturbing, frightening, and sometimes gory imagery.
  • Sex, romance & nudity: A little — Sexual content is minimal and restrained for the TV-14 rating.
  • Language: Some — Language is moderate, consistent with the TV-14 rating.

Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official TV-14 rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.

Shows like The X-Files

If you liked The X-Files, these are the shows we'd watch next.

  • Fringe (2008) — 91%: Same FBI-meets-weird-science formula with a strong long story.
  • Millennium (1996) — 86%: Dark, moody show from the same creator.
  • Supernatural (2005) — 92%: Monster-of-the-week show with a loyal duo.
  • Dark (2017) — 93%: Twisty, mysterious sci-fi puzzle.
  • Severance (2022) — 96%: Eerie, high-concept mystery that rewards close viewing.
  • Unsolved Mysteries (1988) — 87%: Real-life mysteries and the unexplained.

Cast

  • David Duchovny as Fox Mulder
  • Gillian Anderson as Dana Scully
  • Mitch Pileggi as Walter Skinner

The X-Files FAQ

Is The X-Files worth watching?

Must-watch. Two FBI agents investigate paranormal cases, one believer and one sceptic. The best episodes are creepy and clever, and the long alien mystery hooked a generation. The strongest seasons hold up; the later ones less so.

Where can I watch The X-Files?

In the US you can stream The X-Files on Disney+ and Hulu, watch it free with ads on Pluto TV and buy it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and Fandango At Home.

Is The X-Files OK for kids?

The X-Files is rated TV-14. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 12+. Parents need to know that this TV-14 sci-fi mystery series about paranormal FBI investigations includes scary, disturbing content and monster-of-the-week horror.

What shows are like The X-Files?

If you liked The X-Files, try Fringe, Millennium, Supernatural and Dark.