The X Files universe in order The X-Files Marathon
Page Last Modified:
28 December 2025
Most Recent Release:
Season 11 - 2018
Total Runtime:
10088 Minutes
Total Items:
13
Average User Score:
(6.5)The X Files universe in order
From the first haunting notes of the theme song, you know this isn't just another binge-watch. The X-Files is more than just sci-fi; it's got a whole universe full of aliens, conspiracies, mysteries, and secrets. With 11 seasons, 2 movies, and a ton of plot twists, it can be a bit overwhelming to know where to start. Luckily, we've come up with the perfect viewing order for you. I'll avoid any major spoilers, but I can give you a general idea of the journey through the X-Files universe. Grab your popcorn and get ready for a look at the most famous paranormal files in FBI history.
-
1
The X-Files - Seasons 1 - 5 Tv Show 5321 1993 - 1997The 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.USER SCORE 7.6 -
2
The X-Files Movie 121 min. 1998Mulder and Scully, now taken off the FBI's X Files cases, must find a way to fight the shadowy elements of the government to find out the truth about a conspiracy that might mean the alien colonization of Earth.USER SCORE 7 -
3
The X-Files - Seasons 6 - 9 Tv Show 3839 1998 - 2001The 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.USER SCORE 7.2
-
4
The X Files: I Want to Believe Movie 104 min. 2008Mulder and Scully are called back to duty by the FBI when a former priest claims to be receiving psychic visions pertaining to a kidnapped agent.USER SCORE 6 -
5
The X-Files - Seasons 10 - 11 Tv Show 703 2016 - 2018The 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.USER SCORE 6.8
The X-Files Seasons 1-5
This is where it all starts: the legendary partnership of FBI agents Fox Mulder (David Duchovny) and Dana Scully (Gillian Anderson) as they tackle the enigmatic X-Files. From the first episode, you're thrown into a world of UFO sightings, cryptids, unsolved murders, and shadowy government cover-ups. Seasons 1 through 5 set the stage for the monster-of-the-week episodes (shoutout to Flukeman and Eugene Tooms), while also weaving in the alien abduction arc and the Samantha Mulder mystery. It's pure 90s sci-fi magic, mixing paranoia, mystery, and unexpected humor.
The X-Files: Fight the Future
After five seasons of hints and shadows, The X-Files makes its big-screen debut with Fight the Future. This film isn't just a side story—it's a must-see in your marathon. It starts up again right after season 5, and it takes the alien colonization storyline to the next level with a mysterious virus, some mysterious bees, and a super scary finale in Antarctica. Some familiar faces, like the Cigarette Smoking Man (William B. Davis), Walter Skinner (Mitch Pileggi), and The Syndicate, are back, and they're making the intrigue even deeper.
X-Files Seasons 6-9
After the events of "Fight the Future," Mulder and Scully go deeper into the conspiracy, but everything changes. Mysteries, shapeshifters, and supersoldiers are turning the world upside down. As the X-Files unit is examined more closely, the team changes: John Doggett (Robert Patrick) and Monica Reyes (Annabeth Gish) fill in while Mulder's MIA. Some fans think these seasons are a bit different, but they're actually really important to the overall story. Plus, they have some of the best episodes where the main characters solve a different mystery every week.
The X-Files: I Want to Believe
Time for a break, but don't miss this one. "I Want to Believe" is a standalone mystery set between seasons 9 and 10. It's more of a spiritual return than a direct continuation of the alien plotlines. It shows where Mulder and Scully are physically and mentally after the Syndicate's collapse. If you're into the Mulder-Scully vibe and the classic tension between skepticism and belief, this film is a must-see. Get that classic X-Files vibe, but in a modern setting.
The X-Files Seasons 10-11
The revival. The return. After years of waiting, you finally hear "The truth is out there" once more. In seasons 10 and 11, Mulder and Scully are back in a world full of deep-state cover-ups. Now they're also dealing with drones, fake news, and data leaks. The Cigarette Smoking Man is back, the hybrid colonist agenda is still going strong, and new players are bringing fresh twists to the never-ending conspiracy. Don't worry—the beloved monster-of-the-week episodes are back, and some of them are surprisingly meta and hilarious.
Why This Order Works
The chronological order outlined above not only makes sense, but it also feels like the natural progression of the X-Files cinematic universe. You start at the root of the mystery, build tension through the film, and then experience the slow unraveling and renewal of characters and themes. Watching "Fight the Future" between seasons 5 and 6 lets you experience the film as it was intended: a bridge between the old and new era. And what about 'I Want to Believe'? It gives you just enough time to catch your breath before diving into the grandeur of the revival.
Tips for Your Marathon
Plan wisely: the X-Files universe marathon is not a sprint but an atmospheric slow burn. You can mix long viewing days with shorter sessions, and include one or two monster-of-the-week episodes. Make sure you have snacks that fit the theme (like alien gummies), and get your couch comfy because you'll be there for a while. If your friends are joining you, be sure to set some ground rules: no skipping ahead, no asking questions during cryptic scenes, and definitely no spoilers.
What You Absolutely Must Not Miss
Pay close attention to recurring details like the black oil virus, the bees, and the mysterious Samantha Mulder. They might seem like they're just there, but they all pay off in the end. And then there are the Easter eggs: from Roswell references to Pentagon secrets and obscure recurring characters like the Lone Gunmen. Even if an episode seems like it's a standalone, there's usually more to it.
For Those Who Truly Belong in This Universe
Are you into series that have a lot of suspense, mystery, and the feeling that something is always just below the surface? Then you're going to be obsessed with the X-Files franchise. If you're into cryptids, monsters, government conspiracy thrillers, or pure sci-fi lore like alien-human hybrids and supersoldiers, you'll find something here that'll hit the spot. And let's be real: the dynamic between Mulder and Scully? Iconic.
Now, the marathon begins.
You have the order, the motivation, and the snacks. All that's left is to press Play. If you're checking out the X-Files for the first time or coming back for a fourth time to those creepy corridors under the Pentagon, this marathon has got you covered. It's got suspense, atmosphere, and conspiracies. The truth is out there. But first: one episode.