Like This Watch That: 20 Other Sci-Fi Shows Like The X-Files

The X-Files is one of the most iconic sci-fi shows of all time, with its mix of paranormal investigations, government conspiracies, and alien encounters. It ran for 11 seasons and spawned two movies, as well as several spin-offs and comics.

I am a diehard fan of the X-Files and have watched all 11 seasons completely, four times! I own it on DVD and Blu-ray and still watch it whenever it shows up on a streaming service.

If you are a fan of The X-Files and looking for more shows like it with supernatural intrigue, than checkout our hand picked list of 20 other sci-fi shows that are similar to The X-Files in some way. These are shows that feature mysterious cases, supernatural phenomena, complex characters, and thrilling twists.

What information is provided about each sci-fi show like the x-files in this selection?

• The show title and release years
• Youtube trailer of movie
• Number of Seasons
• A list of actors in the movie
• Genre
• The MPAA rating
• Link to the show in IMDb – For movie reviews, where to stream, ratings, trailers and lots more.
• A show summary

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20 Mysterious and Supernatural TV Shows Like The X-Files

1. Fringe (2008 – 2013)

• Number of Seasons: 5
• Cast: Anna Torv, Joshua Jackson, John Noble
• Genre: Drama, Mystery, Sci-Fi
• Rating: TV-14
• ‘Fringe’ on IMDb

A brilliant but troubled FBI agent teams up with a mad scientist and his son to investigate a series of bizarre and often deadly phenomena, known as “the Pattern”. Along the way, they discover a parallel universe, a secret war, and a mysterious corporation called Massive Dynamic.

2. Millennium (1996 – 1999)

• Number of Seasons: 3
• Cast: Lance Henriksen, Megan Gallagher, Terry O’Quinn
• Genre: Crime, Drama, Horror
• Rating: TV-14
• ‘Millennium’ on IMDb

A former FBI profiler with a unique ability to see into the minds of killers joins a mysterious group called the Millennium Group, which is dedicated to fighting the forces of evil and the impending apocalypse. However, he soon realizes that the group has its own dark agenda and secrets.

3. Warehouse 13 (2009 – 2014)

• Number of Seasons: 5
• Cast: Eddie McClintock, Joanne Kelly, Saul Rubinek
• Genre: Drama, Mystery, Sci-Fi
• Rating: TV-PG
• ‘Warehouse 13’ on IMDb

Two Secret Service agents are assigned to a top-secret warehouse that houses a collection of supernatural artifacts, each with a history and a power. They must retrieve, catalog, and protect these objects from falling into the wrong hands, while also dealing with the quirky personalities of their co-workers and the warehouse itself.

4. Supernatural (2005 – 2020)

• Number of Seasons: 15
• Cast: Jared Padalecki, Jensen Ackles, Misha Collins
• Genre: Drama, Fantasy, Horror
• Rating: TV-14
• ‘Supernatural’ on IMDb

Two brothers follow in their father’s footsteps as hunters of the supernatural, fighting demons, ghosts, monsters, and other creatures of the night. Along their journey, they encounter angels, prophets, the devil, and even God himself, as they try to save the world from an endless cycle of apocalyptic events.

5. Grimm (2011 – 2017)

• Number of Seasons: 6
• Cast: David Giuntoli, Russell Hornsby, Silas Weir Mitchell
• Genre: Drama, Fantasy, Horror
• Rating: TV-14
• ‘Grimm’ on IMDb

A homicide detective discovers he is a descendant of the Grimms, a lineage of guardians who can see the true form of creatures called Wesen, who live among humans. He uses his abilities and a collection of ancient books to solve crimes and protect the balance between humans and Wesen, while also dealing with his own personal and family issues.

6. Stranger Things (2016 – 2025)

• Number of Seasons: 5
• Cast: Winona Ryder, David Harbour, Finn Wolfhard
• Genre: Drama, Fantasy, Horror
• Rating: TV-14
• ‘Stranger Things’ on IMDb

A group of young friends in a small town in the 1980s get involved in a series of mysterious and dangerous events, involving a secret government experiment, a portal to another dimension, a telekinetic girl, and a terrifying monster. They must use their wits, courage, and friendship to survive and uncover the truth behind the strange things happening in their town

7. Twin Peaks (1990 – 1991)

• Number of Seasons: 2
• Cast: Kyle MacLachlan, Michael Ontkean, Mädchen Amick
• Genre: Crime, Drama, Mystery
• Rating: TV-MA
• ‘Twin Peaks’ on IMDb

A quirky FBI agent arrives in a small town to investigate the murder of a popular high school girl. He soon discovers that the town is full of secrets, mysteries, and supernatural forces, as well as a delicious cherry pie and a damn fine cup of coffee.

8. Gravity Falls (2012 – 2016)

• Number of Seasons: 2
• Cast: Jason Ritter, Alex Hirsch, Kristen Schaal
• Genre: Animation, Adventure, Comedy
• Rating: TV-Y7
• ‘Gravity Falls’ on IMDb

Two twins spend their summer vacation at their great-uncle’s tourist trap in a remote town called Gravity Falls. They soon realize that the town is not what it seems, as they encounter strange creatures, hidden codes, and a mysterious journal that reveals the town’s dark history and secrets.

9. Lost (2004 – 2010)

• Number of Seasons: 6
• Cast: Jorge Garcia, Josh Holloway, Yunjin Kim
• Genre: Adventure, Drama, Fantasy
• Rating: TV-14
• ‘Lost’ on IMDb

A plane crashes on a mysterious island, where the survivors must face dangerous animals, hostile natives, and each other, while also dealing with their own pasts and secrets. They soon discover that the island has many mysteries, such as a hatch, a smoke monster, a polar bear, and a mysterious group called the Others.

10. Evil (2019 – present)

• Number of Seasons: 4
• Cast: Katja Herbers, Mike Colter, Aasif Mandvi
• Genre: Crime, Drama, Horror
• Rating: TV-14
• ‘Evil’ on IMDb

A skeptical forensic psychologist joins forces with a priest-in-training and a contractor to investigate cases of alleged demonic possession, miracles, and other paranormal phenomena. They must also contend with a sinister organization, a mysterious serial killer, and their own personal demons.

11. Dark Skies (1996 – 1997)

• Number of Seasons: 1
• Cast: Eric Close, Megan Ward, J.T. Walsh
• Genre: Drama, Mystery, Sci-Fi
• Rating: TV-PG
• ‘Dark Skies’ on IMDb

A young congressional aide uncovers a secret history of UFOs and alien encounters, dating back to the 1940s. He joins a covert team of operatives who work to expose and stop the alien threat, while also dealing with the political and social turmoil of the 1960s.

12. Wayward Pines (2015 – 2016)

• Number of Seasons: 2
• Cast: Matt Dillon, Carla Gugino, Toby Jones
• Genre: Drama, Fantasy, Mystery
• Rating: TV-14
• ‘Wayward Pines’ on IMDb

A Secret Service agent wakes up in a strange town called Wayward Pines, where he is unable to contact the outside world or leave. He soon learns that the town is part of a sinister experiment, and that its residents are living under a strict set of rules enforced by a mysterious figure known as the First Generation

13. Battlestar Galactica (2004 – 2009)

• Number of Seasons: 4
• Cast: Edward James Olmos, Mary McDonnell, Jamie Bamber
• Genre: Action, Adventure, Drama
• Rating: TV-14
• ‘Battlestar Galactica’ on IMDb

A ragtag fleet of human survivors flees from a genocidal war with the robotic Cylons, who can take human form and infiltrate their ranks. Led by the last remaining battleship, the Galactica, they search for a mythical planet called Earth, while also dealing with their own political, religious, and moral conflicts.

14. The Lone Gunmen (2001)

• Number of Seasons: 1
• Cast: Bruce Harwood, Tom Braidwood, Dean Haglund
• Genre: Drama, Mystery, Sci-Fi
• Rating: TV-14
• ‘The Lone Gunmen’ on IMDb

A spin-off of The X-Files, this show follows the adventures of three conspiracy theorists and hackers who run a underground newspaper and expose government and corporate secrets. They often get involved in dangerous and hilarious situations, and sometimes cross paths with Mulder and Scully.

15. Black Mirror (2011 – present)

• Number of Seasons: 7
• Cast: Various, each episode has different casts
• Genre: Drama, Sci-Fi, Thriller
• Rating: TV-MA
• ‘Black Mirror’ on IMDb

A anthology series that explores the dark and twisted aspects of technology and human nature, often with dystopian and satirical themes. Each episode tells a standalone story, featuring different characters, settings, and genres, but all sharing a common thread of how technology can affect our lives in unexpected and disturbing ways.

16. Torchwood (2006 – 2011)

• Number of Seasons: 4
• Cast: John Barrowman, Eve Myles, Burn Gorman
• Genre: Action, Drama, Sci-Fi
• Rating: TV-MA
• ‘Torchwood’ on IMDb

A spin-off of Doctor Who, this show follows the exploits of a secret organization called Torchwood, which deals with alien threats and other paranormal phenomena. Led by the charismatic and mysterious Captain Jack Harkness, the team uses alien technology and their own skills to protect the Earth from various dangers.

17. Firefly (2002 – 2003)

• Number of Seasons: 1
• Cast: Nathan Fillion, Gina Torres, Alan Tudyk
• Genre: Adventure, Drama, Sci-Fi
• Rating: TV-14
• ‘Firefly’ on IMDb

A cult classic, this show is set in a future where humanity has colonized a new star system, but is ruled by a tyrannical regime called the Alliance. The show focuses on the crew of a small spaceship called Serenity, who take on various jobs, legal or illegal, while also evading the Alliance and other enemies. The show mixes elements of sci-fi, western, and comedy genres.

18. Eureka (2006 – 2012)

• Number of Seasons: 5
• Cast: Colin Ferguson, Salli Richardson-Whitfield, Erica Cerra
• Genre: Adventure, Comedy, Drama
• Rating: TV-PG
• ‘Eureka’ on IMDb

A lighthearted and quirky show, this show is set in a fictional town called Eureka, where the most brilliant minds in America work on cutting-edge scientific projects for a secretive organization called Global Dynamics. The show follows the adventures of the town’s sheriff, who often has to deal with the consequences of the experiments gone wrong, as well as the eccentric and lovable residents of Eureka.

19. 12 Monkeys (2015 – 2018)

• Number of Seasons: 4
• Cast: Aaron Stanford, Amanda Schull, Noah Bean
• Genre: Adventure, Drama, Mystery
• Rating: TV-14
• ’12 Monkeys’ on IMDb

A time traveler from a post-apocalyptic future is sent back to the present to stop a deadly virus that wipes out most of humanity. He teams up with a virologist and a mental patient to track down the source of the virus, a mysterious organization called the Army of the 12 Monkeys.

20. Hannibal (2013 – 2015)

• Number of Seasons: 3
• Cast: Mads Mikkelsen, Hugh Dancy, Caroline Dhavernas
• Genre: Crime, Drama, Horror
• Rating: TV-MA
• ‘Hannibal’ on IMDb

 

A psychological thriller based on the novels by Thomas Harris, this show follows the complex relationship between a gifted FBI profiler and a brilliant psychiatrist, who is secretly a cannibalistic serial killer. The show explores themes of morality, manipulation, and obsession, as the two men engage in a deadly cat-and-mouse game.

And it stars Gillian Anderson from The X-Files!

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We hope you liked this list of 20 sci-fi shows that are similar to The X-Files and found something to binge watch next.

If you love aliens and UFOs, checkout these two articles:
25 UFO Movies Like Fire in the Sky
25 Best Sci-Fi Alien Movies That Stand the Test of Time

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