Where to start
The X-Files
2 versions · originally a series, 1993
Themes: Government Conspiracy, Skepticism vs. Belief, The Unexplained, Alien Abduction, Trust No One.
The X-Files is a definitive procedural saga centered on the friction between Mulder’s paranormal belief and Scully’s scientific skepticism.
✦ Most fans start here
The X-Files (1993)

The original tv
✦ Start hereThe X-Files
Chris Carter · Series · 1993
The X-Files (1993) serves as the foundational television series that establishes the iconic partnership between Mulder and Scully, offering episodic investigations perfect for viewers who enjoy slow-burn paranormal mystery storytelling.

1998 film
The X-Files
Rob Bowman · Film · 1998
The X-Files (1998) movie functions as a high-stakes cinematic expansion of the television series, providing a bridge for those who want to see the agents confront a global government conspiracy.
Common questions
What order should I watch The X-Files in?
You should begin by watching the television series The X-Files, which debuted in 1993. The 1998 movie titled The X-Files was released later and serves as a continuation of the narrative established within the primary television series.
Is The X-Files movie a reboot of the series?
No, the 1998 movie titled The X-Files is not a reboot. It is a feature-length production that follows the events of the 1993 television series The X-Files, maintaining the established continuity of the show's original story and characters.
How long is the original run of The X-Files?
The television series The X-Files premiered in 1993. It consists of multiple seasons of broadcast television. Following the start of the show, a feature film titled The X-Files was released in 1998 to expand upon the material presented in the television series.
Should I watch The X-Files movie before finishing the show?
The 1998 movie titled The X-Files is designed to be viewed in conjunction with the 1993 television series The X-Files. It is recommended to watch the series first to understand the context and the development of the story before viewing the 1998 film.