The 17 best The X-Files episodes that feature Aliens and the Alien Conspiracy

The X-Files was an iconic television show that captivated audiences with its masterful storytelling and gripping exploration of the unknown. At the heart of the show was its grand alien colonization theme, which added a level of depth and intrigue that elevated it above other shows of its time.

Through its portrayal of the vast, complex conspiracy of extraterrestrial life and its influence on Earth, The X-Files explored some of the most compelling themes of the 1990s. Its characters, particularly the dynamic duo of Mulder and Scully, were expertly crafted and brought to life by David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson, who imbued them with a sense of humanity and vulnerability that made them relatable to audiences.

But what really set The X-Files apart was its willingness to delve into the unknown and to explore the darker aspects of humanity's relationship with the unknown. Its portrayal of alien colonization was both haunting and awe-inspiring, tapping into our deepest fears and desires about what might be out there beyond our world. All while the Cancer Man hindered them at most turns...

The show's writing was expertly crafted, with each episode building on the overarching storyline of the alien conspiracy. The episodes were always gripping, leaving audiences on the edge of their seats as they explored the unknown, and the show's creators were never afraid to push the boundaries of what was possible.

The X-Files also tackled some of the most pressing issues of its time, such as government conspiracies, cover-ups, and the dangers of technology, all of which resonated deeply with audiences. 

All in all, The X-Files was a masterpiece of science fiction storytelling that left a profound impact on its viewers. Its grand alien colonization themes and stories, coupled with its masterful storytelling and unforgettable characters, made it one of the most compelling TV shows of the 1990s and a true cultural phenomenon that still endures to this day.

Here is a list of some of the best-reviewed and highest-rated episodes of The X-Files that feature aliens or the alien conspiracy:

1. "Pilot" (Season 1, Episode 1): The episode that started it all, "Pilot" introduces FBI agents Fox Mulder and Dana Scully as they investigate a series of unexplained deaths in Oregon. Mulder believes that the deaths are the result of an alien abduction, while Scully is more skeptical. The episode sets up the show's overarching theme of the search for the truth, and the dynamic between Mulder and Scully. Trivia: This episode was shot in only 12 days, and the production crew had to use fake rain due to the lack of actual rain in Vancouver, where the show was filmed.
2. "Duane Barry" (Season 2, Episode 5): In this episode, Mulder and Scully investigate the case of a man named Duane Barry, who claims to have been abducted by aliens multiple times. As they try to unravel the truth behind his story, Duane takes a group of people hostage and demands that he be taken to a UFO hot spot. The episode is notable for its intense action scenes and the introduction of a character who will have a major impact on the series' mythology. Trivia: This episode was directed by Chris Carter, the show's creator, and it won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Individual Achievement in Sound Editing.
3. "Anasazi" (Season 2, Episode 25): The first part of a three-episode arc that delves deep into the show's alien conspiracy, "Anasazi" sees Mulder discover a set of secret files that suggest that the government has been working with extraterrestrial beings for decades. As Mulder tries to uncover the truth, he finds himself pursued by a group of mysterious assassins. Meanwhile, Scully is investigating a man who may hold the key to the conspiracy. Trivia: This episode was originally intended to be the show's season finale, but the network ordered three additional episodes to be filmed after its completion.
4. "Nisei" (Season 3, Episode 9): The second part of the three-episode arc that began with "Anasazi," "Nisei" finds Mulder and Scully investigating a group of Japanese scientists who are working on a secret project involving alien technology. As they try to uncover the truth, they are pursued by a group of mysterious men in black. The episode is notable for its action-packed set pieces and its exploration of the show's overarching conspiracy. Trivia: The title of this episode refers to a Japanese term that roughly translates to "second generation," which is a reference to the Japanese-American scientists who are involved in the conspiracy.
5. "Memento Mori" (Season 4, Episode 14): In this episode, Scully discovers that she has cancer and begins to investigate a group of women who have also been diagnosed with the disease. Her investigation leads her to uncover a shocking truth about the alien conspiracy and its impact on her own life. Meanwhile, Mulder is trying to locate a cure for Scully's cancer. The episode is notable for its emotional intensity and its exploration of Scully's character. Trivia: This episode was written by Gillian Anderson, who plays Dana Scully, and it won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series.
6. "Patient X" (Season 5, Episode 13): The first part of a two-episode arc that delves even deeper into the show's alien conspiracy, "Patient X" sees Mulder and Scully investigating a group of Russians who have been in contact with extraterrestrial beings. As they try to uncover the truth, they come across a woman named Cassandra Spender, who claims to have been abducted by aliens multiple times. The episode is notable for its exploration of the character of Alex Krycek, a former FBI agent who has become embroiled in the conspiracy. Trivia: This episode marks the return of Chris Carter to the director's chair after a two-year hiatus.
7. "The Red and the Black" (Season 5, Episode 14): The second part of the two-episode arc that began with "Patient X," "The Red and the Black" sees Mulder and Scully continuing to investigate the Russian group and Cassandra Spender. They also come into contact with a group of alien-human hybrids, who may hold the key to the conspiracy. The episode is notable for its action-packed set pieces and its exploration of the show's mythology. Trivia: This episode was originally intended to be the season finale, but the network ordered additional episodes to be filmed after its completion.
8. "Two Fathers" (Season 6, Episode 11): The first part of a two-episode arc that explores the show's alien conspiracy in depth, "Two Fathers" sees Mulder and Scully investigating the mysterious disappearance of a group of scientists who were working on the conspiracy. As they try to uncover the truth, they come into contact with a group of alien-human hybrids, and Mulder discovers that his father may have been involved in the conspiracy. Trivia: This episode was the first to feature Mulder's new informant, a character known as "X."
9. "One Son" (Season 6, Episode 12): The second part of the two-episode arc that began with "Two Fathers," "One Son" sees Mulder and Scully continuing to investigate the alien conspiracy and the group of alien-human hybrids. They also come into contact with the mysterious Smoking Man, who may hold the key to the conspiracy. The episode is notable for its exploration of the show's mythology and its shocking revelations about the conspiracy. Trivia: This episode marks the final appearance of the character of Jeffrey Spender, played by Chris Owens.
10. "Requiem" (Season 7, Episode 22): In this episode, Mulder and Scully investigate a series of strange events that are taking place in a small town in Oregon. As they try to uncover the truth, Mulder is abducted by aliens, and Scully discovers that she may be pregnant. The episode is notable for its exploration of Mulder and Scully's relationship and its shocking cliffhanger ending. Trivia: This episode was the last to feature David Duchovny as a regular cast member, although he would continue to appear in guest roles throughout the series.



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11. "Within" (Season 8, Episode 1): The first episode of the eighth season sees Scully trying to locate Mulder, who is missing and presumed dead. As she investigates, she begins to uncover a new conspiracy involving the government and a mysterious group known as the "Super Soldiers." The episode is notable for its introduction of new characters and its exploration of the show's evolving mythology. Trivia: This episode marks the first appearance of Robert Patrick as John Doggett, a new character who joins the cast after David Duchovny's departure.
12. "The Truth" (Season 9, Episode 19/20): The two-part series finale of The X-Files sees Mulder and Scully investigating a new conspiracy involving the government and the alien invasion. As they try to uncover the truth, they come into contact with old allies and enemies, and must decide whether to trust the people around them. The episode is notable for its exploration of the show's mythology and its attempts to tie up loose ends from the series' run. Trivia: This episode was the last to feature Gillian Anderson as Dana Scully until the show's revival in 2016.
13. "My Struggle" (Season 10, Episode 1): The first episode of The X-Files revival sees Mulder and Scully reuniting to investigate a new conspiracy involving the government and the alien invasion. As they try to uncover the truth, they come into contact with old allies and enemies, and must navigate a world that has changed since their last investigation. The episode is notable for its attempts to update the show's mythology for a modern audience. Trivia: This episode was the first new episode of The X-Files in over 13 years, and was watched by over 16 million viewers when it first aired.
14. "Founder's Mutation" (Season 10, Episode 2): In this episode, Mulder and Scully investigate a scientist who has gone missing after working on a project involving human genetics. As they try to uncover the truth, they come into contact with a mysterious corporation that may be involved in the conspiracy. The episode is notable for its exploration of the show's mythology and its attempts to blend traditional X-Files themes with modern storytelling techniques. Trivia: This episode was directed by James Wong, who wrote several classic episodes of the original series.
15. "My Struggle II" (Season 10, Episode 6): The season finale of the revival sees Mulder and Scully racing to stop a global pandemic that is linked to the alien conspiracy. As they try to uncover the truth, they come into contact with old allies and enemies, and must fight against forces that are trying to keep the conspiracy hidden. The episode is notable for its attempts to update the show's mythology for a modern audience, and its shocking cliffhanger ending. Trivia: This episode was originally intended to be the series finale, but the show was renewed for an eleventh season in 2017.

    

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16. "Mythology Arc" (Season 11, Episodes 1-4): The eleventh season of The X-Files features a four-episode mythology arc that sees Mulder and Scully investigating a new conspiracy involving the government and the alien invasion. As they try to uncover the truth, they come into contact with old allies and enemies, and must navigate a world that has become even more dangerous since their last investigation. The arc is notable for its attempts to blend traditional X-Files themes with modern storytelling techniques. Trivia: This mythology arc was written by series creator Chris Carter and features the return of several classic X-Files characters.
17. "My Struggle IV" (Season 11, Episode 10): The series finale of The X-Files sees Mulder and Scully racing to stop a dangerous conspiracy that may be linked to the alien invasion. As they try to uncover the truth, they come into contact with old allies and enemies, and must make a final stand against the forces that seek to control the future of humanity. The episode is notable for its attempts to wrap up the series' many loose ends and its emotional final scenes between Mulder and Scully. Trivia: This episode was originally intended to be the final episode of The X-Files, and features the return of several classic characters from the show's past.

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