Across its 1993-2002 run, The X-Files popularized the “monster of the week” format and proved that sci-fi and supernatural stories could be prestige television. Week after week, audiences tuned in to watch Mulder (David Duchovny) and Scully (Gillian Anderson) investigate eerie cases that blended paranoia, procedural drama, and the unexplainable into something addictive.
While The X-Files is in many ways inimitable, its legacy has been undeniable. From its meticulous mix of serialized myth arcs and standalone episodes to its eerie blend of horror and science fiction, the show’s influence can be felt across decades of television. Dozens of series – and even a few that aired before The X-Files wrapped – owe something to the world Chris Carter created.
The best TV shows like The X-Files take its winning formula and give it their own spin – whether that’s through a Mulder/Scully-style character pairing, inventive “monster of the week” cases, or an equally gripping overarching mystery. These shows both prove The X-Files formula still works brilliantly, and – in many cases – that it can even be improved upon.
10
Kolchak: The Night Stalker (1974-1975)
The Show That Paved The Way For The X-Files
Before Mulder and Scully, there was Carl Kolchak (Darren McGavin) – a hard-nosed newspaper reporter investigating bizarre, supernatural crimes the authorities would rather ignore. Kolchak: The Night Stalker didn’t last long, but its influence was massive. Chris Carter has openly cited it as a direct inspiration for The X-Files.
Kolchak’s weekly cases ranged from vampires and werewolves to stranger, more imaginative monsters, with a tone that balanced horror and humor. Like The X-Files, each episode worked as a complete, self-contained mystery while building the myth of its protagonist’s unusual beat.
Even though it aired decades earlier, the show’s DNA is all over The X-Files – from the cynical treatment of official cover-ups to the way horror can be effectively told in a TV procedural format. For fans of The X-Files who want to see its roots, Kolchak: The Night Stalker is a fascinating and entertaining watch.
9
Lost Girl (2011-2015)
A Supernatural Procedural With Its Own Seductive Twist
Lost Girl follows Bo (Anna Silk), a succubus who discovers she’s part of a hidden world of Fae creatures. While it leans heavily into urban fantasy, the series mirrors The X-Files in its episodic “case of the week” structure alongside a slow-burning mythology arc.
Instead of Mulder and Scully, Bo is flanked by human doctor Lauren (Zoie Palmer) and mischievous shapeshifter Dyson (Kris Holden-Ried), creating a dynamic that blends personal stakes with supernatural investigation. Like The X-Files, the cases often serve as metaphors for identity, morality, and trust.
With a distinctive mix of folklore, detective work, and dark humor, Lost Girl offers the same genre-bending appeal that made The X-Files iconic, but with a steamier, more adult tone and a notably irreverent edge. It’s a great choice for viewers who enjoy monster hunting but want a modern fantasy spin.
8
Wynonna Earp (2016-2021)
A Monster-Hunting Western With Attitude
Wynonna Earp reimagines supernatural investigation through a Wild West lens, following the great-great-granddaughter of Wyatt Earp (Melanie Scrofano) as she battles revenants – reincarnated outlaws – with a magical gun. While the setting differs, its DNA shares much with The X-Files.
Like Mulder and Scully, Wynonna has a clear belief in the supernatural, but she’s paired with allies who bring grounded perspectives, from her sister Waverly (Dominique Provost-Chalkley) to Agent Dolls (Shamier Anderson). This balance of skepticism and conviction keeps the character dynamics sharp.
The “monster of the week” style episodes allow for creative, eerie foes while the overarching curse storyline maintains high stakes. With its mix of horror, humor, and heartfelt character beats, Wynonna Earp scratches the same itch as The X-Files while delivering its own unique flavor.
7
Millennium (1996-1999)
Chris Carter’s Darker, More Disturbing Follow-Up
Created by Chris Carter himself, Millennium follows Frank Black (Lance Henriksen), a former FBI profiler with the ability to see into the minds of criminals. Although more grounded in real-world horror than The X-Files, it shares the same moody atmosphere and procedural-meets-serialized structure.
The series explores everything from apocalyptic cults to grotesque serial killers, often dipping into supernatural territory. Frank’s work with the mysterious Millennium Group mirrors Mulder’s battles against shadowy organizations. Plus, it takes place in The X-Files universe too.
With its bleak tone and psychological depth, Millennium offers a grittier alternative for The X-Files fans who enjoyed its scariest episodes. It’s a slow burn, but when it hits, it’s as chilling and thought-provoking as anything Mulder and Scully faced.
6
Grimm (2011-2017)
A Police Procedural With Fairy Tale Monsters
Grimm focuses on homicide detective Nick Burkhardt (David Giuntoli), who discovers he’s a Grimm – a guardian tasked with keeping the balance between humanity and mythological Wesen creatures. Each case mixes real-world crime investigation with supernatural threats, much like The X-Files.
The Mulder/Scully dynamic is replaced here by Nick’s grounded police partner Hank (Russell Hornsby) and comic-relief ally Monroe (Silas Weir Mitchell), a reformed Blutbad. Their banter and trust mirror the heart of The X-Files’ partnerships.
While Grimm leans more into fantasy than conspiracy, it thrives on the same blend of creepy creature encounters and overarching lore. For those who love The X-Files’ procedural rhythm but want a more mythical flavor, Grimm is a perfect fit.
5
Warehouse 13 (2009-2014)
A Lighter, Quirkier Take On Supernatural Investigation
While the tone is quite detached from The X-Files, Syfy’s Warehouse 13 is in many ways a true spiritual sucessor. Warehouse 13 centers on Secret Service agents Pete (Eddie McClintock) and Myka (Joanne Kelly) as they track down supernatural artifacts for a top-secret government facility.
The Mulder/Scully-style partnership is immediate, with Pete’s intuition contrasting Myka’s rule-following precision. The show’s tone is more comedic than The X-Files, but it still delivers suspenseful mysteries and clever sci-fi twists. Each episode’s artifact hunt mirrors the “monster of the week” format, keeping things fresh.
Fans who appreciate The X-Files’ mix of episodic adventures and overarching storylines will find a lot to enjoy here – just with more banter, pop culture references, and a dash of steampunk flair.
4
Evil (2019-2024)
The Scariest Procedural On Modern TV
Evil blends The X-Files’ investigative structure with horror that pushes into deeply unsettling territory. The core characters are skeptical psychologist Kristen Bouchard (Katja Herbers), priest-in-training David Acosta (Mike Colter), and tech expert Ben Shakir (Aasif Mandvi). As they investigate supposed miracles, possessions, and hauntings, Evil quickly sets itself apart from other similar shows.
The Mulder/Scully dynamic is alive here, with Kristen’s rational approach constantly clashing with David’s faith. Their cases often straddle the line between psychological explanation and genuine supernatural evil.
Like The X-Files, Evil excels at ambiguity, leaving viewers questioning whether events are explainable or truly otherworldly. It’s also unafraid to go darker and stranger than most network procedurals, making it a modern must-watch for X-Files fans.
3
Buffy The Vampire Slayer (1997-2003)
Genre TV At Its Sharpest And Most Heartfelt
One of the first shows to draw inspiration from The X-Files playbook, Buffy The Vampire Slayer follows Buffy Summers (Sarah Michelle Gellar) as she battles demons, vampires, and apocalypses while navigating high school and beyond. While it leans more toward fantasy, it shares The X-Files’ blend of monster-hunting, serialized arcs, and witty character interplay.
Buffy doesn’t feature a Mulder and Scully-like duo, but the “Scooby Gang” is a more than acceptable substitute. Buffy’s core team mixes believers, skeptics, and specialists, each bringing different strengths to the fight. Episodes often use supernatural foes as metaphors for real-world fears.
Both shows balance stand-alone “monster of the week” episodes with high-stakes myth arcs, creating an addictive rhythm. If The X-Files perfected supernatural procedural storytelling, Buffy proved it could be just as emotionally resonant.
2
Supernatural (2005-2020)
The Ultimate Monster-Hunting Road Trip
By now a household name almost as much as The X-Files itself, Supernatural follows brothers Sam (Jared Padalecki) and Dean Winchester (Jensen Ackles) as they crisscross America battling ghosts, demons, and urban legends. The early seasons in particular mirror The X-Files’ investigative structure almost exactly, with “monster of the week” cases leading into a larger myth arc.
Mulder and Scully were the essential duo of supernatural investigators of their era, and the same can be said for Sam and Dean a decade later. Like Mulder and Scully, the Winchesters’ dynamic – one more skeptical, one more open to the supernatural – drives the storytelling. The show also isn’t afraid to blend horror, humor, and heartbreaking drama.
Supernatural’s 15-season run proves the enduring appeal of The X-Files-style storytelling. Fans who crave a sprawling, character-driven series that still delivers creepy stand-alone cases will find a lot to love here.
1
Fringe (2008-2013)
Just As Good As The X-Files In Its Own Way
Not only is Fringe perhaps the best show out there like The X-Files, it’s also perhaps the most similar. Originally airing on Fox, Fringe follows FBI agent Olivia Dunham (Anna Torv), eccentric scientist Walter Bishop (John Noble), and his son Peter (Joshua Jackson) as they investigate strange phenomena for a secretive division of the Bureau.
Like The X-Files, Fringe balances freak-of-the-week cases with a deep, serialized mythology. The Olivia/Peter/Walter trio offers a fresh take on the Mulder/Scully partnership, with equal parts science, skepticism, and emotional depth. The cases often involve cutting-edge (and terrifying) fringe science, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.
By its later seasons, Fringe fully embraces its sci-fi epic side, but never loses the investigative core that makes it feel like a natural companion to The X-Files. For some fans, it’s every bit as good.
The X-Files
8/10
- Release Date
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1993 – 2018-00-00
- Network
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FOX
- Showrunner
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Chris Carter
- Directors
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Chris Carter
- Writers
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Chris Carter
- Franchise(s)
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The X-Files