16 Mind-Bending Mystery Movies Like The X-Files

The X-Files is a beloved TV series that captivated audiences with its intriguing mix of crime, drama, mystery, sci-fi, and thriller elements. The show follows two FBI agents, Fox Mulder and Dana Scully, as they investigate the strange and unexplained. With its alien conspiracy, paranormal phenomenon, and romantic tension between Mulder and Scully, The X-Files became an iconic part of pop culture. Now, imagine taking the essence of The X-Files and expanding it onto the big screen. That's exactly what The X Files does. Released in 1998, this cinematic adaptation brings Mulder and Scully's supernatural investigations to a wider audience. The movie builds upon the show's key topics, such as government conspiracies and alien encounters, while introducing a new storyline centered around an alien colonization of Earth. With a longer runtime, The X Files offers fans a more immersive experience, allowing them to delve deeper into the thrilling world of Mulder and Scully.

The X Files: I Want to Believe is a movie that brings back the dynamic duo of Mulder and Scully, as they are called back to duty by the FBI to investigate a former priest's psychic visions. While the original X-Files series had a cult following and was known for its complex storylines and compelling characters, this movie falls short in comparison. It seems like the creators struggled to come up with a script worthy of the show's legacy, resulting in a piece of doo-doo, as one reviewer charmingly put it. Unlike the TV series, which was like watching an engrossing mini-movie every week, this movie feels chintzy and lacks the grandeur that movies are supposed to have. The actors, although slightly embarrassed to be there, do their best with the material they're given. In the end, it's hard to understand why they decided to make this movie after a six-year hiatus if they weren't going to do it right.

Without a Trace, released in 2002, bears some resemblance to The X-Files. Both shows fall under the genres of Crime, Drama, Mystery, and Thriller. While The X-Files focuses on FBI agents investigating the paranormal and alien conspiracy, Without a Trace centers around the FBI's Missing Persons Squad, utilizing advanced psychological profiling to unveil the lives of missing individuals. Though the tone and subject matter differ, both shows capture the intrigue and suspense of FBI investigations. The X-Files is known for its romantic tension between the main characters, Mulder and Scully, while Without a Trace explores a romantic dynamic between Poppy and Eric Close. Despite these distinctions, fans of The X-Files will appreciate the captivating storytelling and character-driven narratives of Without a Trace.

Blindspot, released in 2015, is reminiscent of The X-Files. Both shows fall under the genres of Crime, Drama, Mystery, Sci-Fi, and Thriller, and they share a common theme of investigation. While The X-Files follows FBI agents who investigate paranormal phenomena and alien conspiracies, Blindspot revolves around a woman found in Times Square with no memory and mysterious tattoos on her body. The similarities lie in their intriguing premises and the twists and turns that keep viewers engaged. The X-Files captivated audiences with its complex characters, romantic tension, and a grand conspiracy involving aliens. Similarly, Blindspot hooks viewers with its one-woman army, martial arts, and a captivating mystery that unfolds with each episode. However, Blindspot brings a fresh twist to the genre by incorporating tattoo artistry and a satisfying finale that wraps up the story.

Brigham City is reminiscent of The X-Files in the sense that both are crime dramas with mysterious elements. While The X-Files focuses on FBI agents investigating the paranormal, Brigham City revolves around a small-town sheriff searching for a serial killer. Despite their different settings and storylines, both movies share a common theme of unraveling mysteries and uncovering hidden truths. The X-Files captivates audiences with its romantic tension and complex characters, while Brigham City captivates with its portrayal of a small community shattered by a spree of murders. While The X-Files delves into alien conspiracies and the supernatural, Brigham City provides glimpses into Mormon culture without attempting to convert viewers. In terms of style, Brigham City feels more professional and polished than Richard Dutcher's previous film, God's Army, and it doesn't follow the typical Hollywood formula. The movie's attention to detail, depth of characters, and use of camera angles and music create a sense of suspicion and intrigue.

The Event is reminiscent of The X-Files, with its FBI agents investigating conspiracies and paranormal phenomena. However, The Event takes a slightly different approach by focusing on a man searching for his missing girlfriend and stumbling upon a government conspiracy bigger than the President himself. While The X-Files had a more sci-fi and supernatural tone, The Event adds a political twist with its emphasis on political and alien conspiracies. Both shows have their own charm and intriguing storylines, making them worth a watch for fans of thrilling mysteries and government cover-ups.

The Beast, released in 2009, is reminiscent of The X-Files. Both shows revolve around the adventures of FBI agents, but with their own unique twist. The X-Files follows Fox Mulder, the believer, and Dana Scully, the skeptic, as they investigate paranormal phenomena and alien conspiracies. On the other hand, The Beast introduces us to a veteran FBI agent who is assigned a new partner, unaware that the partner was recruited to investigate the veteran's activities. While The X-Files focuses on the strange and unexplained, The Beast delves into the world of crime and mystery. Despite their differences, both shows capture the tension and excitement of FBI investigations. So if you enjoyed The X-Files, you should definitely give The Beast a watch and see how it puts a fresh spin on the genre.

Criminal Minds: Suspect Behavior is reminiscent of The X-Files, but with a darker twist. While The X-Files followed two FBI agents investigating the strange and unexplained, Criminal Minds: Suspect Behavior focuses on a team from the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Behavioral Analysis Unit, using profiling to catch horrific serial killers and unidentifiable subjects on the streets of San Francisco. Both shows delve into the world of crime, mystery, and the intricacies of law enforcement. However, Criminal Minds: Suspect Behavior takes a more intense and thrilling approach, with a grittier atmosphere. Forest Whitaker leads the team with his commanding presence, adding a touch of gravitas to the series. The chemistry among the cast members may not be as strong as that of Mulder and Scully, but the show still manages to deliver intriguing storylines and captivating character dynamics.

Perception is a captivating series that shares some intriguing similarities with The X-Files. Both shows dive into the realm of crime, drama, mystery, and thriller, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats. While The X-Files explores alien conspiracy and paranormal phenomena, Perception takes a different approach by following the fascinating journey of Dr. Daniel Pierce, an eccentric neuropsychiatrist who helps the federal government solve complex criminal cases. The main characters in both shows are exceptionally portrayed, with David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson mesmerizing us as Mulder and Scully, and Eric McCormack delivering a stellar performance as Dr. Pierce. Although the X-Files' story is filled with Gothic atmosphere and a grand conspiracy involving aliens, Perception offers a fresh perspective with its college campus setting and a brilliant professor navigating the intricacies of the human mind. If you enjoyed the captivating tension and investigative storytelling of The X-Files, Perception is a must-watch that will leave you eagerly craving for more.

Clarice is a series that premiered in 2021 and is reminiscent of The X-Files. Both shows revolve around FBI agents investigating mysterious and unexplained phenomena. While The X-Files had a focus on alien conspiracy and paranormal investigation, Clarice dives into the personal story of FBI agent Clarice Starling, known from the iconic movie "The Silence of the Lambs." Both shows create a captivating atmosphere, with The X-Files presenting a Gothic ambiance of forests, fog, and darkness, while Clarice maintains a thrilling and suspenseful tone. The chemistry between the main characters is a highlight in both series, with Mulder and Scully's romantic tension leaving a lasting impression, while Clarice Starling's resilience and determination captivate the audience. The X-Files had a grand overarching conspiracy, while Clarice focuses more on individual investigations.

Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders is reminiscent of The X-Files in a few ways. Both shows follow agents as they investigate mysterious and unexplained events. While The X-Files focuses on paranormal phenomena, Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders centers around criminal investigations in foreign countries. Both shows feature a team of agents working together to uncover the truth. However, there are some notable differences between the two. The X-Files is more focused on the supernatural and has a darker, gothic atmosphere, while Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders has a more action-packed and adventurous tone. Additionally, The X-Files has a strong romantic tension between its main characters, Mulder and Scully, whereas Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders focuses more on the procedural aspect of solving crimes. Despite these differences, if you enjoyed the thrilling investigations and intriguing plotlines of The X-Files, you'll likely find Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders to be an exciting and captivating watch.

FBI: Procedural drama about the inner workings of the New York office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. While "FBI" may not have the same alien conspiracies and paranormal investigations as "The X-Files," it shares a common thread with its predecessor: the exploration of the mysterious and the unexplained. Both shows follow dedicated agents as they navigate through the unknown, albeit in different contexts. While Mulder and Scully delved into the world of the supernatural, the agents in "FBI" tackle the real-life mysteries of crime and terrorism. Despite their differences, both shows captivate audiences with their intricate storylines and intriguing characters. So, if you're a fan of the X-Files and crave another dose of suspenseful investigations, "FBI" is the perfect show to watch. Just remember, this time, the truth they're seeking may be a little closer to home.

FBI: Most Wanted is reminiscent of The X-Files, not only because they both involve FBI agents, but also because they both delve into the world of crime, mystery, and the unexplained. While The X-Files focuses on alien conspiracies and paranormal phenomena, FBI: Most Wanted follows the division of the FBI tasked with tracking and capturing notorious criminals on the FBI's Most Wanted list. Both shows have a captivating and tension-filled atmosphere, with intriguing storylines and complex characters. However, they differ in their genres, with The X-Files being a mix of crime, drama, mystery, sci-fi, and thriller, while FBI: Most Wanted falls under action, crime, drama, mystery, and thriller. Additionally, The X-Files has a longer history, having been released in 1996, while FBI: Most Wanted is a more recent series from 2020.

Betrayed, released in 1988, is a crime drama thriller that shares some common elements with The X-Files. Both movies involve an FBI agent who goes undercover to investigate a dangerous group. In Betrayed, Debra Winger plays an FBI agent who poses as a combine driver and becomes romantically involved with a Midwest farmer involved in white supremacy. Similarly, in The X-Files, David Duchovny portrays an FBI agent named Fox Mulder who, along with his skeptical partner Dana Scully, investigates paranormal phenomena and a hidden conspiracy.
While both movies deal with FBI agents infiltrating dangerous groups, Betrayed takes a more realistic approach compared to the supernatural and paranormal elements of The X-Files. The plot of Betrayed revolves around extremism and white supremacy in rural Texas, while The X-Files explores alien conspiracy and paranormal phenomenon on a much larger scale.

Hero and the Terror is reminiscent of The X-Files in a few ways. Both movies involve FBI agents dealing with crime and investigating mysterious cases. However, while The X-Files focuses on alien conspiracies and paranormal phenomena, Hero and the Terror takes a different approach, with the protagonist facing off against a serial killer. The X-Files creates a Gothic atmosphere with its dark and eerie settings, while Hero and the Terror opts for a more action-oriented tone. Despite their differences, both movies keep viewers engaged with thrilling plots and memorable characters. If you enjoyed the suspense and tension of The X-Files, you should definitely give Hero and the Terror a watch for a different, yet equally captivating, crime-solving experience.