The 10 Scariest Episodes Of ‘The X-Files’
The X-Files first premiered in 1993 and changed the television landscape in the process. It’s arguably best known for delving into aliens and the worst kinds of government conspiracies and coverups. Still, Scully (Gillian Anderson) and Mulder’s (David Duchovny) supernatural investigations leave a lot of room for horror.
In fact, the “Monster of the Week” episodes were often more successful (and beloved) than its mythology installments, which saw a quality decline not long after The X-Files’ first movie in 1998. The series tackled everything from folklore legends to the classic monsters first popularized in the pages of Gothic literature. The aesthetic of dark rooms illuminated solely by flashlight beams only added to the fear factor. While narrowing down The X-Files’ scariest episodes is certainly challenging, here are some of the best.
“Squeeze”—Season 1, Episode 3
The X-Files’ first Monster of the Week episode set the bar high. Eugene Tooms, a man possessing regenerative powers and the supernatural ability to stretch his body, remains one of the show’s fan-favorite villains. The aptly named “Squeeze” takes the home invasion trope to a new level. As Mulder says, it doesn’t matter if windows and doors are locked—Tooms can get in anyway.
While Tooms returns later in Season 1, Episode 21, “Tooms,” his debut appearance is his most memorable. Scully’s climactic battle against him is as tense as it is terrifying. Without Mulder’s intervention, she may have even fallen victim to the liver-eating monster.
“Ice”—Season 1, Episode 8
“Ice” has Scully and Mulder investigating parasitic worms that turn their hosts violent and untrusting. The episode is essentially a retelling of John Carpenter’s The Thing. However, The X-Files manages to put its own spin on the story, resulting in its well-deserved spot on many “best of” lists.
The episode’s scares largely stem from its setting. An Alaskan research base’s snowy, claustrophobic confinements make for good horror, especially with an elusive danger lurking. Paranoia becomes the star player, with Scully and Mulder’s early partnership put to the test.
“Irresistible”—Season 2, Episode 13
The X-Files creator Chris Carter cited “Irresistible” as one of the show’s scariest episodes. It makes sense. The episode focuses on Donnie Pfaster, a mortician who kills in order to expand his collection of hair and fingernails. He takes a particular interest in Scully’s red hair and sets about claiming her as his next victim.
The subject matter is tough, with the violence against women even bothering Scully. Pfaster’s return in Season 7’s “Orison” delivers an ambiguous but supernatural-leaning conclusion. However, his first appearance is a chilling reminder that humans are worse than fantastical ones.
“Die Hand Die Verletzt”—Season 2, Episode 14
Mulder and Scully largely step aside in “Die Hand Die Verletzt,” allowing the focus to remain on Satan-worshiping high school teachers. It’s a unique premise that becomes even more intriguing when the supposed Devil also rolls into town under the guise of the unassuming (and scene-stealing) Mrs. Paddock.
The episode isn’t short on dark themes. Allegations of sexual abuse and mutilations pull from the “Satanic Panic” that gripped America in the ’80s and ’90s. There are also fetal pig autopsies, blood, gore, and lots of snakes. Still, The X-Files manages to balance its scares with a little black comedy and social commentary.
“Grotesque”—Season 3, Episode 14
The X-Files gives audiences a long, hard look at how Mulder earned his “spooky” moniker in “Grotesque.” The episode begins with the FBI duo investigating a case of possible demonic possession as requested by Mulder’s former mentor. The abundant gargoyle sculptures are chilling enough, but the true terror comes in the episode’s exploration of madness.
The prospect of a hero becoming the very monster they contest is on full display here. Mulder flirts with this dark side and nearly falls in entirely, with David Duchovny’s performance really selling the story. Mulder has a penchant for delving headfirst into his work, and the episode calls out the dangers of spending too much time in the darkness.
“Home”—Season 4, Episode 2
No “scariest episodes” list is complete without the addition of “Home.” The episode lives in infamy thanks to its TV-MA rating and three-year network television ban for its “Viewer Discretion Advised” content. It’s not surprising, really. “Home” tackles topics like infanticide, incest, and violent murders.
What lurks inside the Peacock family’s inconspicuous-looking farmhouse is nothing short of disturbing. It keeps pace with the very best of rural horror stories, from The Hills Have Eyes to The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, while delivering a clever tale about the twisting of the American Dream.
“Detour”—Season 5, Episode 4
Scully and Mulder blow off a team-building seminar to assist in the hunt for a mysterious predator in “Detour.” The episode has a Predator-like feel as camouflaging “creatures” with glowing red eyes quickly pick off unsuspecting prey one by one.
Even with its suspense, “Detour” balances its story with humor. Scully and Mulder’s flirtations are at one of their all-time highs, offering a bit of lightness in the otherwise creepy storyline. Still, the creatures’ penchant for lurking in shadows will surely have audiences peering over their shoulders into the darkest corners of their living rooms.
“Chinga”—Season 5, Episode 10
Stephen King penned the story for “Chinga”, an episode that has Scully investigating a series of bizarre killings linked to a little girl’s unassuming doll. The episode is not without controversy. Massive rewrites of the original script resulted in the forced marrying of King and Carter’s voices, which was a pain point for some fans and a darn shame for those who wanted the full King experience.
Even so, creepy dolls are always a sure bet and a classic trope the series had yet to explore. There are a lot of hair-raising moments buried in “Chinga,” and as expected from the King of Horror, it remains one of The X-Files’ goriest episodes.
“Field Trip”—Season 6, Episode 21
“Field Trip” sees Scully and Mulder tackle a case of the ecological variety when two skeletons are uncovered on a hiking trail. The episode favors existential fears instead of the standard monsters and spooky set pieces. The result is effective. The viewer is thrown into chaos right alongside Scully and Mulder, never knowing what’s real until the episode’s final moments.
For first-time viewers, it’s an episode best enjoyed without spoilers. For veteran X-Files fans, it reinforces what they already know: Scully and Mulder work best together, and their opposing beliefs only make them a better team.
“Familiar”—Season 11, Episode 8
The X-Files revival had its fair share of criticisms. Although the overplayed mythology became its most prominent point of contentment, its Monster of the Week stories continued to shine. However, “Familiar” takes first place when it comes to Season 10 and 11’s scariest episodes.
The episode plunges straight into disturbing territory with brutal child murders. What’s initially suspected to be animal attacks turns into something much more sinister. Perhaps most chilling is Mr. Chuckleteeth, the wide-eyed ventriloquist-looking star of a children’s TV show. From luring children into the woods to creeping in the shadows of suburban homes, Mr. Chuckleteeth is straight nightmare fuel.
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