10 Best Sci-Fi Horror Shows Ever Made

Though sci-fi horror was once a niche market, The X-Files obliterated that notion after it became one of the most celebrated series on television.

Although the monster of the week structure can feel repetitive, The X-Files sidestepped this issue by gradually building its overarching mystery. Chris Carter's writing team found ingenious ways to work around problems, which led to some of the show's most defining moments (like how they created the Scully abduction subplot when Gillian Anderson was unavailable). 

Also, it feels like the series wouldn't have the same spark if anyone had been cast in the lead roles besides David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson. Their slow-burn chemistry is so enrapturing, some people tuned in every week purely to see the banter between the will-they-won't-they colleagues.

Though The X-Files had its fair share of filler, these episodes were rarely half-assed. In fact, standalone episodes like Home, Bad Blood, and Clyde Bruckman's Final Repose had some of the most emotional, creative, and outright terrifying storylines.

It may have gone out with a whimper and not every plotline worked (especially the cat people episode) but The X-Files is a must-watch for sci-fi advocates.