10 Best Episodes From The X-Files Season 1, Ranked

The first season of The X-Files features many memorable episodes, but these 10 stand out as the very best. Though it had a slow start, the series created by Chris Carter quickly became a huge cultural hit and is now widely considered the best science fiction show of the 1990s.

Most science fiction shows take a while to find their footing, but The X-Files was remarkably polished right from the start. The first season immediately established the show’s core structure – a mix of self-contained monster stories and a larger, season-long mystery – and many of the series’ most memorable episodes originated in those first ten installments.

It’s tough to pick the very best episodes from season one, as many move the main story forward. However, some episodes definitely stand out as exceptional. While not necessarily the strongest season of the show overall, the first season remains one of the best starts for any science fiction TV series.

10. “Eve” – Season 1 Episode 11

The episode “Eve,” while a standalone case, strengthens the show’s focus on conspiracies and their unexpected consequences. Mulder and Scully investigate two similar murders, which lead them to a pair of identical twins created through a strange genetic experiment. “Eve” perfectly captures the dark and atmospheric feel of early X-Files episodes.

While not a standout, “Eve” makes the list thanks to the strong episodes in season one. It’s a notably more sophisticated and captivating take on the show’s typical monster-of-the-week formula. Compared to some other self-contained episodes from earlier in the season, which feel silly in retrospect, “Eve” remains consistently unsettling and holds your attention.

9. “Tooms” – Season 1 Episode 21

The episode “Tooms” marked the first time an X-Files creature returned in a second appearance, acting as a follow-up to the earlier episode, “Squeeze.” It focuses on Mulder’s struggle to keep the serial killer Eugene Tooms imprisoned, as his freedom would inevitably lead to more deaths. Beyond continuing Tooms’ story, the episode also introduces key characters and expands on the show’s overall narrative.

The backstory of the character Toom is incredibly interesting, and the episode featuring him feels like a traditional detective show, which is unusual for The X-Files. “Tooms” is also significant because it marks the first appearance of Assistant Director Skinner, a key character throughout the series. Like the episode “Squeeze,” it’s genuinely frightening and stands out as a particularly scary installment of television.

8. “Deep Throat” – Season 1 Episode 2

While perhaps not the most famous episode, “Deep Throat” is highly regarded for its impact on the first season of The X-Files. It features Mulder and Scully investigating missing test pilots, and Mulder receiving secret information from an unknown source. This episode really establishes the show’s focus on government conspiracies.

“Deep Throat” is a suspenseful episode that really kicked off the season’s central mystery, influencing many similar storylines to come. While it builds the foundation for the larger plot, it’s also engaging enough to enjoy as a standalone story. You could almost think of it as a fresh start, designed to grab viewers and keep them invested.

7. “E.B.E.” – Season 1 Episode 17

Around the middle of its first season, The X-Files really found its footing with episodes like “E.B.E.” In this episode, Mulder and Scully investigate a truck driver who claims something strange happened to him, while Scully attempts to show Mulder that their informant, Deep Throat, might not be telling him the whole truth. “E.B.E.” adds layers to the show’s overarching conspiracy, creating a sense of mystery and making viewers question everything.

This episode is among the strongest of the first season, really building the dynamic between Mulder and Scully. While Scully naturally approaches things with skepticism, she clearly feels for Mulder and his strong desire to believe. “E.B.E.” is a focused episode that draws the audience in and makes them care about what happens.

6. “Pilot” – Season 1 Episode 1

The first episode of “The X-Files” was a strong start and deserves praise. It introduces Agent Dana Scully, who begins working with Agent Mulder on a case involving mysterious murders he suspects are linked to aliens. Remarkably, this single episode effectively sets the stage for the entire 11-season run of the show.

This episode has a captivating mystery and does a great job of developing the connection between the two main characters. It’s a remarkably well-rounded installment of television, and it essentially set the stage for many episodes to come. Many consider it to be one of the best pilot episodes in science fiction television history.

5. “Squeeze” – Season 1 Episode 3

The episode “Squeeze” is a scary and effective introduction to the world of The X-Files. It features a unique villain, Eugene Tooms, a mutant who can contort his body, and follows the agents as they investigate a series of murders that have been happening for over a century. Blending horror and mystery, “Squeeze” is a thrilling and unsettling episode from beginning to end.

This episode is unsettling and strange, perfectly setting the creepy atmosphere that defines The X-Files. While it might not be the very best, “Squeeze” is definitely one of the strongest standalone monster episodes from the first season. It was so well-received, the writers even brought the creature back for another episode later on.

4. “Darkness Falls” – Season 1 Episode 20

Although the first season of The X-Files had a few weak episodes, “Darkness Falls” stands out as a strong one. Mulder and Scully investigate the deaths of several loggers and uncover a surprising culprit: insects. Unlike many X-Files episodes that rely on the supernatural or aliens, “Darkness Falls” creates fear by focusing on the power of nature.

From the very beginning, The X-Files wasn’t afraid to explore strange and unusual cases, and some episodes dealt with truly unsettling topics. “Darkness Falls” is a prime example, tapping into universal fears of the dark and creepy insects – it likely gave many viewers, especially those who grew up in the 90s and early 2000s, some serious nightmares, which was something the show excelled at during its early seasons.

3. “Ice” – Season 1 Episode 8

Despite being strongly inspired by the film The Thing, the X-Files episode “Ice” remains a highlight of the show’s first season. The story follows Mulder and Scully as they investigate a deadly, parasitic organism at a secluded Alaskan research station. The episode creates a tense and unsettling atmosphere, with growing fear and suspicion driving the characters to turn against each other.

“Ice” stands out from typical TV episodes of its era thanks to its sharp writing and effective use of horror. Both Mulder and Scully deliver strong performances, and the supporting cast is equally impressive. This makes the episode’s unsettling plot twists even more captivating, as the audience genuinely cares about the characters. Every scene feels purposeful and contributes to the story.

2. “Beyond The Sea” – Season 1 Episode 13

Guest stars frequently enhance episodes of The X-Files, and “Beyond the Sea” is a prime example, largely due to Brad Dourif’s compelling performance. The episode centers around a death row inmate who claims to have psychic abilities and can help find a serial killer, and Mulder and Scully find themselves believing him. “Beyond the Sea” proved to be a pivotal moment, solidifying The X-Files‘ status as a major television hit.

Brad Dourif’s portrayal of Luther Lee Boggs is captivating and stands out from typical television acting. The episode is also fantastic for developing Scully’s character, as her father’s death heavily influences her cautious outlook throughout the season. Without another strong episode, this one would have easily been the best of the first season.

1. “The Erlenmeyer Flask” – Season 1 Episode 24

The first season finale, “The Erlenmeyer Flask,” delivered a huge cliffhanger. Mulder receives information about covert alien DNA experiments and uncovers a shocking truth. While it wraps up the storylines of season one, the episode truly serves as the beginning of a much larger story that would continue for nine seasons.

Although the episode centers on Mulder, Scully truly shines in “The Erlenmeyer Flask.” She’s already struggling with personal issues when evidence appears to prove her skepticism was unfounded. What makes The X-Files so compelling is its complex and ever-twisting plotlines, and the season one finale marks the beginning of a much deeper mystery.

2026-04-05 20:01