8 1990s Sci-Fi Shows That Are Better Than ‘The X-Files’

Many consider the 1990s a peak period for science fiction, delivering some of the genre’s most popular and critically acclaimed films, such as The Matrix, Jurassic Park, and Terminator 2: Judgment Day. The decade also produced a wealth of beloved cult films like Starship Troopers, Mars Attacks, and Event Horizon. On television, one show stood out from the rest, achieving far greater viewership than anything else at the time.

When The X-Files premiered in 1993, it rapidly became the most representative science fiction series of the 1990s, known for its mix of conspiracy theories, suspense, standalone monster episodes, and the memorable duo at its heart. However, being popular doesn’t automatically mean something is the best, and while The X-Files is certainly a good show, several other series from that era arguably took more risks with the genre, have held up better over time, or offered more focused and well-structured narratives.

Looking back, eight science fiction series actually surpass The X-Files in quality, but none of them achieved the same massive worldwide popularity.

8
‘Dark Skies’ (1996 – 1997)

Columbia Pictures Television

Capitalizing on the huge success of The X-Files, NBC created Dark Skies as a similar show. However, it didn’t attract nearly as many viewers. Like The X-Files, Dark Skies explored UFO conspiracy theories, blending science fiction with political intrigue. The series followed a couple investigating the government’s efforts to hide proof of alien life.

Despite being dismissed by some as a copycat, Dark Skies actually presented its alien conspiracy storylines in a more focused and understandable way than many other shows. From the beginning, it built a consistent and detailed world with events that truly mattered, and avoided the repetitive, aimless plots that often plagued The X-Files.

7
‘Twin Peaks’ (1990 – 1991)

ABC

David Lynch and Mark Frost’s Twin Peaks is a unique and often debated show. While it’s not traditional science fiction, it’s become a beloved classic. The series centers around FBI agent Dale Cooper’s investigation into the murder of a young woman. It’s hard to categorize – blending elements of a small-town soap opera, a gritty crime drama, and eerie science fiction horror. What starts as a realistic detective story quickly evolves into something much stranger, as Cooper delves into other worlds and battles supernatural forces.

Often considered one of the most important TV shows of all time, Twin Peaks brought an artistic, film-like style to mainstream television. Its focus on mood and striking visuals, rather than traditional storylines, paved the way for today’s high-quality dramas, inspiring shows like The Sopranos, Mad Men, Stranger Things, and Lost. Though its unique approach attracted a loyal fanbase, it wasn’t as widely popular as The X-Files, but its impact on television has proven to be more significant in the long run.

6
‘Lexx’ (1997 – 2002)

City TV

Lexx started as four TV movies before becoming a weekly series. The show follows a mismatched crew traveling aboard Lexx, a living spaceship that’s also the universe’s most destructive weapon. Unlike cleaner, more polished sci-fi shows like The X-Files, Stargate, and Star Trek, Lexx feels wild, chaotic, and unpredictable.

The show was known for its strange, sometimes sexual, and deliberately over-the-top style, which wasn’t initially popular with most viewers or critics. However, with the recent success of quirky sci-fi shows like The Orville and Rick and Morty, people are now seeing it as innovative for its time, and it’s gained a dedicated fanbase.

5
‘Star Trek: Deep Space Nine’ (1993 – 1999)

Paramount

Following up the hugely popular Star Trek: The Next Generation was a daunting challenge, especially considering the passionate fanbase. Deep Space Nine could have simply repeated what worked before, but it took a risk. Instead of a traveling spaceship, the series centered on a stationary space station and featured a diverse crew of complex characters facing difficult moral dilemmas. Many consider it the most ambitious Star Trek series since the original, and its sweeping storylines, ongoing narratives, and well-developed characters feel more unified and bold than The X-Files, even though it didn’t achieve the same widespread popularity.

4
‘Babylon 5’ (1993 – 1998)

Michael Ansell / © Babylonian Productions / courtesy Everett Collection

Set far in the future, Babylon 5 follows the lives of human soldiers and alien diplomats working together on a space station. Their mission is to keep the peace in a galaxy filled with conflict and political turmoil. What set Babylon 5 apart was its carefully planned, five-year story. Plots unfolded over many episodes and seasons, permanently changing the show’s world and creating a truly captivating and immersive experience for viewers.

This show excelled with its detailed world and well-developed characters, and it wasn’t afraid to tackle serious political issues. It took bold chances, like unexpectedly killing off important characters and changing governments and power dynamics during the season. Although very different from The X-Files, it felt more ambitious and grand in scope, offering a large-scale, politically driven space story that dramatically transformed an entire galaxy as the story unfolded.

3
‘Red Dwarf’ (1988 – 1999)

BBC

Red Dwarf is a classic British sci-fi comedy that was one of the first shows to successfully blend science fiction with humor – a combination that’s become very popular since. Though it didn’t become a huge hit internationally, it was beloved in the UK and has gained a dedicated fan base over the years. The show is set on the mining ship Red Dwarf and follows a quirky group of characters as they deal with the challenges of space travel. It’s known for its clever writing, satire, and silly jokes, offering a funny and unique take on science fiction – a great choice if you like your space adventures with a lot of laughs.

2
‘Stargate SG-1’ (1997 – 2007)

Showtime/Sci Fi

Following the 1994 film Stargate, the series SG-1 launched a hugely popular and long-lasting science fiction franchise with spin-offs, movies, and games. While it might not have been the decade’s biggest hit, SG-1 has likely had a greater overall influence on the sci-fi genre than The X-Files. The show cleverly combined mythology, science fiction, and adventure, and its focus on a military team using portals to explore other worlds opened up endless possibilities for storytelling. It’s a smart, funny, and well-acted series with genuinely touching and emotional moments.

1
‘Quantum Leap’ (1989 – 1993)

NBC

Dr. Sam Beckett travels through time in Quantum Leap, inhabiting the bodies of different people to correct past mistakes. He hopes these leaps will eventually lead him back to his own life. Even though it originally aired in the early ’90s, the show feels surprisingly modern thanks to its heartfelt and engaging stories. It masterfully balances funny moments with real danger, and features a memorable cast of eccentric characters. Unlike some shows, like The X-Files, which can become overly dark and depressing, Quantum Leap consistently maintains an emotional depth without feeling bleak.

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90s Sci-Fi Gems: Test Your Knowledge Beyond The X-Files

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2026-02-15 23:07

8 ‘Dark Skies’ (1996 – 1997)

7 ‘Twin Peaks’ (1990 – 1991)

6 ‘Lexx’ (1997 – 2002)

5 ‘Star Trek: Deep Space Nine’ (1993 – 1999)

4 ‘Babylon 5’ (1993 – 1998)

3 ‘Red Dwarf’ (1988 – 1999)

2 ‘Stargate SG-1’ (1997 – 2007)

1 ‘Quantum Leap’ (1989 – 1993)

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