The 1993 sci-fi procedural “The X-Files” was a veritable pop culture phenomenon, introducing audiences to acerbic conspiracy theorist and FBI agent Fox Mulder, and his skeptical and close partner Dana Scully. Together, the two agents investigated all sorts of strange and unusual cases, from invisible monsters and deadly viruses to alien encounters and mutant babies. Equal parts sci-fi and horror with a healthy dose of crime procedural, it hit the air of the times like few shows ever have and became a sensation over its 10 seasons.
With star David Duchovny looking to break into movies, turning the series into a feature film seemed like a no-brainer. Just before its seventh season in 1998, they did just that, delivering “X-Files: Fight the Future” to theaters. Released as a summer tentpole, it expanded the series’ alien invasion storyline, as Mulder and Scully – since kicked out of the FBI – uncover grim evidence that the government was covering up an alien presence on Earth.
When it comes to movie expansions, “X-Files” is perhaps the gold standard, giving writers more room to send Mulder and Scully on a bigger adventure. The film’s story builds on the previous season and becomes an integral part of the series’ mythos, making it essential viewing for fans, as well as being a well-made and well-reviewed film in its own right. It did well enough in theaters to earn a sequel, “X-Files: I Want to Believe,” which came out in 2008, long after the show’s original run ended.