I’m Certain These are The 3 Best The X-Files Episodes About Actual Monsters

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The TV series “The X-Files” spans over 11 seasons and is known for its numerous episodes that explore various monstrous entities. Some of these episodes are both gripping and spine-tingling. First airing in 1993, the science fiction horror show follows FBI agents Dana Scully (portrayed by Gillian Anderson) and Fox Mulder (David Duchovny), as they delve into the supernatural and unexplained. In their pursuits, these two often come face to face with a plethora of unsettling and truly frightening beings. Particularly noteworthy are the episodes within “The X-Files” that focus on individual creatures of horror, commonly referred to as “Monster of the Week” episodes. These episodes deviate from the series’ main plotline, instead focusing on human or extraterrestrial monsters carrying out chilling deeds. It is in these episodes where “The X-Files” delivers its most impactful scares; however, not all entries are equally effective.

In the TV series, The X-Files, numerous creatures aren’t typical monsters as one might think. Instead, they often represent people with extraordinary abilities or twisted minds. However, the show does introduce genuine supernatural beings, either inspired by real-world legends or crafted exclusively for the show. Three particular episodes of The X-Files are renowned for their chilling monsters and exceptional quality, still celebrated to this day.

3) “Quagmire”

In Season 3, Episode 22 of “The X-Files,” titled “Quagmire,” Scully and Mulder find themselves in a small town in Georgia, where strange deaths near a lake have occurred. Suspected of being a water monster similar to the Loch Ness, a creature known as Big Blue emerges, causing havoc by attacking and mutilating victims including a Boy Scout leader, a diver, and even Scully’s dog. Chasing after Big Blue, our agents think they have caught their monster, but it turns out an alligator was the real culprit terrorizing the lake. However, in true “The X-Files” fashion, the reality of the situation is not as clear-cut as it seems by the end of “Quagmire,” with Big Blue still lurking in the lake, suggesting that the mythical creature may have continued its reign of terror unnoticed.

Although Big Blue isn’t a frequent character in “Quagmire,” the fearful anticipation of the creature adds an unsettling vibe to the episode, striking a chord with viewers and perhaps even causing some sleepless nights. The intriguing allusion to the Loch Ness Monster legend was one of the highlights, but what truly made “Quagmire” stand out is the dynamic between Scully and Mulder. They find themselves in a challenging situation, striving to validate their work’s significance. Mulder’s relentless pursuit of Big Blue contrasts sharply with Scully’s skepticism and criticisms of his methods. In summary, “Quagmire” effectively combines the thrilling monster-themed narrative that _The X-Files_ fans adore with engaging character moments.

2) “The Post-Modern Prometheus”

In an unresistable twist, the television series The X-Files drew inspiration from the classic novel Frankenstein, culminating in a brilliantly crafted episode titled “The Post-Modern Prometheus” (Season 5, Episode 5). This episode offers a captivating modern reinterpretation of the famous story. Shot in black-and-white, it begins with a woman from Indiana contacting Mulder, recounting her harrowing encounters with an unidentified monster that raped her twice. Upon investigating, Mulder and Scully discover this grotesque creature, known as The Great Mutato (portrayed by Chris Owens), in the same town. They later encounter a local scientist, Dr. Francis Pollidori (John O’Hurley), who has clandestinely created the Mutato in a manner reminiscent of Victor Frankenstein’s monster, concocted from unsavory experiments.

Dr. Pollidori’s blunder results in murder and mayhem throughout the town, and the episode concludes with everyone attending a Cher concert once it’s disclosed that Dr. Pollidori’s father had assaulted the woman to create a doppelganger for Mutato. The quirky and preposterous nature of “The Post-Modern Prometheus” is unsettling given its theme, but the episode adds an endearing allure to The X-Files. Despite the existence of scarier monsters, The Great Mutato’s resemblance to Frankenstein’s monster makes for a captivating X-Files tale that honors classic Frankenstein films.

1) “The Host”

In the second episode of Season 2 of “The X-Files,” titled “The Host,” one of the series’ most terrifying creatures is introduced – a fearsome creature known as Flukeman. This monstrous character, played by Darin Morgan, is a grotesque hybrid of human and worm, residing in the sewers of New Jersey and feeding on anyone who unluckily stumbles upon it. Flukeman lures his victims underwater, leaving behind a distinctive four-pointed wound, typical of a flukeworm. Those unfortunate enough to escape become hosts for smaller flukeworms, leading them towards a tragic end, as the episode unfolds. Flukeman is truly a horrifying sight, and the moment when his terrifying visage is unveiled leaves audiences stunned. In the climax of “The Host,” Mulder manages to deliver the fatal blow to Flukeman after the creature escapes custody once.

This particularly scary episode of “The X-Files” showcases top-notch monster TV. The antagonist in “The Host” is truly terrifying, and the tension is expertly built up and maintained until the climactic scenes. The viewers find themselves fearing Flukeman even before he fully appears from the sewers. “The Host” is a captivating and spine-tingling installment of the series’ Monster of the Week format, and it’s no wonder that fans consider it one of the finest episodes in the show.

All seasons of The X-Files are available to stream on Hulu.

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2025-09-05 06:10