There are two main types of X-Files episodes: Myth-arc, or those that cover the show’s bigger themes about aliens and government cover-ups and monster-of-the-week, or standalone episodes that are fun and creepy but don’t deal with the main storyline. Despite having over 150 episodes and a crazy amount of characters and plot lines to keep track of, it’s pretty easy to boil the series down to its most basic parts. If the buzz surrounding the series reboot has you intrigued, but you’re feeling a little overwhelmed by the prospect of jumping into The X-Files blind, fear not.

Creator Chris Carter and FOX have brought The X-Files back for a limited mini-series event, which will once again follow Fox Mulder (David Duchovny) and Dana Scully (Gillian Anderson) in their never-ending search for the truth about unexplained phenomenon. It’s a cultural staple for many – and it’s getting a second chance at glory this year. For nine seasons, The X-Files helped to define a generation’s understanding of what a sci-fi and horror show should look like.

Extra terrestrials, government conspiracies, and creepy monsters, oh my.

Scariest x files episodes