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The X-Files

(Rated TV-14, Science fiction , Starring David Duchovny, Gillian Anderson, Where to watch: Syfy, TNT, DVD)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 13, age appropriate for kids over 99; suggested age 14.
  • Is it any good?

    4.0
  • Common Sense says

    Brilliant sci-fi drama for brave teens and up.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 14–18

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    Mulder and Scully have a relationship of equals, thankfully devoid of traditional male dominance. Scully is almost always the first to step into a dark, scary hole, and she's the more highly educated of the two. The two are in pursuit of justice, but occasionally go against the law when they believe they're right. The show deals with a vast government conspiracy of lies and cover-ups.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    Most episodes have scary elements, some with gruesome creatures and behavior. Some episodes include strong violence, including stabbings, gun fights, and physical violence -- some very graphic.
  • Sex:

    Some sexual tension between main characters. Rare allusions to unusual sexual practices, like inbreeding.
  • Language:

    Mild profanity, like "damn," "hell," and "ass."
  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    A recurring bad guy smokes cigarettes constantly.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About The X-Files

Parents need to know that this dark sci-fi drama can be very scary at times, sometimes depicting monsters, deformed humans, disturbing scenarios, and violent acts. The show's mythology centers on government conspiracy, cover-ups, and the possibility of alien abductions. Younger viewers may be frightened by the possibility of abduction and scared by the often-graphic images of slimy creatures and the constant, tension-building entrances into dark holes, pits, and sewers.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about their beliefs about aliens. Is there life on other planets? If so, what form do you think it might take? Have humans already had contact with alien beings? Are aliens to be feared or sought out? What types of paranormal or spiritual situations do family members believe in (ESP, psychics, faith healing, etc.)? Families can also discuss Mulder and Scully's partnership. Why do they make such a good team? What does each bring to their relationship?

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Our Members Say

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  • What did you think about The X-Files?
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See all 7 member reviews

Most Recent Reviews

  1. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Alabama
    I rate this title iffy for age 12 and give it 5.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence

    Delightfully scary

    While I love the X-Files, I think it may be a little too scary for kids. I recommend it for ages 13+.

  2. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    Lives in Pennsylvania
    I rate this title on for age 12 and give it 1.0

    yeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeessssssssssssssssssssssssssssss

    greatist sci-fi show ever

  3. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    Lives in Pennsylvania
    I rate this title on for age 13 and give it 5.0

    wow

    its awsome it can be scary but funny at some parts.

  4. Teen Reviewer Age 17
    Lives in Colorado
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0

    Rocks!

    I only just started watching the X-files, but already I think it is the best show ever created. I never used to watch much TV, but then I found the X-files. There may be creepy monsters, but they aren't really scary. The only creepy part of the show is the theme song, which also rocks.

  5. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Louisiana
    I rate this title iffy for age 13 and give it 5.0

    A classic scary show

    This program is a great show. The only 3 issues that overprotecting parents may have is the mild, but strong, sexual content that is most commonly more disturbing than sexual. Weird fetishes such as inbreeding and in one episode there was a situation where somebody would have sex with another person, then steal that person's gender to become somebody else of the opposite sex. Then the violence is pretty strong too. Then there is the scare factor which is more creepy and chilling than scary.

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