The 1990s are considered by many to be a golden era for sci-fi, responsible for some of the genre’s biggest and most revered movies of all-time, including The Matrix, Jurassic Park, and Terminator 2: Judgment Day, as well as dozens of cult classics like Starship Troopers, Mars Attacks, and Event Horizon. When it came to television, though, one show dominated the airwaves, dwarfing its competitors in terms of viewership.
When The X-Files debuted in 1993, it quickly became the defining sci-fi series of the decade with its blend of conspiracy, paranoia, ‘monster-of-the-week’ thrills, and one of the most iconic partnerships in television history. Having said that, popularity isn’t always an indication of quality, and while The X-Files is undeniably great, there were a handful of other shows around the same time that arguably pushed the genre further, aged more gracefully, or told tighter, more cohesive stories.
In hindsight, these eight sci-fi shows are all better than The X-Files, yet failed to soar to the dizzying heights of the genre’s biggest global phenomenon.
8
‘Dark Skies’ (1996 – 1997)
Acknowledging the enormous popularity of The X-Files, NBC commissioned Dark Skies as a competitor. Ultimately, it proved to be no match for the gargantuan success of The X-Files in terms of viewership. Like The X-Files, it is based on the concept of UFO conspiracy theories, combining elements of sci-fi with political drama, as it follows a young couple working together to unravel the government’s attempts to conceal the existence of extraterrestrials.
Unfairly written off by many as a rip-off, Dark Skies arguably handled alien conspiracy arcs more cohesively instead of letting them spiral into confusion. Fully serialized from the get-go, it establishes a clear mythology where events have lasting consequences and the stakes are high, avoiding the meandering plots and frequent resetting of the status quo that bogged down The X-Files.
7
‘Twin Peaks’ (1990 – 1991)
Perhaps a controversial choice for some, David Lynch and Mark Frost’s cult classic Twin Peaks isn’t a straightforward sci-fi like many others on this list. In fact, the show – which follows an investigation led by FBI special agent Dale Cooper into the murder of a local teenager – defies classification. Part soap opera, part crime drama, part sci-fi horror, it begins as a grounded detective mystery before spiraling into something entirely different as Dale finds himself exploring other dimensions and fighting evil spirits.
Now regarded as among the most influential TV shows ever made, Twin Peaks helped usher arthouse sensibilities into primetime TV. Its cinematic direction, surreal imagery, and emphasis on atmosphere over conventional plotting laid the groundwork for modern ‘prestige’ television, influencing everything from The Sopranos and Mad Men to Stranger Things and Lost. While its experimental storytelling garnered it a strong, dedicated following, it wasn’t as easily accessible as The X-Files and failed to achieve the same level of mainstream success – even if its creative legacy ultimately proved greater.
6
‘Lexx’ (1997 – 2002)
Originally airing as four made-for-TV movies before transitioning into a regular television series format, Lexx revolves around a ragtag crew of misfits aboard a living spaceship, which also happens to be the most powerful weapon in the universe. When compared to the polished sheen of shows like The X-Files, Stargate, and Star Trek, it feels chaotic, almost anarchic, in its approach to sci-fi.
Reveling in unapologetic weirdness, sexual themes, and low-budget, campy aesthetics, it was a hard sell for mainstream audiences at the time and received mixed reviews from critics. In light of the success of recent oddball sci-fi hits like The Orville and Rick and Morty, many have reappraised the show as being ahead of its time, and it now boasts a strong cult following.
5
‘Star Trek: Deep Space Nine’ (1993 – 1999)
Creating a follow-up series to the enormously successful Star Trek: The Next Generation is certainly not a task to be taken lightly, especially with the expectations of one of sci-fi’s most dedicated fandoms looming large. Deep Space Nine could have played it safe by replicating its predecessors’ tried and tested formula. Instead, it replaced the iconic traveling starship setting with a static space station and introduced a culturally diverse crew of complex and morally layered new characters, forced to navigate escalating ethical challenges. Arguably the greatest and most ambitious series in the franchise since the original, its grand scope, rich serialized storytelling, and deep, evolving character arcs leave it feeling more cohesive and daring than The X-Files, even if it never did quite meet the same astronomical levels of mainstream success.
4
‘Babylon 5’ (1993 – 1998)
Set in the distant future, Babylon 5 revolves around the human military staff and alien diplomats stationed on a space station who are tasked with maintaining peace in a galaxy rife with wars and political unrest. Created with a pre-planned five-year story arc already in mind, Babylon’s plotlines spanned multiple episodes and even seasons, affecting permanent changes to the series universe, making it one of the most engaging and immersive television experiences of the era.
Not only did it combine top-tier world building and character development with a mature exploration of complex political themes, but it was not afraid of taking risks – killing off major characters, overthrowing governments, and shifting power structures mid-season. While admittedly, they are two entirely different entities within the sci-fi realm, Babylon 5 feels superior to The X-Files in ambition and scope, delivering a sweeping, politically charged space epic that reshapes an entire galaxy in front of the audience’s eyes.
3
‘Red Dwarf’ (1988 – 1999)
Red Dwarf is a groundbreaking British sci-fi comedy that helped create the hybrid genre, which has seen so much success in subsequent decades. While never achieving mainstream international success, it was a hit in the UK and has since garnered a strong cult following. Set aboard the titular spacecraft, it follows an eccentric array of characters as they work together to navigate the perils of deep space. The show combines sharp wit and satire with slapstick and puns, making it both intellectually engaging and hilariously absurd, acting as a fantastic alternative to your typical, more straightforward sci-fi shows – perfect for those who prefer a healthy dose of humor and silliness with their otherworldly escapades.
2
‘Stargate SG-1’ (1997 – 2007)
A continuation of the 1994 Stargate movie, SG-1 helped establish one of sci-fi’s most enduring and beloved franchises, consisting of spin-off shows, movies, and video games. It may not have been the decade’s biggest sci-fi show, but it has arguably had a bigger impact on the genre than The X-Files, overall. By mixing mythology, sci-fi, and adventure in a way that is accessible and imaginative, its military-focused sci-fi premise that revolves around portals to other worlds allows for almost limitless storytelling. It’s smart, funny, well-acted, and contains heartfelt moments that feel genuinely emotional.
1
‘Quantum Leap’ (1989 – 1993)
Accompanied by his fast-talking AI companion, Quantum Leap sees Dr. Sam Beckett jumping between time periods into other people’s lives to fix historical faux pas, in the hopes of one day returning to his own home and time. Despite its turn-of-the-decade and early ’90s aesthetics, the storytelling exudes warmth and heart, giving the show a timeless quality. It delivers the perfect blend of humor and danger, bolstered by a fantastic cast of quirky supporting characters, and achieves emotional resonance that never slips into the dreariness that The X-Files‘ relentlessly gloomy, conspiracy-heavy tone sometimes risks.
- Release Date
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1993 – 2018-00-00
- Network
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FOX
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