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David Duchovny, Gillian Anderson, Martin Landau, Armin Mueller-Stahl, Blythe Danner ... see more see more... , William B. Davis , John Neville , Mitch Pileggi , Jeffrey DeMunn , Terry O'Quinn , Glenne Headly , Lucas Black , Dean Haglund , Bruce Harwood , Tom Braidwood

This 60-million-dollar science fiction suspense drama (marketed with an additional 25 million dollars), was adapted from the popular TV series The X-Files -- arriving in theaters while the Emmy-winnin... read more read more...g series was still being aired, continuing plot threads familiar to many of the series' 25 million viewers, and featuring several familiar recurring characters introduced during the previous five TV seasons. In 15,000 B.C., a strange creature attacks a caveman. Cut to present day, when a boy at the same North Texas spot falls into a pit and is contaminated by a black substance. When a bomb threatens the Dallas Federal Building, special FBI agents Fox Mulder (David Duchovny) and Dana Scully (Gillian Anderson) locate the device but are unable to prevent the explosion. The agency blames Mulder and Scully for the disaster, subjecting them to lengthy interrogations while trying to sever their partnership. In a bar, conspiracy theorist Kurtzweil (Martin Landau), a friend of Mulder's father, tells Mulder about the group behind the explosion, the cover-up of the boy's death, the bodies of four infected rescue workers removed from the Federal Building, the secret government, and the forthcoming plague. Mulder and Scully set out to find answers, and their investigation becomes a foray into the fantastic. ~ Bhob Stewart, Rovi

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68% liked it

64,221 ratings

Critics

64% liked it

69 critics

PG-13, 2 hr.

Directed by: Rob Bowman

Release Date: June 19, 1998

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DVD Release Date: May 4, 1999

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Stats: 3,193 reviews

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Flixster Reviews (3,193)

  • garyX
    March 30, 2012
    garyX
    A young boy in Texas is infected by a mysterious contageon and when it seems as if an entire office building is destroyed by a phoney terrorist attack just to cover it up, Mulder and Scully investigate. I was a big fan of the X-Files in the beginning but it became increasingly ob... read morevious that the alien conspiracy storyline was just being made up as they went, leading to one unsatisfying plot development after another that never contained any real answers. At the time, everyone hoped that Fight The Future would finally explain all but when this turned out to be yet another load of half answered questions it meant exasperation and disillusionment all round. On revisiting it, I found it a lot easier to be objective and I must admit that knowing what happens afterward, the film actually makes a lot more sense. It opens very strongly with the usual banter from the extremely likeable leads and attractive visuals with good use of the cinematic media giving it the epic sweep it needed to make the translation to the big screen. Unfortunately the plot follows the typical alien conspiracy formula with the usual mysterious source coming to Mulder in a back alleys and Scully getting kidnapped and experimented on YET AGAIN, but it does have some decent set pieces and has stood up quite well on the whole. But because of the overly familiar plot devices it does just feel like a two-parter and as such will be completely incomprehensible to the casual viewer. Recommended for fans, but others shouldn't really bother to try wrap their heads around it.
  • TheDudeLebowski65
    January 30, 2011
    TheDudeLebowski65
    After The success of the show, it was obvious that a film would conclude it's terrific run. X Files: Fight The Future is a terrific Sci Fi Horror film with a fairly good story and decent enough acting to keep one entertained. Moulder and Scully are back one the trail of the paran... read moreormal, and this film succeeds in providing the viewer with head scratching questions. This is an enjoyable film that will appeal to Sci Fi fans as well as Horror fans. The story steadily builds up to a tense climax and pays off, and this film ends on a high note.
    The film will appeal to diehard fans of the series. The film has a terrific atmosphere of mystery and doubt. All the elements that made the TV show great are here and the finished product is very well done. The reason the film works so well is that they were able to keep all the key elements that made the show entertaining and great while expanding the plot to be more complex, intriguing, mysterious and horrifying. This film is a fairly good attempt for the show to transcend to the big screen. There are enough thrills to keep diehard fans interested. And people who haven't watched the show will probably enjoy the film as well. A film that full of mystery, thrills, horror and good old crime drama, this is one film that can appeal to a broad audience, and not just Horror fans or Sci Fi fans. A terrific film that has been been very well crafted, entertaining and well written, this is a film that even though flawed will definitely entertain you if you're in the mood for something different. This film is a change of pace from many of the Sci Fi / Horror films that we have seen.
  • guaybanex
    July 16, 2010
    guaybanex
    Released in between two seasons, Fight the Future was a sad cop-out that only true fans could enjoy (I am one of them).
  • stormyweather980
    October 26, 2009
    stormyweather980
    I was definitely in the minority when I saw this film. I had never watched the TV show. But I loved the movie, and it made me wish I had watched the show.
  • SirPant
    September 23, 2009
    SirPant
    A good film version of the series, a little more generous obviously but I guess you either love the X-Files or you don't!
  • Deano78
    March 24, 2009
    Deano78
    This is an ok film which does follow some of the events from the series but not as good as I had hoped.
  • allan913
    October 23, 2008
    allan913
    A teriffic film. A brilliant T.V to film adaptation of this classic sci-fi series. It's a smart, sharp, sensational and intelligent edge of your seat thriller filled with sizzeling suspense, dazzeling excitment, non-stop action and great speacial effects. It's cool, fun and relen... read moretlessly tense. An exhilerating, unforgettable and pulse-pounding ride. A fine and well-crafted film. David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson are outstanding, showing their wonderful chemistry on the big screen and dosent fail to satisfy for a minute. A great and explosive slice of fantastic entertainment. It hits all the right notes and makes you want to see more. It's truly magnificent and simply awsome.
  • LorenzoVonMatterhorn
    August 3, 2008
    LorenzoVonMatterhorn
    Well-Manicured Man: Your aliens, Agent Mulder, your little green men arrived here millions of years ago.

    Please note that before seeing this film I have not seen a single episode of the X-Files TV series. I had no idea what I was getting myself into, I just thought that ... read moreit would be nice to immerse myself into the X-Files fandom before seeing the newly released sequel (Still watching it even if it sucks).

    Well, after watching this one I'm thinking of buying all the seasons of the series. This film as a stand alone was very impressive. I'm not really a fanatic when it comes to the alien mythos but if something alien in epic proportions comes my way, count me in. I'm thinking of delving myself in the world of X-Files but right now I'm busy as a bee so this one is kind of a long term goal for me. In fact, come to think of it I'm putting this one on my bucket list: Watch the whole TV series X-Files. Yeah, that's a great idea.

    So anyhoo. I must say for the first hour or so I was very impressed. The chemistry between Duchovny and Anderson was wonderful. The acting was excellent (especially Anderson's). The suspense was excellent and the movie gave you just enough conspiracy twists and turns to keep you excited. However, once the movie got into Antarctica it just seemed kinda over the top. The movie was really great, but I wasn't too impressed with the ending.

    And for that, I give it

    3.5/5
  • skactopus
    July 21, 2008
    skactopus
    The X-Files series is tops when it comes to science fiction. Science fiction with a good hint of realism to it. This movie is no exception.

    It is possible to watch this film without being a fan of the show or watching the TV episodes, but it REALLY helps. The story an

    ... read mored the characters will all make much more sense if you have some understanding of the series, especially the episodes that tie into the "black ooze" storyline.

    The plot for this movie is everything a science fiction lover will enjoy. A bit more as well. The flow of the movie is moderate with little action, although there are some intense scenes. That is the way the X-Files is meant to be. It does feel a little different from the TV episodes and my guess is that this film tries to cater to people who don't watch the series.

    There isn't a whole lot of CG in this film, but that helps to keep the realism factor that I mentioned earlier in check. If you are expecting alien versus human fights and shootings, this isn't the film for you.

    David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson have the same great chemistry together as they've shown throughout the series. Other intricate characters pop up as well, including Mitch Pileggi and William B. Davis as the cancer man. Armin Mueller-Stahl even finds himself with an important part. Oh yes, I can't forget to mention the small role from the Lone Gunmen.

    The X-Files: Fight the Future is a good movie, which stems from a TV series. It also has a fantastic ending. Don't be afraid to watch this.
  • DrZeek
    April 16, 2008
    DrZeek
    [to a bartender, while drinking]
    Mulder: I'm the key figure in an ongoing government charade, the plot to conceal the truth about the existence of extraterrestrials. It's a global conspiracy, actually, with key players in the highest levels of power, that reaches down into the li... read moreves of every man, woman, and child on this planet, so, of course, no one believes me. I'm an annoyance to my superiors, a joke to my peers. They call me Spooky. Spooky Mulder, whose sister was abducted by aliens when he was just a kid and who now chases after little green men with a badge and a gun, shouting to the heavens or to anyone who will listen that the fix is in, that the sky is falling and when it hits it's gonna be the shit-storm of all time.

    I remember seeing this movie during the summer of 98 when it came out, which happen to also be the peak time of my interest in the plot of The X-Files. This movie works because it both bridges the gap between the 5th and 6th seasons and works fairly well for anyone not too familiar with the show.

    Basically, The branch of the FBI concerning the X-files has been closed down by the end of the 5th season, and this movie continues on with the lives of agents Mulder and Scully as regular feds. However, there is still a conspiracy out there that Mulder finds his way into getting the two of them involved more deeply in.

    The story revolves around mysterious figures, ancient artifacts, and the continuing reveal of a massive government conspiracy at work, and Mulder desperately seeking answers, while Scully tags along.

    What makes the movie works especially well is the continuing great chemistry between Duchovny and Anderson in their roles, as well as a number of cool scenes throughout.

    The movie format also provides some initiative to put in some cooler, higher budget effects and action stuff and bid for a quality supporting cast that includes Armin Mueller-Stahl, Martin Landau, and Blythe Danner.

    Still, the running conspiracy plot, the interactions between Mulder and Scully, and the eerily appropriate theme music all make this movie work as a great extension from the show.

    Mulder: Is this Dr. Kurzweil's residence?
    Detective: You got some business with him?
    Mulder: I'm looking for him.
    Detective: Looking for him for what?
    [Mulder shows his ID]
    Detective: Hey, the Feds are looking for him, too. Real nice business he's got, huh?
    Mulder: What's that?
    Detective: Selling naked pictures of little kids over his computer. You looking for him for some other reason?
    Mulder: Yeah, I had an appointment for a pelvic examination.

View All The X-Files - Fight the Future Reviews

Critic Reviews

Rita Kempley
May 19, 2008
Rita Kempley, Washington Post

The X-Files movie is really just a two-hour teaser for the series's sixth season. And little else. Full Review

Owen Gleiberman
May 19, 2008
Owen Gleiberman, Entertainment Weekly

Dark, funny, paranoid, arbitrary, humming with tamped-down eroticism and in love with all things weird: That's the good news. Full Review

Michael O'Sullivan
May 19, 2008
Michael O'Sullivan, Washington Post

Stylish, scary, sardonically funny and at times just plain gross. Full Review

Todd McCarthy
May 19, 2008
Todd McCarthy, Variety

As it is, pic serves up set-pieces and a measure of scope that are beyond TV size but remain rather underwhelming by feature standards. Full Review

Lisa Alspector
May 19, 2008
Lisa Alspector, Chicago Reader

Only two scenes in this spin-off are worth the time of followers of the TV series. Full Review

David Edelstein
June 8, 2007
David Edelstein, Slate

The director, Rob Bowman, is not some TV hack; his work is thrillingly kinetic. Full Review

Rick Groen
July 12, 2002
Rick Groen, Globe and Mail

Had the creator of The X-Files set out to prove that tiny theorem, he couldn't have done a better job. Full Review

Bob Graham
June 18, 2002
Bob Graham, San Francisco Chronicle

David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson are enormously sympathetic heroes. Full Review

Kenneth Turan
February 21, 2001
Kenneth Turan, Los Angeles Times

Who hasn't walked into a movie late and tried desperately to catch up with the plot, to make sense of what's on the screen? Full Review

Joyce Millman
January 1, 2000
Joyce Millman, Salon.com

It's a two-hour episode of the show, except with better production values and a nicer wardrobe for Scully. Full Review

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The X-Files - Fight the Future Trivia

  • In the movie The X-Files: Fight the Future, how Scully was infected with the alien virus?  Answer »
  • on the back of which video (which was a movie) did it say " The plague to end all plagues." ?  Answer »
  • What is the full name of thia movie starring Gillian Anderson and David Duchovney: The X-Files:  Answer »
  • "Fight The Future" is the subtitle of a movie based on a hit television show. What was that show?  Answer »
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