The X-Files: I Want to BelieveSynopsis and Overview

Poster art for "The X-Files: I Want to Believe."

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Showtimes + Tickets
  • The X-Files: I Want to Believe
  • Opened July 25, 2008 | Runtime:1 hr. 40 min.
  • PG-13
    violent and disturbing content and thematic material
  • Information for parents: Common Sense Media says Iffy for 14+. Read More
  • It is a stand-alone story in the tradition of some of the show's most acclaimed and beloved episodes, and takes the complicated relationship between Fox Mulder (David Duchovny) and Dana Scully (Gillian Anderson) in unexpected directions. Mulder Read More
  • Cast: David Duchovny, Gillian Anderson, Amanda Peet, Billy Connolly, Xzibit
  • Director: Chris Carter
  • Genres: Sci-Fi/Fantasy, Suspense/Thriller

The X-Files: I Want to Believe Recent Fan Reviews

  • So-so

    Nothing left to believe

    X-Files was hip and stylish when I started watching it in the 90's. The stories were so crisp and provocative they were water cooler fodder at the office. They created really neat characters like Cancer Man and the whole alien league of gentlemen. They were mysteries wrapped up in puzzles covered in sublime myths. The latest installment of X-Files is so tiring in its tedious and less than creative story that even the drama between Gillian Anderson and David Duchovny has been reduced to a soap opera. Chris Carter has run out of clever devices and riveting mysterious characters to make his stories resonate with an other-worldly vibe. This one is a fart during a minister's sermon. You want to appear that you're rapt in the import but you're biting your lip so as not to laugh in disgust. There are no redeeming virtues to this film including the mindless ramblings on faith. If you are an X-Files Fan and must see it, just remember it?s a requiem for Fox and Scully - may they die in peace.

  • Must Go!

    Pretty good

    by Pergo

    i think anyone who is a fan of the series or has watch a few episodes and felt interested will appreciate this movie. its true that it feels like a long episode, but it stays true to the show's premise, and reminded me of what a great show it was.

    the chemistry between mulder and skully is still there, and their characters have grown in ways, and remained the same in ways, as would be expected after several years. this is the most important imo as a fan.

    although i feel the movie has done enough to be considered an overall good movie, i'm not sure how it entices people who aren't so familiar with the show. if you're not a fan, think of it on the same level as every other sci-fi thriller that has come out over the last 3-4 years, it's not any better or worse than those.

  • Must Go!

    not bad

    by dipi

    just attended the 1201 show.
    always been my favorite.
    so anticipation sky high.
    not ok: the sequence mostly predictable, romance, aging scully
    good: good overall story, speed, v few boring parts, mulder v good.
    i was quite content when i walked out of the theater.
    must go for fox, dana fan.

The X-Files: I Want to Believe Critic Reviews

So-so Avg. Critic Score out of 100 Metascore ® based on all critic ratings.

Critic scores range from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating more favorable reviews.

  • 88
    Chicago Sun-Times | Roger Ebert

    The movie works like thrillers used to work, before they were required to...

  • 75
    San Francisco Chronicle | Mick LaSalle

    Knowing nothing about "X-Files" is no impediment to appreciating this for the...

  • 58
    Entertainment Weekly | Lisa Schwarzbaum

    Older and sadder, Mulder and Scully are no longer sure they've got the energy...

  • 50
    Washington Post |

    A taut, well-acted, not very scary, not very hard to figure out serial-killer...

The X-Files: I Want to Believe Movie Ratings + Reviews

Fans say

So-so 12,001 fan reviews

Critics say

So-so See all critic reviews

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