Terribly Smart 2010s Horror 'Feels Like an X-Files Episode', Fans Say

We bet you have seen at least one episode of David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson’s cultish sci-fi series. Indeed, The X-Files is one of the most iconic shows in TV history that left a lasting legacy full of inspiration for sci-fi, thriller and horror filmmakers.

Following investigators of paranormal phenomena, this series is sometimes extremely scary without depicting much gore. That is why this 2016 supernatural horror is claimed to be reminiscent of it, and this underrated gem definitely deserves our attention.

It starts by introducing us to the duo of father-and-son coroners, who are used to seeing mutilated dead bodies. One day they’re recruited to investigate a cadaver of a beautiful young woman, and both her identity and cause of death are unknown.

While trying to examine the body, they begin experiencing supernatural occurrences in the morgue facility, as well as finding bizarre marks on the cadaver.

Without spoiling too much, let’s say it has to deal with the exploits of the witches, and that is why this horror can be compared to such gems of the genre as The Blair Witch Project (1999) and The Conjuring series, especially its 2021 installment.

Overall, this movie is certainly one of the smartest horrors not only of the last decade, but maybe even of all time, as it subverts the audience's expectations, avoiding cheap thrills and going for more elaborate twists and the mystery’s reveal than expected.

If you dislike movies with lots of gore, jumpscares and disturbing images, it is a perfect choice for you. It creeps you out not because of these techniques, but rather by its dark and extremely unnerving atmosphere that is enhanced by impeccable worldbuilding.

Titled The Autopsy of Jane Doe, this smart flick is really “like an X-Files episode,” as voiced by Redditor @ZFCD. It stars Brian Cox (The Ring, Zodiac) and Emile Hirsch (Once Upon a Time in Hollywood), and their stellar performances add to the film’s greatness.

“I think it was beautifully executed and had me in a chokehold throughout the whole film. The atmosphere is so uncomfortable and tense,” admits @nendz.

Give this overlooked gem a try, as The Autopsy of Jane Doe is available for streaming on Netflix and Hulu .