The X-Files, the science fiction drama series, initially aired on Fox from 1993 to 2002 and then again from 2016 to 2018. It followed FBI agents Fox Mulder and Dana Scully as they investigated strange cases involving unexplainable events. The protagonists of the show see cases quite differently. Mulder believes in the paranormal, while Scully doesn't, and relies on science and logic due to her medical background.The X-Files became famous for the conspiracies it solved and its stand-alone episodes, which brought in many guest stars to the show. Over the years, several actors have given performances in guest roles that left a lasting impact. Here are 5 of the best guest appearances of The X-Files. View this post on Instagram Instagram PostBest guest stars in The X-FilesWhile the main cast is well-known for their performances in the show, these five guest stars are still remembered despite their minimal appearance:Bryan Cranston as Patrick Crump in DriveIn The X-Files episode Drive, Bryan Cranston played Patrick Crump. Patrick's wife has intense cranial pressure, which was reducing as they drove west, and thus, Patrick kept driving. But this scenario looked more like a kidnapping to the police, who chased him down and stopped him. Stopping, unfortunately, killed Patrick's wife.Mulder and Scully investigate what happened and eventually discover that other animals had met the same fate as Mrs Crump, which was due to a U.S. Navy antenna emitting E.L.F. waves. Cranston’s portrayal of Patrick's raw emotions made the character feel real and tragic. This role later helped inspire writer Vince Gilligan, who was an executive producer on The X-Files, to cast Cranston as Walter White in Breaking Bad.Brad Dourif as Luther Lee Boggs in Beyond the SeaBrad Dourif played Luther Lee Boggs in The X-Files episode Beyond the Sea. Luther was a convicted killer on death row who claimed to receive psychic messages. He apparently had visions of a couple's kidnapping, and told Mulder and Scully he could help them find the couple. Mulder brushed this off as Luther's desperate attempt to escape his death sentence, and Scully agreed too until Luther spoke to her in her father's voice, who had recently passed away.Luther Lee Boggs (Image via Huu)Luther was a serial killer, and Brad Dourif portrayed the character with the calm menace and emotional depth it needed. It was this episode and Dourif's acting that brought out a more vulnerable side of Scully, making Dourif one of the best guest stars to have appeared on the show.Lily Tomlin and Ed Asner as Maurice and Lyda in How the Ghosts Stole ChristmasLily Tomlin and Ed Asner played Lyda and Maurice, respectively, in the holiday episode How the Ghosts Stole Christmas. Maurice and Lyda were a ghostly couple tied to an old mansion. On Christmas Eve, Mulder brought Scully to investigate the haunted house. Tomlin and Asner, both known for comedy, played playful spirits who toy with the agents.The episode had humour, romance, and light horror, making it a fan favourite. In an interview with Vulture, Tomlin admitted that she had requested showrunner Chris Carter for a guest role, leading to a character written especially for her.Maurice and Lyda (Image via Hulu)John Hawkes as Phillip Padgett in MilagroIn Milagro, John Hawkes played Phillip Padgett, Mulder's neighbour, and a writer, whose fictional murders seem to happen in real life. He wrote about a serial killer named Naciamento, who killed people by taking out their beating heart. Strangely, these murders actually happened in real time, making Padgett the prime suspect. He was a quiet, observant, and deeply unsettling character and took a strange interest in Scully, which made their interactions progressively uncomfortable and disturbing as the episode continued.While reviews were mixed about the storyline, Hawkes’ performance was disturbing subtly. His calm voice and focused gaze, especially in the way he studied Scully, made Padgett feel invasive and threatening, making him one of the creepiest yet best guest stars on The X-Files. Garry Shandling and Téa Leoni in Hollywood A.D.In Hollywood A.D., Garry Shandling and Téa Leoni played exaggerated versions of Scully and Mulder in a film Wayne Federman, who played himself in the episode, made about one of their cases. Written by David Duchovny, the episode is filled with jokes and self-references. This episode was one of the funniest episodes of The X-Files, and made Shandling and Leoni memorable guest stars for playing actors who ask too many questions and point out the odd aspects of the FBI agents' personalities. View this post on Instagram Instagram PostThese guest appearances made the show memorable not just for its mysteries, but also for its unforgettable guest performances.The X-Files is streaming on Hulu.For more articles like this, follow Soapcentral.