Our Top 10 Science Fiction and Fantastical TV Shows of This Year
What could you accomplish if you had unlimited ability? This is a central question explored by the best science fiction as well as fantasy tales. Imagine if you were granted superhuman abilities? Perhaps discovered a revolutionary substance? What about each and every single person became wholly committed to your personal satisfaction? Would you wield such influence for the greater good, or would you give in to your baser instincts?
The series listed below each confront this dilemma in unique manners (aside from a single key exception). Outlined here is a ranking of the 10 top installments of sci-fi & fantasy TV from 2025.
10. Spider-Man: Your Friendly Neighborhood
Even after over six decades of history, Spider-Man remains reinterpreted by fresh talent. Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man presents a novel perspective at the character's formative years, cleverly blending classic source material story beats with influences from the broader Marvel universe to create something which is simultaneously fresh and profoundly compelling.
Rather than being solo or Tony Stark as a mentor, this iteration of Peter Parker develops a evolving relationship with the future Green Goblin, who here is still just the head of Oscorp. Through their dynamic, Peter becomes his own man, learning the iconic mantra of power and great responsibility.
9. Hazbin Hotel Season 2
Creator Vivienne Medrano's boldly transgressive adult musical-comedy series, which originated as a fan-funded short, fully came into its own in its second season. Building on the climactic events of season 1, the story broadens significantly, following the ambitious TV demon Vox as he seizes control of the situation, sparking a series of increasingly explosive confrontations that naturally culminate in elaborate musical numbers.
Although it might not have a single breakout hit quite like the first season's "iconic tune," this is due to everything in season 2 being more interwoven. The fight sequences, personal development, and especially the score and songs are all elevated. The season moves the overarching storyline dramatically while delivering plenty of weird, unhinged, and simply entertaining fantasy.
8. Daredevil: Born Again
Following the legendary Netflix series, this series faced immense expectations. After well-documented production issues, the final show proves to be worth the effort. The story centers on Matt Murdock after his secret identity as Daredevil is exposed, making him a target to enemies both history and present in a slightly version of his familiar world.
The first episode is explosive, capturing the gritty feeling audiences cherished from the original series. While the subsequent episodes explore some different narrative ground, the season concludes powerfully, setting fans eagerly awaiting a follow-up season.
7. Common Side Effects
A surprising this year's highlight, this show is essentially an animated crime saga with a sensibility of King of the Hill. Helmed by Joe Bennett alongside comedy Steve Hely, it follows the story of a mild-mannered fungi expert who discovers a curative mushroom and soon finds himself pursued by forces including unscrupulous pharmaceutical CEOs to federal authorities.
Far from being a parody, the narrative unfolds with the serious atmosphere of a classic paranoia thriller. Accentuated by trippy visuals and an unnerving score, the plot explores bigger questions about the mushroom's full capabilities. It's a smart, visually striking, and utterly gripping first season.
6. Fallout Season 2
The acclaimed series based on the iconic video game franchise returned with a second batch of episodes that expanded its epic mystery and broadened its nuclear wasteland setting. Although it travels in the direction of the legendary location of New Vegas, the story is not a direct adaptation of that title; instead, it continues to explore ideas of control and autonomy.
It expertly juggles several narrative threads and perspectives, from Lucy's quest for answers to a knight's reckoning with the dogma of the his faction. The outcome is a deeply detailed and wholly engaging chapter to the ever-growing wasteland saga.
5. Invincible Season 3
The visceral and emotionally charged animated series continues its winning momentum in season 3. Mark Grayson faces tremendous challenges on all fronts: preparing for a looming alien invasion, guiding his young brother, and battling with the shadowy GDA. The season once again features some of the most brutally brutal fight scenes the series has ever produced.
The protagonist's bodily and psychological endurance are constantly pushed. He must contend with foes more powerful than himself, the consequences of his battles, and the ethical weight of his decisions. Excellent arcs for key characters such as Cecil Stedman and Rex Splode complete a superb installment.
4. Peacemaker Season 2
The director's offbeat superhero show returned with increased significance within the new DC canon, and it delivers on both count. While it effectively establishes groundwork for upcoming DCU projects, it primarily presents a powerful and self-contained {