Our Finest 10 Science Fiction and Fantasy Series of This Year
What would you do with boundless power? That's a central inquiry asked by the best science fiction and fantastical narratives. What if you were granted extraordinary powers? Or stumbled upon a miraculous substance? What about every single person was dedicated to your personal happiness? Could you use such power for the greater good, or would you succumb to your darker instincts?
The shows featured herein all explore this theme in various manners (with one notable exclusion). Outlined here is our list of the ten top installments of science fiction and fantasy television from 2025.
10. Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man
Despite over six decades of stories, the web-slinger is constantly reimagined by fresh creative voices. This series offers a refreshing perspective at the character's formative days, cleverly blending classic comic story beats with influences from other adaptations to create something which is both new and deeply compelling.
Instead of operating solo or having Iron Man as a guide, this iteration of Peter Parker develops a complex relationship with Norman Osborn, who in this story is still just the head of Oscorp. Through their interactions, Peter becomes his own man, internalizing the signature mantra of great power and great responsibility.
9. Hazbin Hotel Season 2
Creator Vivienne Medrano's audacious adult musical-comedy series, which sprang from a fan-funded short, truly hit its stride in its second installment. Building on the game-changing revelations of season 1, the story expands considerably, centering on the scheming TV demon Vox as he takes control of the situation, sparking a series of increasingly explosive conflicts that inevitably end in elaborate musical numbers.
Although it might not have a one breakout song on the level of season one's "Loser, Baby," that's because each element in this season being increasingly interwoven. The action, personal development, and above all the score and songs are collectively elevated. The season advances the overarching plot forward while providing no shortage of bizarre, unhinged, and simply fun fantasy.
8. Daredevil: Born Again
As a successor to the acclaimed Netflix show, Daredevil: Born Again faced enormous expectations. Despite significant development issues, the resulting product proves it was worth the effort. The story follows Matt Murdock once his dual life as Daredevil is publicly revealed, leaving him vulnerable to foes from his past and new threats in a refreshed version of his well-known world.
The first episode is a thrilling return to form, capturing the gritty feeling audiences cherished from the prior incarnation. While the middle episodes explore some new territory, the first season finishes powerfully, setting viewers keenly awaiting a follow-up installment.
7. Common Side Effects
An unexpected this year's gem, this series could be described as a crime saga filtered through a sensibility of a suburban satire. Created by Joe Bennett alongside comedy Steve Hely, it follows the saga of a mild-mannered mycologist who finds a curative mushroom and quickly finds himself pursued by forces including unscrupulous pharmaceutical executives to federal authorities.
Far from being a spoof, the narrative unfolds with the serious intensity of a 1970s paranoia film. Enhanced by hallucinogenic animation and an unnerving musical soundtrack, the plot delves into deeper questions about the substance's full capabilities. It's a smart, beautifully animated, and completely compelling first season.
6. Fallout Season 2
The acclaimed adaptation based on the iconic gaming franchise returned with a second batch of stories that deepened its epic mystery and expanded its post-apocalyptic setting. While it travels toward the legendary location of New Vegas, the season is not a direct adaptation of that title; instead, it continues to explore themes of control and freedom.
It skillfully balances multiple storylines and points of view, from the protagonist's mission for answers to Maximus's reckoning with the ideology of the Brotherhood of Steel. The result is a deeply detailed and wholly engaging chapter to the expanding wasteland saga.
5. Invincible Season 3
This visceral and heartfelt adult animation series keeps its powerful momentum in its third outing. Mark Grayson confronts immense challenges on all fronts: training for a looming Viltrumite threat, guiding his young sibling, and clashing with the shadowy Global Defense Agency. The story once again features some of the most intense fight scenes the show has yet produced.
Mark's bodily and emotional endurance are repeatedly pushed. He must contend with opponents stronger than he is, the consequences of his battles, and the moral burden of his choices. Standout storylines for supporting characters like Cecil Stedman and Rex Splode round out a fantastic installment.
4. Peacemaker Season 2
James Gunn's irreverent superhero series returned with increased significance within the new DC universe, and season 2 delivers on both fronts. While it successfully lays groundwork for upcoming DCU stories, it also presents a resonant and self-contained {