Our Finest 10 Sci-Fi and Fantastical Television of This Year
What could you accomplish if you had unlimited control? That's the central inquiry explored by all best science fiction and fantastical tales. Imagine if you were granted extraordinary powers? Or discovered a miraculous substance? What about each and every other person was dedicated to your satisfaction? Would you wield that influence for good, or succumb to your own baser instincts?
These series listed below each grapple with this concept in various ways (aside from a single key exception). Presented below is our list of the ten top seasons of science fiction & fantasy TV from the past year.
10. Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man
Despite more than six decades of history, the web-slinger is constantly reimagined by new creative voices. This series offers a novel look at the hero's formative days, skillfully merging essential source material elements with influences from the broader Marvel universe to create something which is simultaneously new and profoundly compelling.
Instead of being alone or Tony Stark as a guide, this iteration of the hero forges a evolving partnership with Norman Osborn, who in this story is still just the head of Oscorp. Through their interactions, Peter becomes his own man, learning the iconic lesson of power and responsibility.
9. Hazbin Hotel Season 2
Showrunner Vivienne Medrano's boldly transgressive mature musical series, which originated as a crowdfunded short, fully found its footing in its second season. Building on the game-changing events of the first season, the story broadens considerably, following the ambitious media overlord Vox as he takes command of the situation, sparking a chain of increasingly explosive confrontations that inevitably end in show-stopping song.
While it might not have a one breakout song quite like season one's "iconic tune," this is due to everything in season 2 being increasingly complex. The fight sequences, personal development, and especially the music are all elevated. The season advances the main plot dramatically while delivering plenty of bizarre, wild, and simply entertaining dark fantasy.
8. Daredevil: Born Again
Following the legendary Netflix show, Daredevil: Born Again faced enormous shoes to fill. Despite well-documented development issues, the resulting show demonstrates it was worthy of the wait. The story centers on Matt Murdock after his secret identity as Daredevil is publicly revealed, making him vulnerable to enemies both history and new threats in a slightly take of his well-known setting.
The first episode is explosive, capturing the gritty tone fans cherished from the original incarnation. While the subsequent episodes venture into some different narrative ground, the season concludes on a strong note, leaving viewers keenly awaiting a second installment.
7. Common Side Effects
An unexpected 2025 highlight, this series could be described as an animated crime saga with a sensibility of a suburban satire. Created by Joe Bennett alongside writer Steve Hely, it follows the story of a nerdy mycologist who finds a curative fungus and quickly finds himself pursued by everyone from ruthless pharmaceutical CEOs to federal agents.
Far from being a parody, the narrative plays out with the grave atmosphere of a classic conspiracy film. Enhanced by hallucinogenic visuals and an eerie musical soundtrack, the plot delves into bigger questions about the mushroom's full effects. It's a smart, beautifully animated, and utterly compelling ten-episode season.
6. Fallout Season 2
This acclaimed adaptation of the iconic video game franchise returned with a new season of episodes that expanded its sprawling lore and expanded its nuclear wasteland world. While it ventures toward the legendary location of New Vegas, the season is far from a straight adaptation of that game; rather, it continues to examine themes of authority and autonomy.
The show skillfully juggles several storylines and perspectives, from Lucy's mission for justice to Maximus's reckoning with the ideology of the his faction. The result is a rich detailed and wholly absorbing chapter to the expanding Fallout saga.
5. Invincible Season 3
The bloody and emotionally charged animated show keeps its powerful streak in its third outing. Mark Grayson faces tremendous pressure on all side: preparing for a looming Viltrumite threat, guiding his young brother, and battling with the shadowy Global Defense Agency. The story also includes some of the most brutal action sequences the series has ever delivered.
Mark's physical and emotional limits are constantly pushed. He must contend with opponents stronger than himself, the consequences of his battles, and the ethical weight of his choices. Excellent storylines for supporting characters like Cecil Stedman and Rex Splode round out a superb installment.
4. Peacemaker Season 2
The director's offbeat anti-hero show returned with elevated significance within the revamped DC universe, and it delivers on that count. While it effectively establishes foundations for upcoming DCU stories, it also presents a resonant and self-contained {