Our Best 10 Science Fiction and Fantastical Series of This Year
What would you do if you had infinite control? That's a fundamental inquiry posed by the greatest sci-fi as well as fantastical stories. What if you gained superhuman abilities? Or stumbled upon a miraculous drug? What about each and every single person became wholly committed to your satisfaction? Would you use such influence for good, or give in to your own baser impulses?
These television series ranked below all grapple with that very concept in various ways (aside from one key exclusion). Outlined here is a list of the 10 top seasons of science fiction and fantasy TV from the past year.
10. Spider-Man: Your Friendly Neighborhood
Even after more than six decades of history, the web-slinger is constantly reinterpreted by new creative voices. This series offers a novel perspective at the hero's early days, skillfully combining classic source material elements with ideas from other adaptations to create something which is both fresh and profoundly compelling.
Rather than being alone or Tony Stark as a mentor, this iteration of Peter Parker develops a evolving relationship with Norman Osborn, who here is merely the head of Oscorp. Across their dynamic, Peter becomes a true hero, internalizing the signature mantra of power and great responsibility.
9. Hazbin Hotel Season 2
Showrunner Vivienne Medrano's boldly transgressive mature musical-comedy show, which sprang from a fan-funded pilot, fully found its footing in its second installment. Building on the game-changing events of season 1, the narrative broadens considerably, centering on the scheming media overlord Vox as he takes command of the narrative, sparking a chain of ever-more dramatic confrontations that naturally end in show-stopping musical numbers.
While it might not have a single breakout hit quite like the first season's "Loser, Baby," that's because everything in season 2 being more ambitious. The fight sequences, character development, and above all the score and songs are collectively elevated. The season moves the main plot dramatically while delivering no shortage of bizarre, unhinged, and simply fun dark fantasy.
8. Daredevil: Born Again
Following the legendary Netflix series, this series had enormous shoes to fill. After well-documented development issues, the final show proves it was worth the wait. The plot centers on Matt Murdock once his dual life as Daredevil is publicly revealed, leaving him vulnerable to foes from his history and present in a refreshed version of his well-known world.
The premiere is explosive, capturing the intense feeling audiences loved from the prior series. Although the subsequent chapters venture into some new narrative ground, the season concludes powerfully, setting fans keenly anticipating a second season.
7. Common Side Effects
An unexpected 2025 highlight, this show is essentially a crime saga with the humor of a suburban satire. Helmed by an Adult Swim veteran alongside comedy Steve Hely, it tells the story of a nerdy fungi expert who discovers a miraculous mushroom and soon finds himself hunted by everyone from unscrupulous pharmaceutical CEOs to federal authorities.
Despite being a spoof, the narrative unfolds with the serious intensity of a classic paranoia thriller. Accentuated by hallucinogenic visuals and an unnerving musical soundtrack, the story explores deeper questions about the mushroom's true effects. It's a smart, beautifully animated, and utterly gripping ten-episode season.
6. Fallout Season 2
This hit adaptation of the iconic video game series returned with a second season of episodes that deepened its sprawling lore and broadened its nuclear wasteland world. Although it travels toward the legendary location of New Vegas, the season is not a straight adaptation of that title; rather, it continues to examine themes of control and freedom.
The show expertly juggles multiple storylines and perspectives, from the protagonist's mission for justice to Maximus's struggle with the dogma of the his faction. The result is a deeply layered and utterly absorbing chapter to the ever-growing Fallout saga.
5. Invincible Season 3
The visceral and heartfelt animated show keeps its powerful streak in its third outing. Mark Grayson faces immense challenges on all side: training for a coming alien invasion, guiding his powered brother, and battling with the shadowy Global Defense Agency. The story once again features some of the most brutal action scenes the series has ever produced.
The protagonist's physical and emotional endurance are constantly tested. He must contend with opponents stronger than himself, the consequences of his actions, and the moral weight of his decisions. Standout storylines for key characters like Cecil Stedman and Rex Splode round out a superb installment.
4. Peacemaker Season 2
The director's offbeat superhero series returned with increased significance within the new DC canon, and it executes on both fronts. While it successfully establishes foundations for future cinematic universe stories, it primarily tells a powerful and self-contained {