Our Best 10 Science Fiction & Fantastical Series of This Year
What would you do if you had unlimited ability? This is a core question posed by the greatest science fiction and fantasy narratives. What if you possessed superhuman abilities? Or discovered a miraculous substance? What about every other human was dedicated to your happiness? Would you use that influence for the greater good, or give in to your baser impulses?
These television series ranked below all explore this concept in distinct ways (with a single notable exception). Outlined here is a list of the 10 best installments of sci-fi & fantasy TV from 2025.
10. Spider-Man: Your Friendly Neighborhood
Even after over 60 years of history, the web-slinger continues to be reinterpreted by new creative voices. This series delivers a refreshing look at the hero's formative years, cleverly combining classic comic elements with ideas from other adaptations to craft something which is simultaneously fresh and deeply compelling.
Instead of operating alone or having Tony Stark as a guide, this version of the hero forges a complex partnership with Norman Osborn, who in this story is still just the CEO of Oscorp. Across their interactions, Peter becomes a true hero, internalizing the iconic lesson of great power and great responsibility.
9. Hazbin Hotel Season 2
Showrunner Vivienne Medrano's boldly transgressive adult musical-comedy show, which originated as a fan-funded short, fully came into its own in its second installment. Following the climactic revelations of the first season, the story expands considerably, following the ambitious media overlord Vox as he takes command of the situation, igniting a chain of ever-more explosive confrontations that naturally culminate in show-stopping musical numbers.
While it may lack a single breakout hit on the level of season one's "Loser, Baby," this is due to everything in season 2 being more complex. The fight sequences, character arcs, and above all the music are collectively elevated. The season moves the main storyline dramatically while delivering no shortage of bizarre, unhinged, and simply fun fantasy.
8. Daredevil: Born Again
As a successor to the legendary Netflix show, this series faced enormous expectations. After well-documented production issues, the resulting product proves it was worthy of the wait. The plot centers on Matt Murdock after his dual life as Daredevil is exposed, leaving him a target to foes both past and new threats in a slightly take of his familiar setting.
The first episode is a thrilling return to form, capturing the gritty feeling fans loved from the original series. While the subsequent chapters venture into certain new territory, the season concludes powerfully, setting fans keenly awaiting a follow-up season.
7. Common Side Effects
An surprising this year's gem, this series could be described as a crime saga filtered through a humor of a suburban satire. Helmed by an Adult Swim veteran and writer Steve Hely, the series tells the story of a mild-mannered mycologist who discovers a curative mushroom and quickly finds himself pursued by everyone from unscrupulous pharmaceutical CEOs to federal agents.
Far from being a spoof, the narrative unfolds with the serious atmosphere of a 1970s conspiracy film. Accentuated by trippy visuals and an eerie musical soundtrack, the story delves into bigger mysteries about the substance's full effects. It's a intelligent, beautifully animated, and utterly gripping first season.
6. Fallout Season 2
This acclaimed adaptation based on the popular gaming series came back with a new season of episodes that deepened its epic mystery and broadened its post-apocalyptic world. While it travels toward the fan-favorite location of New Vegas, the story is not a direct retelling of that title; rather, it further explore ideas of control and autonomy.
It skillfully juggles several narrative threads and points of view, from Lucy's quest for justice to Maximus's struggle with the dogma of the his faction. The result is a deeply layered and utterly absorbing addition to the expanding Fallout mythology.
5. Invincible Season 3
This visceral and heartfelt animated series keeps its powerful momentum in season 3. Mark Grayson faces tremendous pressure on every side: preparing for a looming Viltrumite threat, guiding his powered sibling, and battling with his secretive GDA. The season once again features some of the most brutally intense action scenes the show has ever produced.
Mark's bodily and psychological limits are constantly pushed. He must grapple with opponents stronger than himself, the aftermath of his actions, and the moral burden of his choices. Excellent storylines for key characters such as Cecil Stedman and Rex Splode round out a superb installment.
4. Peacemaker Season 2
The director's irreverent anti-hero series returned with elevated significance within the new DC canon, and season 2 executes on both count. While it successfully lays foundations for future DCU stories, it also tells a resonant and focused {