The Top 10 Sci-Fi and Fantasy Television of This Year
How could you accomplish if you had infinite ability? That's the central question posed by the finest science fiction and fantastical stories. What if you gained superhuman abilities? Or discovered a miraculous substance? What about each and every other person became dedicated to your personal happiness? Would you wield such influence for the greater good, or succumb to your own darker impulses?
The shows featured herein each grapple with this theme in unique ways (with a single notable exception). Presented below is a countdown of the ten most outstanding seasons of sci-fi & fantasy TV from the past year.
10. Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man
Even after over 60 years of stories, the web-slinger remains reinvented by new creative voices. Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man offers a novel look at the hero's formative days, skillfully combining classic comic elements with ideas from the broader Marvel universe to create something which is simultaneously fresh and profoundly engaging.
Instead of operating alone or Iron Man as a guide, this version of the hero develops a evolving relationship with Norman Osborn, who in this story is merely the head of Oscorp. Across their interactions, Peter grows into a true hero, learning the signature mantra of power and responsibility.
9. Hazbin Hotel Season 2
Showrunner Vivienne Medrano's boldly transgressive adult musical series, which originated as a crowdfunded pilot, fully came into its own in its second installment. Building on the climactic events of the first season, the narrative expands considerably, following the scheming media overlord Vox as he takes command of the narrative, sparking a chain of ever-more dramatic confrontations that inevitably end in elaborate song.
Although it may lack a one breakout hit quite like season one's "iconic tune," that's because each element in season 2 being more ambitious. The fight sequences, character development, and especially the score and songs are all elevated. The story advances the overarching storyline forward while providing plenty of weird, unhinged, and simply fun dark fantasy.
8. Daredevil: Born Again
As a successor to the acclaimed Netflix series, this series had immense shoes to fill. After significant development challenges, the resulting product demonstrates to be worth the wait. The plot centers on Matt Murdock after his secret identity as Daredevil is publicly revealed, making him vulnerable to foes both history and new threats in a slightly take of his familiar world.
The first episode is explosive, evoking the gritty tone fans cherished from the original incarnation. While the middle chapters venture into some different narrative ground, the first season finishes powerfully, leaving fans eagerly awaiting a second season.
7. Common Side Effects
A surprising 2025 gem, this show is essentially a crime saga filtered through the sensibility of a suburban satire. Created by Joe Bennett alongside comedy Steve Hely, the series tells the saga of a mild-mannered fungi expert who finds a curative mushroom and quickly finds himself pursued by everyone from unscrupulous Big Pharma executives to federal agents.
Despite being a parody, the narrative unfolds with the grave intensity of a 1970s conspiracy film. Accentuated by hallucinogenic animation and an eerie musical soundtrack, the plot explores bigger mysteries about the mushroom's full effects. It's a intelligent, beautifully animated, and completely compelling ten-episode season.
6. Fallout Season 2
The acclaimed series based on the iconic gaming franchise came back with a second season of episodes that deepened its epic mystery and expanded its post-apocalyptic world. While it ventures in the direction of the legendary location of New Vegas, the season is far from a straight retelling of that title; rather, it further examine ideas of authority and freedom.
The show skillfully juggles multiple narrative threads and points of view, from Lucy's mission for answers to a knight's reckoning with the dogma of the his faction. The outcome is a rich detailed and utterly engaging chapter to the ever-growing wasteland mythology.
5. Invincible Season 3
The visceral and heartfelt animated series continues its powerful momentum in season 3. Mark Grayson confronts immense pressure on all fronts: preparing for a looming alien invasion, guiding his young brother, and clashing with his secretive Global Defense Agency. The story once again features some of the most brutally brutal action scenes the series has yet delivered.
The protagonist's physical and psychological endurance are constantly tested. He must contend with opponents more powerful than he is, the consequences of his actions, and the moral weight of his decisions. Excellent storylines for supporting cast members such as Cecil Stedman and Rex Splode round out a fantastic season.
4. Peacemaker Season 2
The director's offbeat anti-hero show returned with increased significance within the revamped DC universe, and it delivers on both count. Although it successfully establishes foundations for upcoming DCU stories, it primarily tells a powerful and focused {