Our Best 10 Science Fiction and Fantasy TV Shows of This Year
What could you accomplish with unlimited ability? This is a fundamental question posed by all finest science fiction and fantasy tales. What if you were granted superhuman abilities? Or discovered a miraculous substance? What about every single human was dedicated to your personal happiness? Would you wield that power for the greater good, or would you give in to your own darker impulses?
The shows ranked below all grapple with this dilemma in distinct manners (with a single key exception). Detailed below is our list of the ten top seasons of sci-fi & fantastical TV from 2025.
10. Spider-Man: Your Friendly Neighborhood
Despite over six decades of history, the web-slinger continues to be reimagined by new talent. This series presents a novel look at the character's early years, skillfully merging essential comic story beats with influences from other adaptations to create something which is simultaneously new and profoundly compelling.
Rather than being alone or having Iron Man as a guide, this version of the hero forges a complex relationship with Norman Osborn, who here is merely the head of Oscorp. Through their dynamic, Peter grows into his own man, learning the signature mantra of power and great responsibility.
9. Hazbin Hotel Season 2
Creator Vivienne Medrano's boldly transgressive mature musical-comedy series, which sprang from a fan-funded pilot, truly found its footing in its second installment. Following the climactic events of season 1, the narrative expands considerably, centering on the scheming TV demon Vox as he takes control of the situation, sparking a series of increasingly dramatic conflicts that naturally culminate in show-stopping song.
While it may lack a single viral song quite like the first season's "Loser, Baby," that's because each element in this season being more ambitious. The fight sequences, character arcs, and above all the music are all more sophisticated. The story advances the main plot forward while providing no shortage of weird, wild, and ultimately entertaining dark fantasy.
8. Daredevil: Born Again
Following the legendary Netflix series, Daredevil: Born Again faced enormous expectations. After well-documented development issues, the final product proves it was worthy of the wait. The story follows Matt Murdock after his dual life as Daredevil is exposed, leaving him vulnerable to enemies both history and new threats in a refreshed version of his familiar world.
The premiere is explosive, evoking the gritty tone audiences cherished from the prior series. While the subsequent chapters explore certain new territory, the season concludes on a strong note, setting viewers eagerly awaiting a follow-up installment.
7. Common Side Effects
A unexpected this year's highlight, this show is essentially an animated Breaking Bad filtered through a sensibility of King of the Hill. Created by Joe Bennett alongside writer Steve Hely, the series follows the story of a mild-mannered mycologist who discovers a miraculous mushroom and quickly finds himself hunted by forces including unscrupulous pharmaceutical executives to government authorities.
Despite being a spoof, the show plays out with the serious atmosphere of a 1970s conspiracy thriller. Enhanced by hallucinogenic animation and an unnerving score, the story delves into bigger questions about the substance's true effects. It's a smart, beautifully animated, and completely gripping ten-episode season.
6. Fallout Season 2
The acclaimed adaptation based on the iconic video game franchise returned with a second batch of stories that deepened its sprawling lore and expanded its post-apocalyptic world. While it ventures toward the legendary location of New Vegas, the story is not a direct adaptation of that game; instead, it further examine themes of control and autonomy.
The show expertly juggles multiple storylines and perspectives, from Lucy's quest for answers to a knight's struggle with the dogma of the his faction. The outcome is a rich layered and utterly absorbing chapter to the expanding wasteland saga.
5. Invincible Season 3
The visceral and emotionally charged animated series continues its powerful momentum in its third outing. The hero faces immense pressure on every side: preparing for a looming Viltrumite threat, guiding his powered sibling, and battling with his secretive Global Defense Agency. The season also includes some of the most brutally brutal action scenes the show has yet produced.
Mark's bodily and emotional limits are constantly tested. He must grapple with foes stronger than himself, the consequences of his actions, and the moral burden of his choices. Standout arcs for supporting cast members like Cecil Stedman and Rex Splode round out a fantastic installment.
4. Peacemaker Season 2
James Gunn's irreverent superhero show came back with elevated importance within the new DC canon, and it executes on both fronts. While it effectively establishes foundations for future cinematic universe stories, it primarily tells a powerful and self-contained {