Our Top 10 Science Fiction & Fantasy Television of This Year
How would you do if you had infinite control? That's a core inquiry posed by all best science fiction as well as fantasy tales. Imagine if you gained extraordinary powers? Perhaps stumbled upon a life-altering substance? Or if every single person was dedicated to your happiness? Could you use such power for the greater good, or give in to your own baser impulses?
The shows featured below each grapple with that very dilemma in distinct ways (aside from one key exclusion). Detailed below is a ranking of the ten most outstanding installments of sci-fi and fantasy television from 2025.
10. Spider-Man: Your Friendly Neighborhood
Despite more than 60 years of stories, the web-slinger remains reinterpreted by fresh creative voices. This series presents a refreshing look at the character's formative days, cleverly blending classic comic elements with ideas from other adaptations to create something that feels both fresh and deeply engaging.
Rather than being alone or Tony Stark as a guide, this version of Peter Parker develops a complex partnership with Norman Osborn, who in this story is merely the CEO of Oscorp. Through their interactions, Peter becomes a true hero, learning the iconic lesson of power and responsibility.
9. Hazbin Hotel Season 2
Showrunner Vivienne Medrano's audacious adult musical-comedy show, which originated as a fan-funded pilot, truly found its footing in its second installment. Building on the game-changing events of season 1, the narrative broadens considerably, following the scheming TV demon Vox as he takes command of the narrative, sparking a series of increasingly dramatic confrontations that inevitably culminate in show-stopping musical numbers.
While it may lack a single breakout song quite like season one's "Loser, Baby," that's because everything in this season being more ambitious. The fight sequences, character development, and above all the score and songs are all more sophisticated. The story moves the main plot forward while delivering no shortage of weird, wild, and ultimately fun fantasy.
8. Daredevil: Born Again
Following the acclaimed Netflix series, Daredevil: Born Again faced enormous expectations. After well-documented production challenges, the resulting show proves it was worthy of the wait. The plot centers on Matt Murdock after his dual life as Daredevil is exposed, making him a target to foes both history and present in a refreshed version of his familiar world.
The first episode is explosive, capturing the intense tone audiences cherished from the original incarnation. While the subsequent chapters venture into some new territory, the season concludes on a strong note, setting viewers eagerly anticipating a follow-up season.
7. Common Side Effects
An surprising this year's highlight, this series is essentially a crime saga with the humor of a suburban satire. Helmed by an Adult Swim veteran and comedy Steve Hely, the series follows the saga of a nerdy fungi expert who discovers a miraculous fungus and soon finds himself hunted by forces including ruthless pharmaceutical CEOs to federal authorities.
Far from being a parody, the narrative unfolds with the serious intensity of a classic conspiracy thriller. Enhanced by trippy animation and an unnerving musical soundtrack, the story delves into bigger mysteries about the mushroom's true effects. It's a intelligent, beautifully animated, and completely compelling ten-episode season.
6. Fallout Season 2
This hit series based on the popular gaming series came back with a second batch of stories that deepened its sprawling mystery and broadened its post-apocalyptic setting. While it ventures toward the legendary location of New Vegas, the story is not a straight adaptation of that title; rather, it continues to explore ideas of control and autonomy.
It expertly juggles multiple storylines and points of view, from Lucy's mission for justice to a knight's reckoning with the ideology of the his faction. The outcome is a deeply layered and utterly engaging addition to the ever-growing wasteland mythology.
5. Invincible Season 3
The bloody and emotionally charged adult animation series continues its powerful momentum in season 3. The hero confronts tremendous challenges on all fronts: training for a looming Viltrumite threat, guiding his young sibling, and battling with his shadowy Global Defense Agency. The season also includes some of the most brutally brutal action sequences the series has yet delivered.
Mark's physical and emotional limits are constantly pushed. He must contend with opponents stronger than himself, the consequences of his actions, and the moral burden of his choices. Excellent storylines for key characters like Cecil Stedman and Rex Splode complete a superb season.
4. Peacemaker Season 2
James Gunn's irreverent anti-hero series came back with elevated significance within the revamped DC universe, and season 2 delivers on both count. While it successfully lays groundwork for upcoming DCU projects, it also tells a powerful and focused {