Our Top 10 Sci-Fi & Fantasy Series of This Year

How could you accomplish if you had infinite ability? This is a core question posed by all best science fiction and fantasy tales. Imagine if you were granted superhuman abilities? Or stumbled upon a miraculous substance? Or if every other person was dedicated to your personal happiness? Would you wield such influence for the greater good, or give in to your own baser instincts?

These television series ranked herein each confront that very theme in unique manners (with one notable exception). Presented here is a ranking of the ten best installments of sci-fi and fantastical television from the past year.

10. Spider-Man: Your Friendly Neighborhood

Despite more than six decades of stories, Spider-Man is constantly reinterpreted by new talent. Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man delivers a refreshing perspective at the hero's formative days, cleverly combining classic source material elements with ideas from other adaptations to craft something which is simultaneously new and deeply engaging.

Instead of being alone or Iron Man as a mentor, this iteration of the hero forges a complex partnership with Norman Osborn, who here is merely the head of Oscorp. Across their interactions, Peter grows into a true hero, internalizing the signature lesson of great power and great responsibility.

9. Hazbin Hotel Season 2

Showrunner Vivienne Medrano's boldly transgressive adult musical show, which originated as a crowdfunded pilot, truly found its footing in its second season. Building on the climactic events of season 1, the story expands significantly, centering on the scheming media overlord Vox as he takes control of the narrative, sparking a chain of ever-more explosive conflicts that naturally end in show-stopping musical numbers.

While it might not have a one breakout song quite like the first season's "iconic tune," this is due to each element in season 2 being increasingly interwoven. The action, personal development, and especially the music are all elevated. The story advances the main storyline forward while providing plenty of bizarre, wild, and ultimately fun dark fantasy.

8. Daredevil: Born Again

As a successor to the legendary Netflix series, this series faced enormous expectations. Despite significant development issues, the resulting product demonstrates to be worthy of the wait. The plot centers on Matt Murdock once his dual life as Daredevil is publicly revealed, leaving him a target to enemies from his past and new threats in a refreshed version of his well-known setting.

The first episode is a thrilling return to form, evoking the intense feeling audiences loved from the prior incarnation. Although the middle episodes explore certain new narrative ground, the season finishes on a strong note, setting viewers keenly anticipating a follow-up season.

7. Common Side Effects

An unexpected 2025 highlight, this show could be described as a crime saga filtered through a humor of a suburban satire. Helmed by Joe Bennett and writer Steve Hely, the series tells the story of a mild-mannered mycologist who discovers a miraculous mushroom and soon finds himself pursued by forces including unscrupulous Big Pharma executives to government agents.

Far from being a spoof, the show unfolds with the grave intensity of a 1970s conspiracy film. Accentuated by trippy animation and an eerie score, the plot explores deeper mysteries about the mushroom's full effects. It's a intelligent, beautifully animated, and completely compelling first season.

6. Fallout Season 2

The acclaimed adaptation of the popular gaming series returned with a second batch of stories that expanded its sprawling mystery and broadened its nuclear wasteland setting. While it travels in the direction of the legendary location of New Vegas, the story is far from a straight adaptation of that game; instead, it continues to explore themes of control and freedom.

The show skillfully juggles several narrative threads and perspectives, from Lucy's mission for justice to a knight's struggle with the dogma of the Brotherhood of Steel. The outcome is a deeply layered and utterly engaging addition to the ever-growing Fallout saga.

5. Invincible Season 3

The visceral and emotionally charged adult animation series continues its winning momentum in its third outing. The hero faces immense pressure on every fronts: training for a coming Viltrumite invasion, mentoring his powered sibling, and clashing with the shadowy GDA. The story also includes some of the most brutally intense action scenes the series has ever delivered.

Mark's physical and psychological endurance are constantly tested. He must contend with opponents stronger than himself, the aftermath of his battles, and the ethical weight of his decisions. Excellent storylines for supporting cast members like Cecil Stedman and Rex Splode complete a superb season.

4. Peacemaker Season 2

The director's offbeat anti-hero show came back with elevated significance within the new DC universe, and season 2 delivers on that count. Although it effectively lays groundwork for future DCU stories, it also tells a resonant and focused {