Our Top 10 Science Fiction and Fantastical Series of This Year
What could you accomplish if you had infinite power? That's the central inquiry asked by all greatest science fiction as well as fantasy narratives. What if you were granted extraordinary powers? Or stumbled upon a revolutionary substance? What about every single person was wholly committed to your happiness? Could you wield such influence for good, or succumb to your own darker instincts?
The shows featured below all explore that very theme in distinct ways (aside from one key exception). Detailed below is our countdown of the 10 top installments of science fiction & fantastical TV from 2025.
10. Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man
Even after more than six decades of stories, the web-slinger remains reimagined by fresh creative voices. This series offers a refreshing look at the character's early years, cleverly combining essential source material elements with ideas from the broader Marvel universe to create something which is simultaneously fresh and deeply engaging.
Instead of being solo or Tony Stark as a guide, this iteration of the hero develops a evolving partnership with Norman Osborn, who in this story is merely the CEO of Oscorp. Across their interactions, Peter becomes a true hero, learning the signature lesson of great power and great responsibility.
9. Hazbin Hotel Season 2
Showrunner Vivienne Medrano's audacious mature musical-comedy show, which originated as a crowdfunded short, truly came into its own in its second season. Building on the climactic events of the first season, the story broadens considerably, centering on the scheming TV demon Vox as he takes control of the situation, igniting a chain of increasingly explosive confrontations that naturally culminate in show-stopping musical numbers.
While it might not have a one breakout hit on the level of the first season's "Loser, Baby," that's because everything in this season being more interwoven. The fight sequences, personal arcs, and above all the music are all more sophisticated. The season moves the main storyline dramatically while delivering no shortage of weird, unhinged, and ultimately entertaining dark fantasy.
8. Daredevil: Born Again
As a successor to the acclaimed Netflix show, Daredevil: Born Again had immense shoes to fill. After well-documented development challenges, the resulting show proves it was worth the effort. The story centers on Matt Murdock once his secret identity as Daredevil is exposed, making him a target to enemies from his past and present in a slightly take of his familiar world.
The premiere is explosive, capturing the intense feeling audiences cherished from the original incarnation. While the subsequent episodes venture into certain different territory, the season concludes powerfully, leaving fans keenly anticipating a second installment.
7. Common Side Effects
An surprising this year's highlight, this series could be described as an animated crime saga with the humor of King of the Hill. Helmed by Joe Bennett and writer Steve Hely, it tells the story of a mild-mannered fungi expert who finds a miraculous mushroom and quickly finds himself hunted by everyone from unscrupulous pharmaceutical executives to government agents.
Despite being a parody, the narrative plays out with the grave intensity of a 1970s paranoia thriller. Enhanced by hallucinogenic visuals and an eerie musical soundtrack, the plot explores deeper mysteries about the mushroom's true effects. It's a smart, visually striking, and utterly compelling first season.
6. Fallout Season 2
The hit series of the iconic gaming franchise returned with a second season of stories that expanded its sprawling lore and expanded its nuclear wasteland world. While it travels toward the legendary location of New Vegas, the story is far from a direct adaptation of that game; rather, it further explore themes of control and autonomy.
It expertly juggles multiple storylines and perspectives, from Lucy's mission for answers to Maximus's reckoning with the dogma of the Brotherhood of Steel. The result is a deeply detailed and wholly absorbing chapter to the ever-growing Fallout saga.
5. Invincible Season 3
The visceral and heartfelt animated show continues its powerful momentum in its third outing. Mark Grayson confronts tremendous pressure on all side: preparing for a looming alien threat, mentoring his powered sibling, and battling with the shadowy Global Defense Agency. The story also features some of the most brutal fight scenes the series has ever produced.
The protagonist's physical and psychological limits are constantly pushed. He must grapple with foes stronger than himself, the consequences of his actions, and the ethical burden of his decisions. Excellent arcs for key cast members like Cecil Stedman and Rex Splode round out a fantastic installment.
4. Peacemaker Season 2
James Gunn's irreverent anti-hero show came back with elevated significance within the new DC canon, and season 2 delivers on both count. While it successfully establishes groundwork for upcoming DCU projects, it also tells a resonant and focused {