Our Best 10 Science Fiction & Fantastical TV Shows of This Year
How would you do with boundless control? This is a fundamental inquiry explored by all best sci-fi and fantasy narratives. What if you were granted extraordinary powers? Or discovered a miraculous drug? What about each and every other human became wholly committed to your personal happiness? Would you wield that power for good, or give in to your own baser instincts?
The television series featured herein each grapple with this theme in unique ways (aside from one notable exception). Detailed here is a countdown of the 10 best installments of sci-fi & fantasy television from 2025.
10. Spider-Man: Your Friendly Neighborhood
Despite more than 60 years of history, Spider-Man remains reinterpreted by new talent. Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man offers a refreshing look at the hero's formative years, cleverly blending classic source material elements with influences from other adaptations to craft something which is both new and profoundly compelling.
Rather than being alone or Tony Stark as a mentor, this iteration of Peter Parker develops a evolving partnership with the future Green Goblin, who in this story is still just the CEO of Oscorp. Across their interactions, Peter becomes his own man, learning the signature lesson of power and great responsibility.
9. Hazbin Hotel Season 2
Creator Vivienne Medrano's audacious mature musical show, which originated as a crowdfunded short, fully came into its own in its second season. Following the game-changing revelations of the first season, the narrative broadens considerably, centering on the ambitious TV demon Vox who takes control of the narrative, igniting a series of ever-more explosive confrontations that inevitably end in elaborate musical numbers.
While it might not have a one breakout hit quite like the first season's "iconic tune," that's because each element in this season being increasingly interwoven. The fight sequences, personal arcs, and above all the music are all more sophisticated. The season moves the overarching storyline forward while providing no shortage of bizarre, wild, and ultimately fun fantasy.
8. Daredevil: Born Again
Following the legendary Netflix show, this series faced enormous expectations. After significant production issues, the resulting product proves it was 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 history and new threats in a refreshed version of his well-known setting.
The first episode is explosive, capturing the intense feeling fans cherished from the prior series. While the subsequent chapters explore certain different territory, the first season concludes powerfully, setting viewers eagerly awaiting a second installment.
7. Common Side Effects
An surprising this year's highlight, this series could be described as a Breaking Bad with the humor of King of the Hill. Created by an Adult Swim veteran alongside comedy Steve Hely, it follows the story of a nerdy fungi expert who discovers a miraculous fungus and quickly finds himself hunted by forces including ruthless pharmaceutical executives to federal authorities.
Despite being a parody, the narrative unfolds with the serious atmosphere of a 1970s paranoia thriller. Accentuated by hallucinogenic visuals and an eerie musical soundtrack, the plot delves into deeper questions about the substance's true effects. It's a intelligent, beautifully animated, and completely compelling first season.
6. Fallout Season 2
The hit series based on the iconic video game franchise returned with a second season of episodes that expanded its epic lore and expanded its post-apocalyptic world. Although it travels in the direction of the legendary location of New Vegas, the story is far from a direct retelling of that title; instead, it further examine ideas of control and freedom.
The show expertly juggles several storylines and perspectives, from Lucy's quest for answers to Maximus's reckoning with the dogma of the his faction. The outcome is a deeply layered and wholly engaging chapter to the ever-growing wasteland mythology.
5. Invincible Season 3
The visceral and heartfelt animated show continues its winning momentum in season 3. Mark Grayson confronts immense challenges on all side: preparing for a looming Viltrumite threat, mentoring his young brother, and clashing with his shadowy Global Defense Agency. The season also includes some of the most intense fight sequences the series has ever produced.
Mark's bodily and emotional limits are constantly tested. He must grapple with foes stronger than himself, the aftermath of his battles, and the moral burden of his decisions. Excellent storylines for key characters such as Cecil Stedman and Rex Splode round out a superb season.
4. Peacemaker Season 2
The director's irreverent anti-hero series returned with increased importance within the revamped DC canon, and it executes on both fronts. Although it effectively establishes groundwork for future cinematic universe stories, it primarily presents a resonant and focused {