The Top 10 Sci-Fi & Fantasy TV Shows of This Year

How could you accomplish if you had unlimited control? This is a central question asked by the greatest sci-fi as well as fantasy stories. What if you were granted superhuman abilities? Or stumbled upon a life-altering drug? What about every other person was wholly committed to your satisfaction? Would you wield such power for the greater good, or give in to your own darker instincts?

The shows listed below each grapple with that very theme in distinct ways (aside from a single key exception). Outlined here is a ranking of the 10 best installments of sci-fi & fantastical television from 2025.

10. Spider-Man: Your Friendly Neighborhood

An innovative take on Spider-Man
Illustration: Marvel Animation

Despite more than 60 years of stories, the web-slinger is constantly reinterpreted by fresh creative voices. This series presents a novel perspective at the character's formative days, cleverly combining classic source material story beats with ideas from the broader Marvel universe to create something that feels simultaneously new and deeply compelling.

Rather than operating solo or having Tony Stark as a mentor, this iteration of Peter Parker forges a evolving relationship with the future Green Goblin, who in this story is still just the CEO of Oscorp. Across their interactions, Peter grows into his own man, internalizing the iconic lesson of power and great responsibility.

9. Hazbin Hotel Season 2

Musical mayhem in the underworld
Visual: Animation Studio

Showrunner Vivienne Medrano's audacious adult musical series, which sprang from a fan-funded pilot, fully came into its own in its second installment. Following the game-changing events of season 1, the narrative broadens significantly, centering on the scheming media overlord Vox who takes command of the situation, sparking a series of ever-more explosive confrontations that naturally end in show-stopping song.

While it might not have a single viral song on the level of the first season's "Loser, Baby," this is due to each element in this season being more complex. The action, personal development, and especially the music are collectively more sophisticated. The season advances the main plot forward while delivering no shortage of weird, wild, and ultimately entertaining fantasy.

8. Daredevil: Born Again

Daredevil in action
Photo: Marvel Studios

As a successor to the acclaimed Netflix show, this series faced enormous shoes to fill. After well-documented development challenges, the final product demonstrates to be worth the wait. The story centers on Matt Murdock after his dual life as Daredevil is exposed, making him vulnerable to foes from his history and new threats in a refreshed take of his well-known world.

The premiere is a thrilling return to form, capturing the gritty tone fans loved from the original incarnation. While the middle episodes venture into some new territory, the first season finishes powerfully, setting fans eagerly awaiting a follow-up installment.

7. Common Side Effects

Stylized figures in a tense scene
Visual: Network

A surprising this year's highlight, this series could be described as a Breaking Bad filtered through the sensibility of King of the Hill. Created by an Adult Swim veteran and writer Steve Hely, it tells the story of a mild-mannered fungi expert who finds a miraculous fungus and soon finds himself pursued by forces including ruthless Big Pharma CEOs to government authorities.

Despite being a spoof, the narrative unfolds with the grave intensity of a 1970s paranoia thriller. Enhanced by hallucinogenic visuals and an unnerving score, the story explores bigger questions about the substance's true capabilities. It's a intelligent, visually striking, and completely gripping ten-episode season.

6. Fallout Season 2

Post-apocalyptic landscape from Fallout
Image: Streaming Service

The hit series based on the iconic video game series returned with a second season of stories that expanded its epic lore and expanded its post-apocalyptic world. Although it travels toward the legendary location of New Vegas, the story is far from a straight retelling of that game; instead, it continues to examine themes of authority and freedom.

It skillfully juggles several narrative threads and perspectives, from the protagonist's quest for justice to a knight's struggle with the ideology of the Brotherhood of Steel. The result is a rich detailed and wholly engaging chapter to the expanding Fallout saga.

5. Invincible Season 3

Invincible in a intense battle
Image: Streaming Service

The visceral and heartfelt animated show continues its winning momentum in its third outing. Mark Grayson faces tremendous pressure on every fronts: preparing for a coming alien invasion, mentoring his powered sibling, and battling with his shadowy GDA. The story once again includes some of the most intense action sequences the show has ever produced.

Mark's bodily and emotional limits are constantly tested. He must contend with foes more powerful than himself, the consequences of his battles, and the moral burden of his decisions. Excellent arcs for key cast members such as Cecil Stedman and Rex Splode round out a superb season.

4. Peacemaker Season 2

John Cena in gear
Image: Streamer

The director's offbeat superhero show came back with elevated significance within the new DC universe, and it delivers on that count. While it successfully lays foundations for future cinematic universe projects, it also presents a resonant and focused {

Maureen Hess
Maureen Hess

A data scientist and AI researcher with a passion for making complex tech concepts accessible to everyone.