The Best 10 Science Fiction and Fantasy Television of This Year
How could you accomplish with infinite ability? That's a fundamental question explored by all greatest sci-fi as well as fantasy narratives. What if you were granted extraordinary powers? Perhaps stumbled upon a life-altering drug? Or if each and every other human was wholly committed to your satisfaction? Would you wield that power for good, or give in to your own darker impulses?
The television series ranked herein all explore that very theme in unique ways (aside from a single key exception). Outlined here is our ranking of the ten top installments of sci-fi & fantastical television from 2025.
10. Spider-Man: Your Friendly Neighborhood
Despite more than six decades of stories, the web-slinger remains reinvented by fresh talent. Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man presents a novel perspective at the hero's early days, skillfully merging classic source material elements with influences from other adaptations to create something which is both new and deeply compelling.
Rather than operating solo or Iron Man as a mentor, this version of the hero forges a complex relationship with Norman Osborn, who here is merely the head of Oscorp. Across their dynamic, Peter grows into a true hero, internalizing the iconic mantra of power and responsibility.
9. Hazbin Hotel Season 2
Showrunner Vivienne Medrano's boldly transgressive adult musical show, which originated as a crowdfunded pilot, fully found its footing in its sophomore season. Following the game-changing events of the first season, the narrative broadens significantly, following the ambitious media overlord Vox who seizes control of the situation, igniting a chain of increasingly dramatic confrontations that inevitably culminate in show-stopping musical numbers.
Although it may lack a single breakout song on the level of season one's "iconic tune," that's because everything in this season being increasingly complex. The fight sequences, personal development, and especially the score and songs are collectively more sophisticated. The season advances the overarching storyline forward while delivering plenty of weird, wild, and simply fun dark fantasy.
8. Daredevil: Born Again
As a successor to the acclaimed Netflix series, this series had enormous expectations. Despite well-documented production issues, the final product demonstrates it was worthy of the wait. The story centers on Matt Murdock after his secret identity as Daredevil is exposed, leaving him a target to foes from his history and new threats in a refreshed version of his familiar world.
The first episode is explosive, evoking the intense feeling fans cherished from the original series. While the subsequent episodes venture into some different territory, the season finishes on a strong note, setting fans keenly awaiting a follow-up installment.
7. Common Side Effects
An surprising 2025 highlight, this show is essentially an animated crime saga with the humor of a suburban satire. Helmed by an Adult Swim veteran and writer Steve Hely, it follows the story of a nerdy mycologist who discovers a curative fungus and quickly finds himself pursued by everyone from unscrupulous Big Pharma CEOs to government agents.
Despite being a spoof, the narrative plays out with the grave intensity of a classic paranoia thriller. Accentuated by hallucinogenic visuals and an unnerving musical soundtrack, the plot delves into bigger questions about the substance's full effects. It's a intelligent, visually striking, and completely compelling ten-episode season.
6. Fallout Season 2
The hit series of the popular video game series returned with a new batch of episodes that deepened its sprawling lore and expanded its nuclear wasteland world. While it ventures toward the fan-favorite location of New Vegas, the story is far from a direct retelling of that title; instead, it further explore ideas of authority and autonomy.
The show skillfully juggles several storylines and perspectives, from Lucy's quest for justice to a knight's reckoning with the dogma of the Brotherhood of Steel. The result is a rich layered and wholly absorbing chapter to the ever-growing Fallout mythology.
5. Invincible Season 3
The bloody and emotionally charged animated show keeps its powerful streak in its third outing. The hero faces tremendous challenges on all side: preparing for a looming alien invasion, guiding his young sibling, and clashing with the secretive Global Defense Agency. The season once again includes some of the most brutally intense action scenes the series has ever delivered.
Mark's physical and psychological endurance are repeatedly tested. He must contend with opponents more powerful than himself, the aftermath of his battles, and the ethical burden of his decisions. Standout storylines for supporting cast members like Cecil Stedman and Rex Splode round out a superb installment.
4. Peacemaker Season 2
James Gunn's irreverent anti-hero series came back with elevated importance within the revamped DC canon, and it executes on both count. While it successfully lays foundations for future cinematic universe projects, it also presents a powerful and focused {