The Finest 10 Sci-Fi and Fantastical Series of This Year

What could you accomplish with unlimited power? That's a core question posed by all best sci-fi and fantasy stories. What if you gained superhuman abilities? Or stumbled upon a life-altering substance? What about each and every single human became dedicated to your satisfaction? Could you wield such influence for good, or would you give in to your baser impulses?

These television series ranked below all confront that very concept in various ways (aside from one key exclusion). Outlined below is our countdown of the 10 best installments of sci-fi & fantastical TV from the past year.

10. Spider-Man: Your Friendly Neighborhood

Even after over six decades of stories, the web-slinger continues to be reimagined by new creative voices. Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man presents a novel look at the hero's early days, skillfully merging classic comic elements with influences from other adaptations to create something that feels simultaneously new and profoundly engaging.

Instead of being solo or Iron Man as a guide, this version of the hero develops a evolving partnership with Norman Osborn, who in this story is merely the head of Oscorp. Across their interactions, Peter becomes a true hero, learning the signature mantra of power and responsibility.

9. Hazbin Hotel Season 2

Creator Vivienne Medrano's audacious mature musical-comedy show, which originated as a fan-funded short, fully hit its stride in its second installment. Following the climactic revelations of the first season, the story expands considerably, centering on the ambitious media overlord Vox who seizes command of the narrative, sparking a series of increasingly dramatic conflicts that naturally culminate in show-stopping song.

Although it may lack a one breakout hit quite like the first season's "Loser, Baby," that's because each element in season 2 being more interwoven. The action, character arcs, and above all the score and songs are collectively elevated. The story moves the overarching storyline forward while providing plenty of bizarre, wild, and simply entertaining fantasy.

8. Daredevil: Born Again

As a successor to the acclaimed Netflix series, Daredevil: Born Again faced enormous shoes to fill. After well-documented production challenges, the resulting show demonstrates it was worth the wait. The story centers on Matt Murdock after his dual life as Daredevil is exposed, making him vulnerable to enemies both history and present in a refreshed version of his familiar world.

The first episode is explosive, capturing the intense feeling audiences cherished from the prior series. While the middle chapters venture into some different territory, the season concludes powerfully, leaving viewers keenly anticipating a second installment.

7. Common Side Effects

A unexpected 2025 highlight, this show is essentially a crime saga with a humor of King of the Hill. Created by Joe Bennett alongside writer Steve Hely, the series tells the saga of a nerdy fungi expert who discovers a curative fungus and quickly finds himself hunted by everyone from ruthless Big Pharma executives to federal agents.

Far from being a parody, the show unfolds with the serious intensity of a classic paranoia film. Enhanced by trippy visuals and an unnerving musical soundtrack, the plot explores deeper mysteries about the mushroom's true capabilities. It's a smart, visually striking, and utterly compelling first season.

6. Fallout Season 2

The hit series of the iconic gaming series returned with a new season of stories that deepened its sprawling lore and expanded its post-apocalyptic setting. Although it ventures toward the fan-favorite location of New Vegas, the story is not a direct adaptation of that title; instead, it further explore themes of authority and freedom.

It expertly juggles multiple narrative threads and points of view, from the protagonist's mission for answers to Maximus's reckoning with the ideology of the his faction. The result is a deeply layered and wholly engaging addition to the ever-growing wasteland saga.

5. Invincible Season 3

This bloody and emotionally charged adult animation series continues its powerful momentum in season 3. Mark Grayson faces immense pressure on every fronts: training for a looming alien invasion, guiding his young sibling, and clashing with the secretive GDA. The story once again features some of the most brutally brutal action sequences the show has ever produced.

The protagonist's bodily and psychological endurance are constantly tested. He must grapple with foes stronger than himself, the consequences of his battles, and the ethical weight of his choices. Excellent arcs for key characters such as Cecil Stedman and Rex Splode complete a fantastic season.

4. Peacemaker Season 2

James Gunn's irreverent superhero series came back with increased significance within the new DC canon, and season 2 executes on that count. While it effectively establishes groundwork for future cinematic universe stories, it also tells a powerful and self-contained {