Our Best 10 Science Fiction and Fantastical TV Shows of 2025
How would you do with infinite control? This is a fundamental question asked by the finest sci-fi and fantasy tales. What if you were granted extraordinary powers? Or discovered a revolutionary substance? What about each and every single human was dedicated to your happiness? Would you use such power for the greater good, or succumb to your baser impulses?
These shows listed herein all grapple with this theme in distinct ways (aside from one key exception). Presented here is our ranking of the ten most outstanding seasons of science fiction & fantasy TV from the past year.
10. Spider-Man: Your Friendly Neighborhood
Despite more than 60 years of stories, the web-slinger continues to be reinterpreted by new creative voices. Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man presents a refreshing look at the hero's early days, skillfully blending classic comic story beats with ideas from the broader Marvel universe to create something which is simultaneously new and deeply engaging.
Rather than being alone or having Tony Stark as a mentor, this iteration of the hero develops a complex relationship with Norman Osborn, who in this story is still just the head of Oscorp. Across their dynamic, Peter grows into a true hero, learning the signature lesson of power and great responsibility.
9. Hazbin Hotel Season 2
Creator Vivienne Medrano's audacious mature musical series, which sprang from a crowdfunded short, truly found its footing in its second installment. Building on the game-changing events of season 1, the story broadens considerably, centering on the scheming TV demon Vox who seizes control of the situation, igniting a chain of increasingly explosive conflicts that inevitably end in show-stopping musical numbers.
While it might not have a one breakout hit on the level of season one's "iconic tune," this is due to everything in this season being increasingly complex. The action, character arcs, and especially the music are all more sophisticated. The story advances the main storyline dramatically while providing no shortage of weird, wild, and ultimately entertaining fantasy.
8. Daredevil: Born Again
As a successor to the legendary Netflix series, Daredevil: Born Again faced enormous shoes to fill. After well-documented production issues, the final show demonstrates it was worthy of the effort. The plot centers on Matt Murdock after his secret identity as Daredevil is exposed, making him a target to foes from his past and new threats in a refreshed take of his familiar setting.
The first episode is a thrilling return to form, capturing the gritty feeling audiences cherished from the prior incarnation. While the middle chapters explore some new narrative ground, the season finishes powerfully, leaving fans eagerly anticipating a follow-up season.
7. Common Side Effects
A unexpected this year's gem, this series could be described as a crime saga filtered through the humor of King of the Hill. Created by an Adult Swim veteran and comedy Steve Hely, it tells the story of a mild-mannered mycologist who finds a curative fungus and soon finds himself hunted by forces including unscrupulous Big Pharma executives to federal authorities.
Far from being a spoof, the narrative unfolds with the grave intensity of a 1970s paranoia thriller. Accentuated by hallucinogenic animation and an unnerving musical soundtrack, the plot explores bigger questions about the mushroom's true effects. It's a smart, visually striking, and completely gripping ten-episode season.
6. Fallout Season 2
This hit series of the popular gaming franchise came back with a new season of episodes that deepened its epic mystery and broadened its post-apocalyptic setting. While it travels toward the legendary location of New Vegas, the season is not a straight retelling of that game; rather, it further examine themes of control and freedom.
The show expertly balances several storylines and perspectives, from the protagonist's quest for justice to Maximus's struggle with the ideology of the his faction. The result is a rich layered and utterly absorbing addition to the ever-growing Fallout mythology.
5. Invincible Season 3
The visceral and heartfelt animated series keeps its winning momentum in its third outing. Mark Grayson confronts tremendous pressure on every fronts: training for a coming alien invasion, mentoring his young sibling, and battling with the shadowy Global Defense Agency. The season also includes some of the most brutally intense action scenes the series has yet produced.
The protagonist's bodily and psychological endurance are repeatedly tested. He must grapple with opponents more powerful than he is, the consequences of his battles, and the ethical weight of his decisions. Excellent storylines for supporting cast members like Cecil Stedman and Rex Splode complete a fantastic season.
4. Peacemaker Season 2
The director's offbeat superhero series returned with elevated significance within the revamped DC canon, and season 2 delivers on that count. Although it effectively establishes foundations for future DCU projects, it primarily tells a powerful and focused {