The Best 10 Science Fiction & Fantastical TV Shows of This Year
How would you do if you had boundless power? This is a central inquiry explored by all greatest sci-fi and fantastical stories. What if you possessed superhuman abilities? Or discovered a life-altering drug? Or if every other human was wholly committed to your happiness? Could you wield such influence for good, or would you succumb to your own baser instincts?
These shows listed below all grapple with that very concept in unique ways (with one key exception). Outlined here is a countdown of the 10 top installments of science fiction and fantastical television from 2025.
10. Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man
Even after more than 60 years of history, Spider-Man remains reinterpreted by fresh talent. Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man offers a novel perspective at the hero's early years, cleverly blending essential source material story beats with ideas from the broader Marvel universe to craft something that feels both fresh and profoundly compelling.
Instead of being alone or having Tony Stark as a guide, this version of Peter Parker forges a evolving partnership with Norman Osborn, who here is still just the CEO of Oscorp. Across their dynamic, Peter becomes a true hero, learning the iconic mantra of power and great responsibility.
9. Hazbin Hotel Season 2
Showrunner Vivienne Medrano's audacious adult musical-comedy series, which sprang from a fan-funded pilot, fully came into its own in its sophomore installment. Following the climactic revelations of the first season, the narrative broadens significantly, following the ambitious TV demon Vox as he takes command of the situation, sparking a chain of increasingly explosive conflicts that inevitably culminate in show-stopping song.
Although it may lack a one viral song quite like season one's "iconic tune," this is due to everything in this season being more complex. The fight sequences, character arcs, and especially the music are all more sophisticated. The story advances the overarching plot dramatically while providing plenty of bizarre, wild, and simply entertaining dark fantasy.
8. Daredevil: Born Again
Following the legendary Netflix series, Daredevil: Born Again had immense shoes to fill. Despite well-documented development issues, the resulting show demonstrates it was worth the effort. The plot follows Matt Murdock once his dual life as Daredevil is publicly revealed, making him vulnerable to enemies from his past and new threats in a slightly version of his familiar setting.
The first episode is explosive, capturing the intense tone fans cherished from the original incarnation. While the subsequent episodes venture into some different territory, the season finishes powerfully, setting fans keenly anticipating a second season.
7. Common Side Effects
A surprising this year's highlight, this series could be described as an animated Breaking Bad with a humor of a suburban satire. Created by Joe Bennett alongside comedy Steve Hely, the series follows the saga of a nerdy mycologist who discovers a curative mushroom and soon finds himself pursued by forces including ruthless pharmaceutical CEOs to federal agents.
Far from being a parody, the narrative unfolds with the grave intensity of a 1970s conspiracy thriller. Enhanced by hallucinogenic animation and an eerie musical soundtrack, the plot delves into deeper questions about the mushroom's full capabilities. It's a intelligent, beautifully animated, and completely compelling ten-episode season.
6. Fallout Season 2
The acclaimed series of the iconic gaming series returned with a new batch of episodes that deepened its sprawling mystery and broadened its post-apocalyptic world. Although it ventures in the direction of the fan-favorite location of New Vegas, the season is far from a direct adaptation of that game; instead, it further examine themes of control and autonomy.
The show skillfully juggles several storylines and perspectives, from Lucy's quest for answers to Maximus's struggle with the dogma of the his faction. The result is a rich detailed and utterly absorbing chapter to the expanding Fallout saga.
5. Invincible Season 3
This visceral and heartfelt animated show continues its powerful streak in season 3. The hero faces immense pressure on every fronts: preparing for a looming Viltrumite threat, mentoring his young brother, and clashing with his shadowy Global Defense Agency. The season also features some of the most brutally intense action scenes the show has yet produced.
The protagonist's physical and emotional limits are repeatedly pushed. He must contend with foes more powerful than himself, the aftermath of his battles, and the moral weight of his decisions. Excellent arcs for supporting characters such as Cecil Stedman and Rex Splode complete a superb installment.
4. Peacemaker Season 2
James Gunn's offbeat anti-hero show returned with increased importance within the revamped DC canon, and it delivers on that fronts. Although it successfully establishes foundations for future cinematic universe projects, it primarily tells a powerful and self-contained {