The Top 10 Science Fiction and Fantasy Television of This Year

What would you do with unlimited control? That's the central inquiry posed by all greatest science fiction as well as fantastical stories. What if you were granted extraordinary powers? Perhaps stumbled upon a miraculous substance? What about every single person became wholly committed to your personal satisfaction? Could you use that influence for the greater good, or succumb to your baser instincts?

These shows ranked herein each grapple with that very theme in various ways (aside from one key exception). Presented here is a countdown of the ten best installments of science fiction and fantasy television from 2025.

10. Spider-Man: Your Friendly Neighborhood

An innovative take on Spider-Man
Image: Marvel Animation

Even after more than six decades of history, Spider-Man remains reimagined by new creative voices. This series offers a novel perspective at the hero's formative years, skillfully blending essential source material elements with ideas from the broader Marvel universe to create something which is simultaneously fresh and deeply compelling.

Instead of being alone or Iron Man as a guide, this iteration of the hero develops a complex partnership with the future Green Goblin, who here is merely the CEO of Oscorp. Across their interactions, Peter grows into a true hero, learning the iconic lesson of great power and great responsibility.

9. Hazbin Hotel Season 2

Theatrical mayhem in Hell
Visual: SpindleHorse

Showrunner Vivienne Medrano's audacious adult musical-comedy series, which sprang from a crowdfunded pilot, fully came into its own in its second season. Following the climactic revelations of season 1, the story expands considerably, centering on the ambitious TV demon Vox as he takes command of the narrative, sparking a series of increasingly explosive conflicts that naturally end in show-stopping song.

While it might not have a one breakout song on the level of the first season's "iconic tune," that's because everything in this season being increasingly ambitious. The action, personal development, and especially the score and songs are collectively more sophisticated. The season advances the main plot forward while providing plenty of weird, wild, and simply entertaining fantasy.

8. Daredevil: Born Again

Matt Murdock fighting
Photo: Marvel

Following the acclaimed Netflix series, Daredevil: Born Again had immense shoes to fill. After well-documented production issues, the final product demonstrates it was worthy of the wait. The story centers on Matt Murdock after his dual life as Daredevil is publicly revealed, leaving him vulnerable to foes from his past and new threats in a refreshed take of his well-known setting.

The first episode is explosive, capturing the gritty tone fans cherished from the original series. Although the subsequent chapters venture into certain new territory, the first season finishes on a strong note, leaving viewers eagerly anticipating a follow-up installment.

7. Common Side Effects

Stylized characters in a dramatic moment
Visual: Adult Swim

A unexpected 2025 gem, this show is essentially an animated crime saga with a sensibility of King of the Hill. Created by Joe Bennett and comedy Steve Hely, the series tells the story of a nerdy mycologist who discovers a miraculous fungus and soon finds himself hunted by forces including unscrupulous Big Pharma CEOs to government agents.

Despite being a parody, the narrative unfolds with the serious atmosphere of a classic conspiracy thriller. Accentuated by hallucinogenic animation and an unnerving musical soundtrack, the story delves into bigger mysteries about the substance's full capabilities. It's a smart, beautifully animated, and completely gripping ten-episode season.

6. Fallout Season 2

Wasteland landscape from Fallout
Screenshot: Streaming Service

The acclaimed adaptation of the iconic video game franchise returned with a new batch of episodes that expanded its sprawling lore and expanded its post-apocalyptic setting. Although it travels in the direction of the legendary location of New Vegas, the story is not a direct adaptation of that game; instead, it further examine themes of control and freedom.

The show skillfully juggles several storylines and points of view, from the protagonist's quest for justice to Maximus's struggle with the dogma of the his faction. The outcome is a rich layered and utterly absorbing chapter to the ever-growing wasteland mythology.

5. Invincible Season 3

Mark Grayson in a brutal fight
Image: Prime Video

The bloody and heartfelt animated series continues its powerful streak in season 3. Mark Grayson faces immense pressure on every fronts: preparing for a looming alien threat, mentoring his powered sibling, and battling with the secretive GDA. The story also features some of the most brutal fight sequences the show has ever produced.

The protagonist's bodily and emotional endurance are constantly tested. He must grapple with opponents more powerful than he is, the aftermath of his battles, and the moral weight of his choices. Excellent arcs for supporting cast members like Cecil Stedman and Rex Splode round out a fantastic installment.

4. Peacemaker Season 2

Peacemaker in costume
Image: HBO Max

James Gunn's offbeat superhero show returned with increased importance within the revamped DC universe, and it delivers on both count. Although it successfully lays groundwork for future cinematic universe projects, it primarily presents a powerful and focused {

Michael Gonzalez
Michael Gonzalez

A tech journalist and AI researcher with over a decade of experience covering emerging technologies and their impact on society.