Our Finest 10 Science Fiction & Fantasy Series of This Year

What would you do if you had unlimited ability? That's a fundamental question asked by the best sci-fi and fantasy stories. Imagine if you were granted superhuman abilities? Or discovered a miraculous substance? Or if every single human became dedicated to your satisfaction? Could you wield such influence for the greater good, or would you succumb to your own darker impulses?

These series listed herein all grapple with that very dilemma in distinct ways (aside from one key exclusion). Outlined here is our countdown of the 10 top seasons of sci-fi & fantasy television from the past year.

10. Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man

An innovative take on Spider-Man
Illustration: Marvel Animation

Despite over six decades of history, the web-slinger remains reimagined by new talent. This series offers a novel look at the character's formative days, skillfully blending classic comic elements with influences from the broader Marvel universe to create something which is both fresh and deeply engaging.

Instead of being solo or having Tony Stark as a mentor, this version of Peter Parker forges a complex partnership with Norman Osborn, who here is still just the CEO of Oscorp. Through their dynamic, Peter grows into a true hero, learning the iconic mantra of power and great responsibility.

9. Hazbin Hotel Season 2

Theatrical chaos in Hell
Visual: Animation Studio

Creator Vivienne Medrano's boldly transgressive adult musical-comedy series, which sprang from a fan-funded short, fully found its footing in its second installment. Building on the game-changing revelations of season 1, the narrative expands considerably, following the ambitious media overlord Vox who seizes control of the situation, igniting a series of increasingly explosive conflicts that inevitably culminate in show-stopping song.

While it may lack a single viral hit quite like the first season's "Loser, Baby," that's because everything in this season being more complex. The fight sequences, character development, and especially the music are all elevated. The season moves the overarching storyline forward while providing no shortage of weird, wild, and simply fun dark fantasy.

8. Daredevil: Born Again

Matt Murdock in action
Photo: Marvel Studios

As a successor to the legendary Netflix show, Daredevil: Born Again faced enormous expectations. Despite well-documented development challenges, the resulting product proves it was worthy of the effort. The story follows Matt Murdock after his secret identity as Daredevil is publicly revealed, making him vulnerable to enemies from his past and present in a refreshed version of his familiar setting.

The first episode is explosive, evoking the intense feeling fans loved from the prior series. Although the subsequent chapters explore some new territory, the first season finishes powerfully, setting viewers keenly anticipating a follow-up installment.

7. Common Side Effects

Animated characters in a dramatic moment
Visual: Network

A unexpected 2025 highlight, this show could be described as an animated Breaking Bad with a humor of King of the Hill. Created by an Adult Swim veteran alongside comedy Steve Hely, the series tells the story of a nerdy mycologist who discovers a curative mushroom and quickly finds himself hunted by everyone from ruthless Big Pharma CEOs to government agents.

Far from being a parody, the narrative unfolds with the serious atmosphere of a 1970s conspiracy thriller. Accentuated by trippy visuals and an unnerving musical soundtrack, the story delves into deeper mysteries about the mushroom's true effects. It's a smart, beautifully animated, and utterly compelling first season.

6. Fallout Season 2

Wasteland vista from the series
Screenshot: Streaming Service

The hit series of the iconic gaming series returned with a new batch of stories that expanded its sprawling lore and broadened its post-apocalyptic world. Although it travels toward the fan-favorite location of New Vegas, the story is not a direct adaptation of that game; rather, it continues to examine themes of authority and autonomy.

It skillfully juggles several storylines and perspectives, from the protagonist's quest for justice to a knight's reckoning with the ideology of the his faction. The outcome is a deeply layered and utterly engaging chapter to the expanding Fallout mythology.

5. Invincible Season 3

Mark Grayson in a intense battle
Art: Prime Video

The visceral and heartfelt animated show continues its winning momentum in its third outing. Mark Grayson faces tremendous challenges on all side: training for a looming alien invasion, mentoring his powered brother, and clashing with his secretive GDA. The story once again features some of the most brutal action scenes the series has yet delivered.

Mark's bodily and emotional endurance are constantly tested. He must grapple with foes more powerful than he is, the consequences of his battles, and the ethical burden of his choices. Excellent arcs for key characters such as Cecil Stedman and Rex Splode round out a superb season.

4. Peacemaker Season 2

John Cena in gear
Image: HBO Max

James Gunn's offbeat anti-hero show came back with increased significance within the new DC universe, and it executes on that count. While it effectively establishes foundations for upcoming DCU projects, it also presents a powerful and self-contained {

Sharon Hansen
Sharon Hansen

Elara Vance is an international business analyst with over a decade of experience in global market trends and strategic consulting.