Our Top 10 Sci-Fi & Fantastical Series of This Year
How would you do if you had infinite power? That's the central inquiry asked by the finest sci-fi as well as fantasy stories. What if you were granted extraordinary powers? Perhaps discovered a revolutionary drug? Or if every single person became dedicated to your satisfaction? Would you wield such power for the greater good, or give in to your baser impulses?
These series featured below all grapple with that very theme in various ways (aside from a single key exception). Presented below is a list of the 10 top seasons of sci-fi and fantasy television from the past year.
10. Spider-Man: Your Friendly Neighborhood
Even after over six decades of stories, Spider-Man remains reimagined by fresh talent. Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man presents a novel perspective at the character's early days, cleverly blending essential source material story beats with ideas from the broader Marvel universe to create something that feels simultaneously fresh and deeply compelling.
Instead of operating solo or having Iron Man as a guide, this iteration of the hero forges a complex partnership with Norman Osborn, who in this story is merely the CEO of Oscorp. Across their dynamic, Peter grows into his own man, internalizing the iconic mantra of power and responsibility.
9. Hazbin Hotel Season 2
Showrunner Vivienne Medrano's audacious mature musical-comedy series, which originated as a crowdfunded pilot, fully found its footing in its second installment. Building on the game-changing events of the first season, the narrative broadens significantly, centering on the scheming TV demon Vox as he takes control of the situation, igniting a chain of increasingly explosive confrontations that inevitably culminate in elaborate musical numbers.
While it might not have a one viral song quite like season one's "iconic tune," this is due to everything in this season being increasingly interwoven. The fight sequences, character development, and above all the score and songs are all elevated. The story advances the overarching plot forward while delivering no shortage of bizarre, wild, and simply fun dark fantasy.
8. Daredevil: Born Again
As a successor to the legendary Netflix show, Daredevil: Born Again had enormous shoes to fill. After well-documented development challenges, the final product proves it was worthy of the wait. The plot centers on Matt Murdock after his secret identity as Daredevil is exposed, leaving him vulnerable to foes both past and present in a refreshed version of his well-known setting.
The premiere is explosive, evoking the intense tone audiences loved from the original incarnation. Although the subsequent episodes explore certain new territory, the first season concludes on a strong note, leaving fans keenly anticipating a follow-up installment.
7. Common Side Effects
A surprising this year's highlight, this show could be described as an animated crime saga filtered through a sensibility of a suburban satire. Helmed by an Adult Swim veteran and writer Steve Hely, it follows the story of a nerdy fungi expert who discovers a curative fungus and soon finds himself pursued by forces including ruthless pharmaceutical executives to government authorities.
Despite being a parody, the narrative unfolds with the serious intensity of a classic conspiracy film. Enhanced by hallucinogenic visuals and an unnerving musical soundtrack, the story explores deeper mysteries about the substance's true capabilities. It's a smart, beautifully animated, and completely gripping ten-episode season.
6. Fallout Season 2
The acclaimed adaptation of the iconic gaming franchise returned with a new batch of stories that expanded its epic mystery and expanded its post-apocalyptic world. While it ventures toward the legendary location of New Vegas, the story is not a direct adaptation of that title; instead, it continues to examine ideas of control and freedom.
It expertly juggles multiple narrative threads and points of view, from the protagonist's mission for justice to Maximus's reckoning with the dogma of the Brotherhood of Steel. The result is a deeply layered and utterly absorbing addition to the expanding Fallout saga.
5. Invincible Season 3
The visceral and emotionally charged animated show continues its winning streak in its third outing. The hero faces immense challenges on all fronts: preparing for a looming Viltrumite threat, mentoring his young sibling, and battling with his secretive Global Defense Agency. The story once again includes some of the most intense fight scenes the series has ever produced.
The protagonist's bodily and psychological endurance are repeatedly pushed. He must contend with opponents stronger than he is, the consequences of his actions, and the ethical weight of his decisions. Standout storylines for key cast members like Cecil Stedman and Rex Splode round out a superb installment.
4. Peacemaker Season 2
The director's irreverent anti-hero show returned with increased significance within the new DC canon, and season 2 executes on both count. Although it effectively establishes foundations for upcoming DCU projects, it also tells a resonant and self-contained {