Our Best 10 Science Fiction & Fantasy Series of This Year

How would you do if you had unlimited ability? That's a core question explored by the finest science fiction as well as fantasy tales. What if you gained superhuman abilities? Perhaps discovered a revolutionary substance? Or if every other person became dedicated to your happiness? Would you use such influence for good, or succumb to your darker impulses?

These series ranked below each explore that very theme in distinct manners (with a single notable exception). Presented below is our ranking of the 10 best seasons of sci-fi & fantastical TV from the past year.

10. Spider-Man: Your Friendly Neighborhood

A fresh interpretation on Spider-Man
Illustration: Marvel

Even after more than 60 years of history, the web-slinger remains reimagined by new talent. Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man offers a novel perspective at the hero's formative years, skillfully merging classic comic story beats with ideas from the broader Marvel universe to craft something that feels simultaneously fresh and deeply engaging.

Instead of being solo or Tony Stark as a mentor, this version of the hero develops a complex partnership with the future Green Goblin, who in this story is still just the CEO of Oscorp. Across their interactions, Peter grows into his own man, internalizing the iconic mantra of great power and great responsibility.

9. Hazbin Hotel Season 2

Theatrical chaos in Hell
Visual: SpindleHorse

Creator Vivienne Medrano's boldly transgressive mature musical series, which originated as a fan-funded short, fully came into its own in its second installment. Building on the game-changing revelations of the first season, the story broadens considerably, following the scheming TV demon Vox as he takes control of the narrative, sparking a chain of increasingly dramatic confrontations that inevitably end in elaborate song.

While it may lack a one breakout hit quite like season one's "iconic tune," that's because everything in season 2 being increasingly interwoven. The action, character development, and especially the score and songs are all elevated. The story advances the main storyline forward while providing plenty of weird, unhinged, and simply fun fantasy.

8. Daredevil: Born Again

Matt Murdock in action
Photo: Marvel

As a successor to the acclaimed Netflix show, Daredevil: Born Again had enormous expectations. After significant production issues, the final product demonstrates to be worth the effort. The story follows Matt Murdock once his dual life as Daredevil is exposed, leaving him a target to enemies from his past and new threats in a slightly version of his familiar world.

The first episode is explosive, evoking the intense tone fans loved from the prior series. Although the subsequent chapters venture into some new territory, the season finishes on a strong note, leaving viewers eagerly awaiting a second installment.

7. Common Side Effects

Animated figures in a dramatic scene
Image: Network

A surprising this year's highlight, this series could be described as a Breaking Bad filtered through a humor of King of the Hill. Created by Joe Bennett and comedy Steve Hely, it follows the story of a nerdy mycologist who discovers a miraculous mushroom and soon finds himself pursued by forces including unscrupulous Big Pharma executives to government authorities.

Despite being a parody, the show plays out with the grave atmosphere of a classic conspiracy thriller. Enhanced by hallucinogenic visuals and an eerie score, the story explores bigger mysteries about the substance's true effects. It's a intelligent, beautifully animated, and completely compelling ten-episode season.

6. Fallout Season 2

Post-apocalyptic vista from Fallout
Image: Prime Video

This hit series based on the iconic gaming series came back with a new batch of episodes that deepened its sprawling mystery and broadened its nuclear wasteland setting. Although it ventures toward the fan-favorite location of New Vegas, the story is not a direct retelling of that game; rather, it continues to explore ideas of control and freedom.

It skillfully juggles several narrative threads and perspectives, from the protagonist's quest for justice to Maximus's struggle with the dogma of the Brotherhood of Steel. The result is a deeply detailed and wholly engaging chapter to the expanding Fallout mythology.

5. Invincible Season 3

Invincible in a brutal battle
Image: Prime Video

The visceral and emotionally charged adult animation show keeps its winning streak in season 3. The hero faces immense challenges on every side: training for a coming Viltrumite threat, guiding his young brother, and clashing with his secretive GDA. The story also includes some of the most brutally intense fight scenes the series has ever produced.

Mark's physical and emotional endurance are repeatedly pushed. He must contend with foes more powerful than he is, the aftermath of his battles, and the moral burden of his decisions. Excellent arcs for key cast members like Cecil Stedman and Rex Splode round out a fantastic installment.

4. Peacemaker Season 2

Peacemaker in gear
Photo: HBO Max

James Gunn's irreverent superhero series came back with elevated significance within the new DC canon, and season 2 executes on that fronts. While it effectively establishes foundations for upcoming cinematic universe stories, it primarily tells a resonant and self-contained {

Andrew May
Andrew May

A tech strategist and innovation consultant with over a decade of experience in Silicon Valley and global markets.