Our Top 10 Science Fiction & Fantasy Series of This Year

What could you accomplish if you had boundless control? That's a central question asked by all best science fiction and fantastical stories. What if you were granted superhuman abilities? Or stumbled upon a miraculous drug? Or if every single human became dedicated to your happiness? Could you wield that power for good, or succumb to your own baser instincts?

The television series ranked herein each confront that very concept in various manners (with a single notable exception). Outlined here is our countdown of the ten best seasons of science fiction & fantastical TV from the past year.

10. Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man

A fresh take on Spider-Man
Image: Marvel Animation

Despite over 60 years of history, the web-slinger remains reimagined by new creative voices. Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man presents a refreshing look at the hero's formative days, skillfully blending classic source material story beats with ideas from other adaptations to craft something that feels both new and deeply compelling.

Instead of being alone or Tony Stark as a guide, this iteration of the hero forges a evolving relationship with the future Green Goblin, who here is still just the head of Oscorp. Through their dynamic, Peter becomes a true hero, learning the signature mantra of power and great responsibility.

9. Hazbin Hotel Season 2

Theatrical chaos in Hell
IMAGE: Animation Studio

Showrunner Vivienne Medrano's boldly transgressive mature musical series, which originated as a fan-funded short, truly came into its own in its sophomore season. Following the game-changing events of season 1, the narrative expands considerably, centering on the ambitious TV demon Vox who seizes control of the situation, sparking a chain of increasingly dramatic conflicts that naturally end in elaborate musical numbers.

Although it may lack a one viral song quite like season one's "Loser, Baby," that's because each element in season 2 being more ambitious. The fight sequences, personal development, and above all the music are all more sophisticated. The story advances the overarching storyline dramatically while providing plenty of bizarre, unhinged, and ultimately fun fantasy.

8. Daredevil: Born Again

Matt Murdock in action
Photo: Marvel

Following the acclaimed Netflix series, Daredevil: Born Again faced enormous expectations. After significant production challenges, the final show proves to be worth the wait. The plot centers on Matt Murdock once his dual life as Daredevil is exposed, making him a target to enemies both history and new threats in a slightly take of his well-known setting.

The premiere is a thrilling return to form, evoking the gritty feeling audiences cherished from the prior incarnation. Although the subsequent episodes venture into some new territory, the first season finishes powerfully, leaving fans eagerly awaiting a second installment.

7. Common Side Effects

Stylized characters in a tense moment
Image: Network

A surprising this year's highlight, this series could be described as an animated Breaking Bad filtered through a sensibility of a suburban satire. Created by an Adult Swim veteran alongside writer Steve Hely, the series tells the saga of a nerdy fungi expert who discovers a miraculous fungus and soon finds himself hunted by everyone from ruthless Big Pharma CEOs to government authorities.

Far from being a spoof, the narrative plays out with the grave atmosphere of a 1970s conspiracy thriller. Enhanced by trippy visuals and an unnerving score, the plot explores deeper questions about the substance's true capabilities. It's a intelligent, visually striking, and utterly compelling first season.

6. Fallout Season 2

Wasteland landscape from the series
Screenshot: Streaming Service

The acclaimed series of the popular gaming series returned with a new season of stories that expanded its sprawling lore and expanded its post-apocalyptic setting. Although it travels in the direction of the fan-favorite location of New Vegas, the story is not a straight adaptation of that game; instead, it continues to explore themes of authority and autonomy.

The show expertly balances several narrative threads and perspectives, from the protagonist's quest for justice to a knight's struggle with the ideology of the his faction. The outcome is a rich layered and utterly engaging addition to the expanding Fallout saga.

5. Invincible Season 3

Mark Grayson in a intense fight
Image: Streaming Service

The bloody and emotionally charged animated series continues its winning streak in season 3. The hero confronts immense pressure on all fronts: training for a coming Viltrumite invasion, mentoring his young sibling, and battling with his shadowy Global Defense Agency. The season once again features some of the most brutal fight sequences the series has ever delivered.

Mark's bodily and psychological endurance are constantly tested. He must grapple with opponents more powerful than himself, the aftermath of his actions, and the ethical weight of his choices. Excellent storylines for supporting characters such as Cecil Stedman and Rex Splode complete a superb installment.

4. Peacemaker Season 2

John Cena in gear
Photo: HBO Max

The director's offbeat anti-hero series returned with elevated importance within the new DC universe, and season 2 executes on both fronts. Although it effectively lays groundwork for future cinematic universe projects, it primarily presents a resonant and focused {

Anthony Green
Anthony Green

A passionate gamer and tech writer with over a decade of experience covering video games and emerging trends in interactive entertainment.