Our Best 10 Sci-Fi and Fantasy Series of This Year

What would you do if you had infinite power? This is the fundamental inquiry posed by all greatest sci-fi and fantastical narratives. Imagine if you possessed superhuman abilities? Or stumbled upon a life-altering drug? Or if every other human became wholly committed to your personal happiness? Would you use that power for good, or would you give in to your own darker impulses?

The television series ranked herein all grapple with this theme in distinct ways (with one key exception). Outlined below is our countdown of the 10 top seasons of sci-fi & fantastical TV from the past year.

10. Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man

An innovative take on Spider-Man
Illustration: Marvel Animation

Even after over 60 years of history, Spider-Man remains reimagined by fresh creative voices. Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man offers a refreshing look at the hero's formative days, cleverly blending essential source material elements with ideas from other adaptations to craft something which is both fresh and profoundly engaging.

Instead of operating alone or having Iron Man as a guide, this version of the hero forges a evolving partnership with the future Green Goblin, who here is still just the CEO of Oscorp. Through their dynamic, Peter grows into his own man, internalizing the signature mantra of great power and responsibility.

9. Hazbin Hotel Season 2

Musical mayhem in the underworld
Visual: Animation Studio

Showrunner Vivienne Medrano's boldly transgressive adult musical-comedy show, which originated as a crowdfunded short, fully found its footing in its second installment. Following the climactic events of the first season, the narrative expands significantly, following the ambitious TV demon Vox as he seizes control of the narrative, sparking a chain of ever-more explosive conflicts that naturally culminate in show-stopping musical numbers.

Although it might not have a one breakout hit quite like the first season's "iconic tune," that's because everything in this season being more interwoven. The action, character arcs, and above all the music are all more sophisticated. The story moves the main plot forward while delivering plenty of weird, wild, and ultimately fun fantasy.

8. Daredevil: Born Again

Matt Murdock in action
Photo: Marvel Studios

Following the acclaimed Netflix show, Daredevil: Born Again faced enormous shoes to fill. Despite significant development challenges, the final product demonstrates it was worthy of the wait. The story follows Matt Murdock after his dual life as Daredevil is exposed, leaving him vulnerable to enemies both past and present in a slightly version of his well-known world.

The first episode is explosive, evoking the gritty tone fans loved from the original incarnation. While the middle chapters explore some different territory, the first season concludes on a strong note, leaving viewers eagerly anticipating a follow-up season.

7. Common Side Effects

Animated figures in a tense moment
Image: Network

A surprising this year's highlight, this series could be described as an animated crime saga filtered through the humor of King of the Hill. Created by Joe Bennett and writer Steve Hely, the series tells the story of a mild-mannered mycologist who finds a miraculous fungus and quickly finds himself hunted by everyone from ruthless Big Pharma executives to government agents.

Far from being a parody, the narrative plays out with the serious atmosphere of a 1970s conspiracy film. Enhanced by trippy visuals and an eerie musical soundtrack, the plot explores bigger mysteries about the mushroom's full capabilities. It's a intelligent, visually striking, and completely gripping ten-episode season.

6. Fallout Season 2

Post-apocalyptic landscape from the series
Screenshot: Streaming Service

This hit series based on the popular gaming franchise returned with a second batch of episodes that expanded its sprawling mystery and expanded its nuclear wasteland setting. While it travels in the direction of the legendary location of New Vegas, the season is far from a direct retelling of that game; rather, it further explore ideas of authority and freedom.

It skillfully juggles several narrative threads and points of view, from the protagonist's quest for justice to Maximus's reckoning with the dogma of the his faction. The outcome is a rich detailed and wholly absorbing addition to the expanding wasteland mythology.

5. Invincible Season 3

Mark Grayson in a brutal fight
Image: Streaming Service

This visceral and emotionally charged adult animation series keeps its winning momentum in season 3. The hero confronts immense challenges on all fronts: preparing for a looming Viltrumite invasion, mentoring his powered brother, and clashing with his shadowy GDA. The story also includes some of the most brutally brutal fight scenes the show has ever produced.

Mark's bodily and emotional limits are repeatedly pushed. He must contend with opponents more powerful than himself, the aftermath of his battles, and the ethical burden of his decisions. Excellent storylines for key cast members like Cecil Stedman and Rex Splode complete a fantastic season.

4. Peacemaker Season 2

Peacemaker in gear
Photo: Streamer

James Gunn's irreverent anti-hero show came back with increased significance within the revamped DC canon, and it delivers on that count. Although it effectively lays foundations for future DCU projects, it also presents a powerful and self-contained {

Richard Benson
Richard Benson

A travel enthusiast and Las Vegas local who shares expert insights on maximizing your Vegas experience, from hidden gems to top shows.