Fantasy and science fiction shows have long been favorites among fans who crave immersive worlds, powerful characters, and mind-bending storylines. In 2025, the genre is more alive than ever, with streaming platforms like Netflix, Disney+, and Max investing heavily in bold, imaginative series. These shows aren’t just entertainment—they’re cultural events that dominate conversations, fan theories, and even cosplay trends worldwide.

What makes this year especially exciting is the balance between brand-new original series and continuations of beloved franchises. Sci-fi is diving deeper into futuristic themes like AI, space exploration, and dystopian societies, while fantasy continues to enchant audiences with magic, mythology, and epic storytelling.

If you’re a fan of Stranger Things, The Mandalorian, or Game of Thrones, you’re in for a treat. Here are the top 10 upcoming fantasy and sci-fi shows in 2025 you’ll want to mark on your streaming calendar.
 

Stranger Things: The Final Chapter (Netflix)
 

Netflix’s crown jewel is coming to an epic close with Stranger Things: The Final Chapter. As one of the most anticipated upcoming fantasy and sci-fi shows in 2025, the stakes couldn’t be higher. The story picks up after the shocking events of Season 4, with the Upside Down breaking into Hawkins like never before.

What fans can expect is a darker, more emotional storyline that wraps up years of mysteries. Characters like Eleven, Mike, and Dustin face their ultimate battle, while new alliances form to take on Vecna and the otherworldly horrors. The Duffer Brothers have promised a satisfying yet bittersweet ending that balances heart, nostalgia, and shocking twists.

Beyond the story, the production quality is set to be Netflix’s biggest yet. From groundbreaking visual effects to an epic soundtrack, this finale is designed to feel more like a blockbuster movie than a TV series. With entire communities of fans speculating on theories, it’s safe to say that Stranger Things: The Final Chapter will dominate pop culture conversations worldwide.

If you only watch one Netflix series in 2025, this is the one.
 

The Witcher: Origins of Blood (Netflix)
 

Following the success of The Witcher, Netflix is expanding the franchise with The Witcher: Origins of Blood, a prequel series set centuries before Geralt of Rivia’s adventures. This show dives deep into the lore of the Continent, exploring the creation of the first Witchers and the cataclysmic event known as the Conjunction of the Spheres.

For fans craving more world-building, Origins of Blood promises rich mythology, new characters, and intense monster battles. The series highlights the darker side of magic, political intrigue, and the sacrifices made to forge the Witcher order. Viewers can expect gritty storytelling paired with breathtaking landscapes and visual effects that rival big-screen fantasy epics.

Netflix is banking on Origins of Blood to attract both hardcore Witcher fans and newcomers to the universe. With more sword fights, morally complex characters, and epic battles, this series is shaping up to be a major 2025 fantasy highlight.
 

Avatar: The Last Airbender – Season 2 (Netflix)
 

After a successful first season, Netflix’s live-action Avatar: The Last Airbender returns in 2025 with Season 2. Fans of the beloved animated series are eagerly awaiting the continuation of Aang, Katara, Sokka, and Zuko’s journey.

Season 2 is expected to dive into Earth Kingdom storylines, including the introduction of Toph, a fan-favorite character. The stakes are rising as the Fire Nation’s war intensifies, setting the stage for even more breathtaking battles and heartfelt character growth.

Netflix has clearly listened to fan feedback, promising more faithful adaptations of the source material while expanding on certain elements to enhance the live-action format. With bigger budgets, stronger visual effects, and an even tighter narrative, this season could be the one that fully wins over skeptics.

If you grew up with Avatar or you’re discovering it for the first time, Season 2 is set to be one of the most emotional and thrilling fantasy shows of 2025.
 

Percy Jackson and the Olympians: Season 2 (Disney+)
 

Disney+ struck gold with Percy Jackson and the Olympians, and Season 2 is arriving in 2025 to adapt The Sea of Monsters. This next installment takes Percy and his friends deeper into the world of Greek mythology, introducing new gods, monsters, and epic quests.

Fans loved the fresh energy of Season 1, which stayed faithful to Rick Riordan’s beloved books. Now, with even more iconic storylines ahead, expectations are sky-high. The Sea of Monsters promises thrilling sea battles, dangerous islands, and deeper exploration of Percy’s role as Poseidon’s son.

Disney+ has the advantage of blending heartfelt teen drama with blockbuster-level fantasy, making Percy Jackson appealing to both young audiences and lifelong fans of the books. The second season will likely cement its place as one of Disney+’s flagship fantasy series.
 

Star Wars: The Acolyte (Disney+)
 

Among the most exciting upcoming sci-fi shows in 2025 is Star Wars: The Acolyte. Set during the High Republic era, this series explores the rise of the Sith in the galaxy, centuries before the Skywalker saga.

Unlike most Star Wars stories focused on Jedi heroes, The Acolyte takes a darker approach, delving into the origins of the dark side. Expect lightsaber duels, political intrigue, and a fresh cast of characters that expand the Star Wars universe in bold new ways.

Disney+ is positioning this show as a must-watch for both hardcore fans and newcomers who want a fresh entry point into the galaxy far, far away. With a darker tone and cinematic visuals, The Acolyte could become one of the most talked-about Star Wars series yet.
 

Skeleton Crew (Disney+)
 

Continuing the Star Wars lineup, Skeleton Crew offers a different vibe. Starring Jude Law, the series follows a group of lost kids trying to find their way home in the vast galaxy. While lighter in tone compared to The Acolyte, it still promises high-stakes adventures and connections to the wider Star Wars universe.

The blend of coming-of-age storytelling with galactic exploration makes Skeleton Crew a refreshing addition to Disney+. Fans of The Mandalorian and Rebels will likely enjoy its balance of heart and adventure.

With big names behind the production and its unique angle on the Star Wars mythos, Skeleton Crew could surprise viewers as one of the most beloved new entries in the franchise.
 

House of the Dragon: Season 2 (Max)
 

House of the Dragon roared onto screens in 2022, and after a long wait, Season 2 finally arrives on Max in 2025. The Targaryen civil war, known as the Dance of the Dragons, is about to escalate into full-scale chaos, promising epic battles, shocking betrayals, and plenty of fire-breathing dragons.

Season 1 was praised for its complex characters and political intrigue, and Season 2 is set to turn up the intensity. Expect more dragon-on-dragon combat, darker storylines, and emotional rivalries that rival Game of Thrones at its peak.

For fantasy fans craving gritty storytelling with jaw-dropping spectacle, House of the Dragon remains one of the most must-watch shows of 2025.
 

Dune: Prophecy (Max)
 

With the success of Denis Villeneuve’s Dune films, Max is expanding the universe with Dune: Prophecy. This prequel series explores the origins of the Bene Gesserit, a mysterious order of women who wield immense political and spiritual power.

Unlike the films, which focus on Paul Atreides, Dune: Prophecy dives deeper into the lore and mythology of the universe. Expect breathtaking desert visuals, complex political maneuvering, and themes of power, destiny, and sacrifice.

For fans of both the books and films, this show is essential viewing. It combines the grandeur of Dune with the slower, intricate storytelling that works perfectly in a long-form series format.
 

Lanterns (Max)
 

Superhero fans will want to keep an eye on Lanterns, DC’s new live-action series focusing on the Green Lantern Corps. Unlike past attempts, this show promises a grounded, detective-style approach, following Hal Jordan and John Stewart as they uncover a cosmic mystery that ties directly into the future of the DC Universe.

Lanterns blends classic superhero action with noir-inspired storytelling, making it stand out from typical comic book adaptations. With massive budgets and DC Studios’ commitment to weaving it into their larger cinematic universe, Lanterns could redefine what superhero TV looks like.

For sci-fi lovers, the intergalactic settings and cosmic stakes will make this a must-watch when it drops on Max.
 

The Sandman: Season 2 (Netflix)
 

Rounding out our list is The Sandman: Season 2 on Netflix. After the critically acclaimed first season, fans are eager to see more of Neil Gaiman’s surreal fantasy world brought to life.

Season 2 will adapt key arcs from the comics, introducing new characters, realms, and deeper explorations of Dream and his Endless siblings. The mix of mythology, horror, and fantasy makes The Sandman unlike anything else on TV.

Netflix has promised an even more ambitious production this time, with stunning visuals and faithful storytelling that honors Gaiman’s vision. For fans of dark, imaginative fantasy, The Sandman: Season 2 will be one of the top must-watch shows of 2025.