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How would you do with boundless control? This is the fundamental question posed by all best science fiction as well as fantasy tales. What if you gained extraordinary powers? Or discovered a miraculous substance? What about every single human was dedicated to your personal satisfaction? Would you wield such influence for the greater good, or would you succumb to your baser impulses?

These series listed below all explore this theme in distinct manners (aside from a single key exclusion). Presented below is a list of the ten best installments of sci-fi and fantastical television from the past year.

10. Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man

Despite more than six decades of history, Spider-Man is constantly reinterpreted by new talent. This series delivers a refreshing look at the hero's early years, skillfully merging classic comic story beats with ideas from the broader Marvel universe to craft something that feels simultaneously fresh and profoundly compelling.

Rather than operating solo or having Tony Stark as a guide, this version of the hero forges a complex partnership with the future Green Goblin, who here is merely the CEO of Oscorp. Across their interactions, Peter becomes a true hero, learning the signature mantra of power and great responsibility.

9. Hazbin Hotel Season 2

Creator Vivienne Medrano's boldly transgressive mature musical-comedy show, which sprang from a fan-funded pilot, fully hit its stride in its second season. Following the game-changing revelations of the first season, the narrative expands considerably, centering on the ambitious media overlord Vox as he takes control of the narrative, igniting a chain of ever-more dramatic confrontations that naturally end in elaborate song.

Although it may lack a one breakout hit quite like season one's "Loser, Baby," this is due to each element in season 2 being increasingly interwoven. The action, personal arcs, and above all the score and songs are collectively more sophisticated. The season moves the overarching storyline forward while delivering no shortage of bizarre, wild, and simply entertaining dark fantasy.

8. Daredevil: Born Again

Following the acclaimed Netflix series, this series had immense expectations. Despite significant development issues, the resulting show demonstrates to be worthy of the wait. The story centers on Matt Murdock after his secret identity as Daredevil is publicly revealed, making him a target to foes from his history and new threats in a refreshed version of his familiar world.

The premiere is explosive, capturing the gritty feeling audiences loved from the original incarnation. Although the middle chapters venture into some new narrative ground, the first season concludes powerfully, leaving viewers eagerly anticipating a follow-up season.

7. Common Side Effects

A surprising 2025 gem, this show is essentially a Breaking Bad filtered through the humor of King of the Hill. Created by an Adult Swim veteran and comedy Steve Hely, it tells the story of a nerdy fungi expert who finds a curative fungus and soon finds himself pursued by everyone from unscrupulous pharmaceutical CEOs to government agents.

Despite being a spoof, the show unfolds with the serious atmosphere of a 1970s conspiracy film. Accentuated by trippy visuals and an unnerving score, the plot explores deeper questions about the mushroom's true capabilities. It's a intelligent, beautifully animated, and utterly gripping first season.

6. Fallout Season 2

The hit series based on the iconic video game franchise came back with a new batch of stories that expanded its sprawling mystery and broadened its post-apocalyptic setting. While it ventures in the direction of the legendary location of New Vegas, the season is not a straight retelling of that game; instead, it further examine ideas of authority and autonomy.

The show expertly juggles multiple narrative threads and perspectives, from Lucy's quest for justice to Maximus's reckoning with the ideology of the his faction. The outcome is a deeply detailed and utterly absorbing chapter to the expanding wasteland saga.

5. Invincible Season 3

The visceral and heartfelt adult animation series continues its powerful momentum in its third outing. Mark Grayson confronts tremendous pressure on all side: training for a coming alien threat, guiding his powered brother, and battling with the shadowy Global Defense Agency. The season also includes some of the most brutal fight sequences the series has yet produced.

The protagonist's bodily and psychological limits are repeatedly pushed. He must grapple with foes more powerful than himself, the consequences of his battles, and the moral weight of his decisions. Excellent arcs for key cast members like Cecil Stedman and Rex Splode complete a superb installment.

4. Peacemaker Season 2

James Gunn's irreverent superhero show returned with elevated importance within the revamped DC canon, and it delivers on both fronts. While it successfully lays groundwork for upcoming DCU projects, it also presents a resonant and focused {