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What would you do with boundless control? This is a fundamental inquiry posed by all finest science fiction and fantastical stories. Imagine if you gained superhuman abilities? Perhaps discovered a miraculous drug? What about each and every single human became wholly committed to your personal satisfaction? Could you wield that power for good, or succumb to your own darker instincts?

The series featured below all grapple with this theme in various manners (with a single key exclusion). Presented here is a list of the ten best installments of sci-fi & fantastical television from the past year.

10. Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man

Even after over 60 years of stories, Spider-Man remains reimagined by fresh creative voices. Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man presents a novel perspective at the character's early years, cleverly blending essential source material story beats with influences from other adaptations to create something which is both fresh and deeply compelling.

Instead of operating alone or having Iron Man as a guide, this version of the hero develops a evolving relationship with the future Green Goblin, who here is still just the CEO of Oscorp. Through their interactions, Peter becomes a true hero, internalizing the signature lesson of great power and great responsibility.

9. Hazbin Hotel Season 2

Creator Vivienne Medrano's audacious adult musical show, which originated as a fan-funded short, truly came into its own in its sophomore installment. Following the climactic events of the first season, the story broadens significantly, following the ambitious TV demon Vox as he seizes command of the situation, sparking a series of increasingly explosive confrontations that naturally culminate in show-stopping song.

Although it may lack a single breakout song on the level of the first season's "Loser, Baby," this is due to each element in this season being more complex. The action, personal arcs, and especially the score and songs are collectively more sophisticated. The story advances the overarching plot dramatically while providing no shortage of weird, wild, and ultimately entertaining fantasy.

8. Daredevil: Born Again

As a successor to the legendary Netflix show, Daredevil: Born Again faced immense expectations. After well-documented production issues, the final show proves it was worth the effort. The plot follows Matt Murdock once his dual life as Daredevil is exposed, making him vulnerable to foes from his past and present in a refreshed version of his familiar setting.

The first episode is explosive, capturing the gritty tone audiences cherished from the prior incarnation. Although the middle episodes venture into some different narrative ground, the first season concludes powerfully, leaving fans eagerly anticipating a second installment.

7. Common Side Effects

A surprising 2025 highlight, this series is essentially an animated Breaking Bad with the humor of a suburban satire. Helmed by an Adult Swim veteran and comedy Steve Hely, the series tells the saga of a nerdy fungi expert who discovers a miraculous mushroom and soon finds himself pursued by forces including ruthless Big Pharma CEOs to government agents.

Despite being a parody, the narrative plays out with the grave atmosphere of a 1970s paranoia thriller. Enhanced by hallucinogenic animation and an unnerving score, the story explores bigger mysteries about the substance's true capabilities. It's a smart, visually striking, and completely compelling first season.

6. Fallout Season 2

This hit adaptation based on the popular video game series came back with a second batch of episodes that expanded its sprawling lore and broadened its nuclear wasteland setting. Although it travels toward the fan-favorite location of New Vegas, the season is not a direct retelling of that title; rather, it further explore ideas of authority and freedom.

It skillfully balances several narrative threads and perspectives, from the protagonist's mission for justice to Maximus's struggle with the ideology of the Brotherhood of Steel. The outcome is a deeply detailed and utterly absorbing addition to the expanding wasteland saga.

5. Invincible Season 3

This visceral and heartfelt animated show keeps its powerful momentum in its third outing. Mark Grayson confronts tremendous challenges on all side: training for a coming alien threat, mentoring his powered sibling, and battling with his shadowy Global Defense Agency. The story also features some of the most brutally intense fight scenes the series has ever produced.

Mark's bodily and emotional endurance are repeatedly pushed. He must grapple with foes more powerful than himself, the aftermath of his actions, and the ethical burden of his choices. Excellent arcs for key characters like Cecil Stedman and Rex Splode complete a fantastic installment.

4. Peacemaker Season 2

James Gunn's offbeat anti-hero series returned with elevated importance within the revamped DC universe, and it executes on both count. While it successfully establishes groundwork for future DCU projects, it primarily tells a powerful and self-contained {