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What would you do if you had unlimited control? This is the fundamental question asked by all best science fiction and fantasy stories. Imagine if you gained superhuman abilities? Perhaps stumbled upon a revolutionary substance? Or if every single human became dedicated to your happiness? Would you wield such power for the greater good, or would you give in to your own darker instincts?

These shows featured herein all confront that very theme in distinct manners (with a single notable exception). Presented below is our countdown of the ten best installments of sci-fi & fantasy TV from the past year.

10. Spider-Man: Your Friendly Neighborhood

Even after more than six decades of history, the web-slinger remains reinvented by new talent. This series offers a refreshing look at the character's formative days, cleverly merging essential comic story beats with influences from other adaptations to create something that feels both fresh and deeply compelling.

Instead of being solo or Iron Man as a mentor, this iteration of the hero forges a evolving partnership with the future Green Goblin, who here is still just the head of Oscorp. Across their dynamic, Peter grows into a true hero, internalizing the iconic lesson of great power and great responsibility.

9. Hazbin Hotel Season 2

Creator Vivienne Medrano's boldly transgressive mature musical-comedy series, which originated as a crowdfunded pilot, fully found its footing in its sophomore installment. Building on the game-changing revelations of season 1, the narrative broadens considerably, following the scheming media overlord Vox as he seizes control of the narrative, igniting a chain of increasingly dramatic confrontations that naturally culminate in show-stopping musical numbers.

Although it might not have a single viral hit on the level of the first season's "iconic tune," this is due to each element in this season being increasingly ambitious. The fight sequences, personal development, and above all the score and songs are collectively more sophisticated. The story moves the main plot forward while delivering plenty of bizarre, wild, and simply entertaining fantasy.

8. Daredevil: Born Again

As a successor to the legendary Netflix series, this series had immense shoes to fill. Despite well-documented development issues, the final product demonstrates it was worth the effort. The plot centers on Matt Murdock after his dual life as Daredevil is exposed, leaving him vulnerable to enemies from his history and new threats in a slightly version of his well-known setting.

The premiere is a thrilling return to form, evoking the intense tone fans loved from the prior incarnation. Although the middle chapters explore some new territory, the season finishes on a strong note, leaving fans eagerly awaiting a second season.

7. Common Side Effects

A unexpected 2025 highlight, this series could be described as a crime saga filtered through a sensibility of King of the Hill. Created by Joe Bennett alongside comedy Steve Hely, the series follows the saga of a nerdy mycologist who finds a miraculous mushroom and soon finds himself hunted by forces including unscrupulous Big Pharma CEOs to government authorities.

Despite being a parody, the narrative plays out with the serious atmosphere of a 1970s paranoia thriller. Enhanced by hallucinogenic visuals and an eerie score, the story explores deeper mysteries about the substance's true capabilities. It's a intelligent, beautifully animated, and completely gripping first season.

6. Fallout Season 2

This acclaimed series based on the popular gaming series came back with a second batch of stories that expanded its epic mystery and broadened its post-apocalyptic world. While it travels in the direction of the legendary location of New Vegas, the story is far from a straight retelling of that title; rather, it further explore ideas of authority and autonomy.

The show expertly juggles multiple narrative threads and perspectives, from Lucy's mission for answers to a knight's reckoning with the dogma of the Brotherhood of Steel. The outcome is a deeply detailed and utterly absorbing chapter to the ever-growing wasteland mythology.

5. Invincible Season 3

This visceral and emotionally charged adult animation series keeps its winning streak in its third outing. The hero confronts tremendous challenges on all fronts: preparing for a coming Viltrumite threat, mentoring his powered brother, and battling with his shadowy Global Defense Agency. The season once again includes some of the most brutally brutal fight scenes the series has ever produced.

Mark's physical and psychological limits are constantly tested. He must contend with opponents stronger than he is, the aftermath of his actions, and the ethical weight of his choices. Standout storylines for supporting characters like Cecil Stedman and Rex Splode round out a fantastic season.

4. Peacemaker Season 2

The director's offbeat anti-hero series returned with elevated significance within the new DC universe, and season 2 delivers on that count. Although it successfully lays groundwork for future DCU stories, it primarily tells a powerful and focused {