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What would you do with unlimited control? That's a fundamental question posed by the greatest sci-fi as well as fantasy narratives. What if you were granted extraordinary powers? Or discovered a life-altering drug? Or if every single human became wholly committed to your satisfaction? Could you wield that power for good, or would you succumb to your own baser impulses?

The series listed below each confront this concept in various manners (with one key exception). Outlined here is a countdown of the 10 most outstanding installments of science fiction & fantastical television from the past year.

10. Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man

Even after more than 60 years of stories, the web-slinger remains reinterpreted by new talent. Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man delivers a novel perspective at the character's early days, skillfully blending essential source material elements with influences from the broader Marvel universe to create something which is simultaneously fresh and profoundly compelling.

Instead of operating alone or Tony Stark as a guide, this version of the hero develops a evolving relationship with Norman Osborn, who here is merely the CEO of Oscorp. Through their dynamic, Peter grows into a true hero, learning the signature mantra of great power and great responsibility.

9. Hazbin Hotel Season 2

Showrunner Vivienne Medrano's audacious adult musical show, which originated as a fan-funded short, truly found its footing in its second season. Building on the climactic revelations of season 1, the story broadens considerably, centering on the ambitious media overlord Vox who seizes command of the situation, igniting a series of increasingly dramatic confrontations that inevitably culminate in show-stopping song.

While it may lack a single viral song on the level of the first season's "iconic tune," this is due to everything in this season being more interwoven. The action, personal arcs, and above all the score and songs are all elevated. The story advances the overarching plot forward while providing no shortage of weird, unhinged, and simply fun dark fantasy.

8. Daredevil: Born Again

As a successor to the acclaimed Netflix show, Daredevil: Born Again faced enormous shoes to fill. After well-documented production issues, the final product demonstrates it was worthy of the effort. The story follows Matt Murdock once his secret identity as Daredevil is publicly revealed, leaving him a target to foes both past and new threats in a refreshed take of his familiar world.

The premiere is explosive, evoking the gritty feeling audiences loved from the prior series. Although the subsequent episodes venture into some different narrative ground, the season concludes powerfully, leaving fans eagerly awaiting a second installment.

7. Common Side Effects

An unexpected 2025 highlight, this series is essentially a Breaking Bad filtered through the humor of a suburban satire. Created by Joe Bennett alongside writer Steve Hely, it tells the story of a mild-mannered fungi expert who finds a miraculous fungus and soon finds himself hunted by everyone from ruthless pharmaceutical CEOs to federal agents.

Far from being a parody, the show unfolds with the grave intensity of a 1970s conspiracy thriller. Enhanced by hallucinogenic animation and an unnerving score, the plot delves into bigger questions about the substance's true effects. It's a smart, beautifully animated, and utterly gripping ten-episode season.

6. Fallout Season 2

The acclaimed series based on the iconic video game series came back with a new batch of stories that expanded its sprawling lore and broadened its post-apocalyptic world. Although it travels toward the fan-favorite location of New Vegas, the story is not a direct adaptation of that title; rather, it continues to explore themes of authority and autonomy.

The show expertly balances several storylines 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 rich layered and utterly engaging addition to the ever-growing wasteland mythology.

5. Invincible Season 3

The bloody and emotionally charged animated series keeps its powerful streak in season 3. Mark Grayson confronts tremendous challenges on all side: preparing for a looming alien threat, guiding his young brother, and clashing with the secretive Global Defense Agency. The story also features some of the most intense fight sequences the series has yet produced.

Mark's bodily and psychological endurance are repeatedly tested. He must grapple with foes more powerful than himself, the consequences of his battles, and the moral weight of his choices. Excellent storylines for key cast members such as Cecil Stedman and Rex Splode round out a superb installment.

4. Peacemaker Season 2

James Gunn's offbeat superhero show came back with elevated importance within the new DC universe, and it executes on that fronts. Although it effectively establishes foundations for upcoming DCU projects, it primarily tells a resonant and focused {