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What would you do with boundless control? That's the fundamental inquiry asked by the greatest science fiction as well as fantastical narratives. Imagine if you were granted extraordinary powers? Or stumbled upon a miraculous drug? Or if every single person became wholly committed to your personal satisfaction? Would you wield such power for the greater good, or would you give in to your own baser instincts?

These television series ranked below each confront this concept in unique ways (with a single notable exception). Outlined below is a ranking of the 10 best installments of sci-fi and fantasy TV from the past year.

10. Spider-Man: Your Friendly Neighborhood

Even after over 60 years of stories, the web-slinger continues to be reinterpreted by fresh creative voices. Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man presents a novel look at the hero's formative days, skillfully combining essential comic elements with ideas from the broader Marvel universe to craft something which is both fresh and deeply compelling.

Instead of operating solo or Iron Man as a mentor, this iteration of Peter Parker develops a evolving partnership with Norman Osborn, who in this story is merely the CEO of Oscorp. Across their dynamic, Peter grows into his own man, internalizing the iconic mantra of power and great responsibility.

9. Hazbin Hotel Season 2

Creator Vivienne Medrano's boldly transgressive adult musical show, which originated as a crowdfunded short, truly hit its stride in its second season. Building on the game-changing revelations of season 1, the story broadens significantly, centering on the ambitious TV demon Vox who seizes command of the narrative, sparking a series of ever-more explosive confrontations that inevitably end in show-stopping musical numbers.

Although it might not have a one viral song on the level of the first season's "Loser, Baby," this is due to each element in season 2 being more ambitious. The fight sequences, character development, and above all the score and songs are collectively elevated. The story advances the overarching storyline dramatically while delivering no shortage of bizarre, wild, and ultimately entertaining dark fantasy.

8. Daredevil: Born Again

Following the acclaimed Netflix show, Daredevil: Born Again had immense expectations. After significant development issues, the resulting product proves to be worthy of the wait. The story follows Matt Murdock after his dual life as Daredevil is publicly revealed, leaving him a target to enemies both past and new threats in a slightly version of his well-known setting.

The first episode is explosive, evoking the intense tone audiences loved from the prior incarnation. Although the subsequent chapters explore some different narrative ground, the season concludes powerfully, leaving viewers eagerly anticipating a follow-up season.

7. Common Side Effects

An surprising 2025 highlight, this series could be described as a Breaking Bad with a humor of a suburban satire. Helmed by an Adult Swim veteran and comedy Steve Hely, it tells the saga of a mild-mannered mycologist who finds a curative mushroom and soon finds himself pursued by forces including unscrupulous Big Pharma CEOs to government agents.

Far from being a spoof, the show plays out with the serious intensity of a 1970s conspiracy thriller. Accentuated by hallucinogenic animation and an unnerving score, the story explores deeper questions about the substance's full effects. It's a smart, visually striking, and completely compelling first season.

6. Fallout Season 2

The acclaimed series of the iconic video game series came back with a new batch of episodes that expanded its sprawling lore and broadened its post-apocalyptic world. While it ventures in the direction of the fan-favorite location of New Vegas, the season is far from a direct adaptation of that title; instead, it further examine ideas of authority and autonomy.

It expertly balances multiple narrative threads and points of view, from Lucy's mission for justice to Maximus's reckoning with the dogma of the Brotherhood of Steel. The outcome is a rich detailed and utterly engaging addition to the expanding Fallout mythology.

5. Invincible Season 3

The bloody and emotionally charged animated show keeps its winning streak in its third outing. The hero faces immense challenges on all fronts: training for a looming Viltrumite invasion, mentoring his young brother, and clashing with his secretive GDA. The story once again includes some of the most brutally intense fight scenes the show has ever produced.

Mark's physical and psychological endurance are repeatedly tested. He must contend with opponents more powerful than himself, the consequences of his battles, and the ethical burden of his choices. Excellent arcs for supporting cast members like Cecil Stedman and Rex Splode complete a superb installment.

4. Peacemaker Season 2

The director's irreverent superhero series came back with increased importance within the revamped DC universe, and season 2 executes on that count. Although it effectively lays groundwork for upcoming cinematic universe projects, it primarily presents a powerful and focused {