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How would you do if you had boundless control? That's the core question asked by the greatest sci-fi as well as fantasy tales. What if you were granted extraordinary powers? Or discovered a miraculous drug? What about each and every single person was wholly committed to your happiness? Could you wield such power for the greater good, or give in to your own baser instincts?

The series listed below each explore that very dilemma in unique ways (with one key exception). Presented here is a ranking of the 10 best installments of science fiction and fantasy TV from the past year.

10. Spider-Man: Your Friendly Neighborhood

Despite more than six decades of stories, Spider-Man is constantly reinterpreted by new creative voices. Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man presents a novel look at the character's early years, skillfully combining essential comic story beats with influences from the broader Marvel universe to craft something which is simultaneously new and deeply engaging.

Instead of operating solo or having Iron Man as a mentor, this version of Peter Parker forges a evolving relationship with Norman Osborn, who in this story is merely the head of Oscorp. Through their dynamic, Peter becomes a true hero, internalizing the signature mantra of power and great responsibility.

9. Hazbin Hotel Season 2

Showrunner Vivienne Medrano's audacious adult musical series, which originated as a crowdfunded pilot, truly hit its stride in its second installment. Following the climactic events of the first season, the story expands considerably, centering on the scheming media overlord Vox as he takes control of the situation, sparking a chain of ever-more explosive conflicts that naturally culminate in show-stopping song.

While it may lack a one breakout song quite like season one's "Loser, Baby," this is due to everything in this season being increasingly ambitious. The action, personal development, and especially the score and songs are all elevated. The season advances the main plot forward while providing plenty of weird, wild, and ultimately entertaining dark fantasy.

8. Daredevil: Born Again

Following the acclaimed Netflix series, Daredevil: Born Again had immense shoes to fill. Despite significant development issues, the final product proves it was worth the wait. 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 slightly take of his familiar world.

The first episode is a thrilling return to form, capturing the gritty feeling audiences cherished from the prior incarnation. While the subsequent episodes venture into some new territory, the season finishes powerfully, leaving fans eagerly awaiting a follow-up season.

7. Common Side Effects

An unexpected 2025 highlight, this series could be described as a crime saga with a sensibility of King of the Hill. Helmed by Joe Bennett and comedy Steve Hely, it tells the story of a nerdy mycologist who finds a curative fungus and quickly finds himself hunted by forces including unscrupulous pharmaceutical executives to federal authorities.

Despite being a spoof, the show plays out with the grave atmosphere of a classic paranoia film. Accentuated by hallucinogenic visuals and an unnerving musical soundtrack, the plot delves into bigger mysteries about the mushroom's true capabilities. It's a intelligent, visually striking, and completely gripping first season.

6. Fallout Season 2

This acclaimed adaptation based on the popular video game series returned with a second batch of episodes that deepened its epic mystery and broadened its nuclear wasteland world. Although it travels toward the legendary location of New Vegas, the season is not a straight adaptation of that game; instead, it further examine ideas of authority and autonomy.

The show expertly balances multiple narrative threads and points of view, from Lucy's quest for answers to a knight's reckoning with the ideology of the Brotherhood of Steel. The outcome is a rich detailed and utterly absorbing chapter to the expanding Fallout saga.

5. Invincible Season 3

This bloody and heartfelt adult animation series keeps its winning momentum in its third outing. The hero confronts tremendous pressure on every fronts: preparing for a coming alien invasion, mentoring his powered brother, and battling with the secretive Global Defense Agency. The story also includes some of the most intense action sequences the show has yet produced.

The protagonist's physical and psychological limits are repeatedly tested. He must contend with foes more powerful than himself, the consequences of his battles, and the moral burden of his decisions. Standout storylines for supporting characters like Cecil Stedman and Rex Splode round out a fantastic season.

4. Peacemaker Season 2

James Gunn's offbeat anti-hero series returned with elevated significance within the new DC canon, and it executes on both count. While it effectively lays foundations for future cinematic universe projects, it primarily tells a powerful and focused {