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How would you do with unlimited power? That's a central question explored by all finest sci-fi and fantasy narratives. What if you gained extraordinary powers? Or discovered a miraculous substance? What about each and every other person became dedicated to your personal happiness? Could you use such influence for the greater good, or would you give in to your own baser impulses?

The series listed herein each explore this theme in various manners (with one notable exclusion). Presented below is a ranking of the ten best installments of science fiction & fantastical television from the past year.

10. Spider-Man: Your Friendly Neighborhood

Even after more than six decades of history, the web-slinger continues to be reinterpreted by fresh creative voices. Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man delivers a novel look at the hero's formative years, cleverly blending classic source material story beats with ideas from the broader Marvel universe to create something that feels both new and deeply compelling.

Rather than being solo or having Tony Stark as a guide, this iteration of Peter Parker develops a complex partnership with Norman Osborn, who here is still just the CEO of Oscorp. Across their interactions, Peter becomes his own man, learning the signature mantra of great power and great responsibility.

9. Hazbin Hotel Season 2

Creator Vivienne Medrano's audacious adult musical-comedy series, which sprang from a crowdfunded short, truly came into its own in its sophomore season. Following the game-changing revelations of season 1, the narrative expands considerably, centering on the ambitious TV demon Vox who seizes command of the narrative, sparking a series of increasingly explosive conflicts that naturally end in show-stopping musical numbers.

Although it might not have a single viral hit on the level of season one's "Loser, Baby," this is due to each element in this season being increasingly ambitious. The action, personal arcs, and especially the music are all more sophisticated. The season advances the overarching plot dramatically while delivering plenty of bizarre, wild, and ultimately fun fantasy.

8. Daredevil: Born Again

Following the acclaimed Netflix show, this series had immense expectations. After well-documented production challenges, the final product demonstrates to be worthy of the effort. The plot centers on Matt Murdock after his secret identity as Daredevil is publicly revealed, leaving him a target to foes both history and present in a refreshed take of his familiar world.

The first episode is explosive, capturing the intense feeling audiences loved from the original series. Although the middle chapters explore certain different territory, the first season concludes powerfully, setting viewers 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 an Adult Swim veteran and comedy Steve Hely, it follows the story of a nerdy mycologist who finds a curative fungus and soon finds himself hunted by everyone from unscrupulous pharmaceutical executives to federal agents.

Far from being a spoof, the narrative unfolds with the grave intensity of a 1970s paranoia thriller. Accentuated by trippy animation and an eerie score, the story explores bigger questions about the substance's true capabilities. It's a intelligent, beautifully animated, and utterly compelling first season.

6. Fallout Season 2

The hit adaptation based on the popular video game franchise came back with a new batch of episodes that deepened its epic mystery and broadened its post-apocalyptic world. While it travels toward the legendary location of New Vegas, the story is not a straight retelling of that title; rather, it continues to examine ideas of authority and freedom.

The show skillfully juggles several narrative threads and perspectives, from the protagonist's mission for answers to a knight's reckoning with the dogma of the Brotherhood of Steel. The outcome is a rich layered and wholly absorbing addition to the expanding wasteland saga.

5. Invincible Season 3

This visceral and emotionally charged adult animation show continues its powerful momentum in season 3. Mark Grayson confronts immense pressure on all side: training for a looming Viltrumite invasion, guiding his powered brother, and clashing with his shadowy GDA. The story once again includes some of the most brutally brutal fight scenes the show has ever produced.

Mark's physical and emotional limits are repeatedly pushed. He must contend with foes stronger than himself, the consequences of his battles, and the moral weight of his decisions. Standout arcs for supporting cast members such as Cecil Stedman and Rex Splode round out a fantastic installment.

4. Peacemaker Season 2

The director's irreverent anti-hero show returned with elevated significance within the revamped DC universe, and it delivers on that fronts. Although it successfully establishes foundations for upcoming cinematic universe projects, it primarily presents a resonant and focused {