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What would you do if you had boundless power? This is a central question explored by the finest sci-fi and fantasy narratives. What if you gained superhuman abilities? Or discovered a miraculous substance? What about every other human became wholly committed to your satisfaction? Would you wield such power for good, or succumb to your darker instincts?

The series ranked below all confront that very theme in various manners (with a single notable exception). Presented below is our ranking of the 10 top installments of science fiction & fantastical TV from the past year.

10. Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man

Even after over 60 years of history, the web-slinger remains reinterpreted by fresh creative voices. Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man offers a novel perspective at the character's early years, skillfully blending essential comic elements with ideas from the broader Marvel universe to craft something which is both fresh and deeply engaging.

Instead of operating alone or having Iron Man as a mentor, this version of Peter Parker forges a complex partnership with Norman Osborn, who in this story is merely the head of Oscorp. Through their dynamic, Peter grows into his own man, internalizing the signature lesson of power and great responsibility.

9. Hazbin Hotel Season 2

Creator Vivienne Medrano's boldly transgressive adult musical-comedy series, which originated as a crowdfunded pilot, truly found its footing in its second installment. Following the climactic events of the first season, the narrative broadens significantly, following the ambitious TV demon Vox as he seizes command of the situation, igniting a chain of increasingly explosive confrontations that naturally culminate in show-stopping song.

While it might not have a one viral song quite like season one's "iconic tune," that's because everything in this season being increasingly complex. The fight sequences, character arcs, and above all the score and songs are all elevated. The season moves the main storyline forward while delivering no shortage of bizarre, wild, and simply entertaining dark fantasy.

8. Daredevil: Born Again

Following the acclaimed Netflix series, this series faced enormous expectations. Despite well-documented development issues, the resulting product demonstrates to be worth the effort. The story follows Matt Murdock after his secret identity as Daredevil is exposed, making him a target to enemies from his history and new threats in a refreshed take of his well-known world.

The first episode is explosive, capturing the intense feeling audiences cherished from the original series. While the subsequent episodes explore some new territory, the season concludes powerfully, leaving viewers keenly awaiting a follow-up season.

7. Common Side Effects

An surprising 2025 highlight, this show is essentially an animated crime saga filtered through a sensibility of King of the Hill. Helmed by Joe Bennett alongside comedy Steve Hely, the series follows the story of a nerdy mycologist who finds a curative fungus and quickly finds himself pursued by everyone from unscrupulous Big Pharma CEOs to federal authorities.

Despite being a parody, the show unfolds with the serious intensity of a classic paranoia film. Accentuated by hallucinogenic visuals and an eerie musical soundtrack, the plot delves into deeper mysteries about the substance's true capabilities. It's a intelligent, visually striking, and utterly compelling first season.

6. Fallout Season 2

This hit series based on the iconic gaming series returned with a new batch of episodes that expanded its epic mystery and broadened its nuclear wasteland world. Although it ventures toward the fan-favorite location of New Vegas, the season is not a straight retelling of that title; rather, it further examine ideas of control and autonomy.

The show expertly balances several storylines and points of view, from Lucy's quest for justice to Maximus's struggle with the dogma of the Brotherhood of Steel. The outcome is a rich detailed and utterly engaging addition to the expanding Fallout saga.

5. Invincible Season 3

The bloody and heartfelt animated show continues its powerful streak in its third outing. The hero confronts immense pressure on all fronts: preparing for a coming alien invasion, guiding his powered brother, and battling with his shadowy GDA. The story once again includes some of the most brutal action scenes the show has yet produced.

Mark's physical and emotional endurance are repeatedly pushed. He must grapple with foes stronger than himself, the aftermath of his battles, and the moral burden of his decisions. Excellent arcs for supporting cast members such as Cecil Stedman and Rex Splode round out a superb installment.

4. Peacemaker Season 2

James Gunn's irreverent superhero series came back with increased significance within the revamped DC canon, and it delivers on that fronts. Although it successfully establishes foundations for upcoming cinematic universe stories, it primarily presents a resonant and focused {