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What would you do if you had infinite control? This is the fundamental inquiry explored by all greatest sci-fi and fantastical tales. Imagine if you were granted extraordinary powers? Perhaps stumbled upon a revolutionary substance? Or if every single human was dedicated to your satisfaction? Would you use that influence for good, or succumb to your own darker instincts?

These shows listed herein each grapple with this dilemma in various ways (aside from a single notable exception). Presented here is a ranking of the 10 best installments of sci-fi & fantastical television from the past year.

10. Spider-Man: Your Friendly Neighborhood

Despite over six decades of history, the web-slinger is constantly reimagined by fresh talent. Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man delivers a refreshing look at the hero's formative days, cleverly combining essential comic story beats with influences from other adaptations to create something that feels both fresh and profoundly compelling.

Rather than being solo or having Iron Man as a guide, this version of Peter Parker develops a complex relationship with Norman Osborn, who here is merely the head of Oscorp. Through their dynamic, Peter grows into his own man, learning the signature lesson of great power and great responsibility.

9. Hazbin Hotel Season 2

Showrunner Vivienne Medrano's boldly transgressive mature musical show, which sprang from a crowdfunded pilot, fully hit its stride in its second installment. Following the climactic revelations of the first season, the story broadens significantly, centering on the scheming media overlord Vox who takes control of the situation, igniting a chain of increasingly dramatic conflicts that inevitably culminate in show-stopping song.

While it may lack a one viral hit quite like the first season's "Loser, Baby," that's because each element in season 2 being more ambitious. The fight sequences, personal development, and above all the score and songs are all more sophisticated. The story moves the main storyline forward while providing no shortage of bizarre, wild, and simply fun fantasy.

8. Daredevil: Born Again

As a successor to the legendary Netflix series, Daredevil: Born Again faced immense expectations. After significant development issues, the final show demonstrates to be worth the effort. The story centers on Matt Murdock once his dual life as Daredevil is exposed, making him vulnerable to enemies from his history and present in a refreshed version of his well-known setting.

The first episode is a thrilling return to form, evoking the intense tone fans loved from the original incarnation. While the subsequent chapters venture into certain different territory, the first season concludes on a strong note, setting viewers keenly awaiting a follow-up season.

7. Common Side Effects

A unexpected 2025 highlight, this show is essentially a crime saga with a humor of King of the Hill. Created by Joe Bennett and comedy Steve Hely, it tells the saga of a nerdy fungi expert who discovers a miraculous fungus and soon finds himself hunted by everyone from unscrupulous Big Pharma executives to federal agents.

Despite being a parody, the show plays out with the serious atmosphere of a 1970s paranoia thriller. Enhanced by hallucinogenic animation and an unnerving musical soundtrack, the plot explores deeper mysteries about the mushroom's full effects. It's a intelligent, beautifully animated, and utterly compelling ten-episode season.

6. Fallout Season 2

The hit adaptation of the popular video game franchise came back with a second batch of episodes that expanded its epic mystery and expanded its nuclear wasteland world. While it travels toward the fan-favorite location of New Vegas, the season is far from a straight retelling of that game; instead, it continues to examine ideas of authority and freedom.

It expertly balances multiple storylines and perspectives, from Lucy's mission for answers to Maximus's struggle with the dogma of the his faction. The result is a rich detailed and wholly engaging addition to the expanding Fallout saga.

5. Invincible Season 3

The bloody and emotionally charged animated series keeps its powerful streak in season 3. Mark Grayson confronts immense challenges on all fronts: training for a looming Viltrumite invasion, guiding his powered sibling, and battling with his secretive GDA. The story once again features some of the most intense fight scenes the series has yet produced.

The protagonist's bodily and psychological endurance are constantly pushed. He must grapple with opponents stronger than himself, the consequences of his actions, and the moral burden of his decisions. Standout storylines for key cast members such as Cecil Stedman and Rex Splode round out a superb season.

4. Peacemaker Season 2

The director's offbeat anti-hero show came back with increased importance within the revamped DC universe, and season 2 delivers on that fronts. While it successfully establishes foundations for future cinematic universe projects, it also presents a powerful and focused {