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How would you do with infinite control? This is a central inquiry posed by all greatest sci-fi and fantastical stories. What if you possessed extraordinary powers? Perhaps discovered a life-altering drug? What about each and every single human was dedicated to your happiness? Would you wield such influence for good, or would you succumb to your own baser impulses?

These series ranked herein all grapple with that very theme in various ways (with one notable exclusion). Presented here is our list of the 10 top installments of science fiction & fantastical TV from the past year.

10. Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man

Despite more than 60 years of history, the web-slinger is constantly reinvented by fresh creative voices. This series offers a novel look at the character's early days, skillfully combining classic source material story beats with influences from the broader Marvel universe to create something that feels simultaneously fresh and profoundly engaging.

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

9. Hazbin Hotel Season 2

Creator Vivienne Medrano's audacious adult musical-comedy series, which sprang from a crowdfunded short, fully hit its stride in its sophomore installment. Building on the climactic events of season 1, the story broadens significantly, following the scheming TV demon Vox who takes command of the narrative, sparking a chain of ever-more explosive conflicts that inevitably culminate in elaborate song.

Although it may lack a one viral song quite like the first season's "iconic tune," that's because everything in season 2 being more interwoven. The action, personal arcs, and especially the music are collectively more sophisticated. The season moves the overarching storyline forward while delivering no shortage of bizarre, wild, and simply fun dark fantasy.

8. Daredevil: Born Again

As a successor to the legendary Netflix series, this series faced immense shoes to fill. After significant development issues, the resulting show demonstrates to be worth the effort. The story follows Matt Murdock once his secret identity as Daredevil is publicly revealed, leaving him vulnerable to enemies from his past and present in a refreshed take of his familiar world.

The first episode is explosive, evoking the gritty feeling fans loved from the original series. Although the middle episodes venture into some different narrative ground, the first season finishes on a strong note, leaving fans eagerly awaiting a second installment.

7. Common Side Effects

An unexpected 2025 highlight, this show could be described as an animated crime saga filtered through the sensibility of a suburban satire. Helmed by Joe Bennett and writer Steve Hely, the series tells the saga of a mild-mannered fungi expert who discovers a miraculous mushroom and quickly finds himself hunted by everyone from unscrupulous pharmaceutical executives to federal authorities.

Far from being a spoof, the narrative plays out with the grave intensity of a classic paranoia film. Accentuated by hallucinogenic animation and an eerie musical soundtrack, the plot delves into bigger mysteries about the mushroom's full effects. It's a smart, beautifully animated, and completely compelling first season.

6. Fallout Season 2

The acclaimed adaptation of the iconic gaming series returned with a new season of episodes that expanded its epic mystery and broadened its post-apocalyptic world. Although it ventures toward the fan-favorite location of New Vegas, the season is far from a direct adaptation of that game; instead, it further explore ideas of control and autonomy.

It skillfully balances several storylines and perspectives, from the protagonist's quest for justice to Maximus's struggle with the dogma of the Brotherhood of Steel. The result is a deeply detailed and wholly engaging chapter to the ever-growing wasteland mythology.

5. Invincible Season 3

This visceral and emotionally charged animated show continues its powerful momentum in season 3. The hero confronts tremendous challenges on every side: training for a coming alien invasion, guiding his powered brother, and battling with his shadowy Global Defense Agency. The story once again features some of the most brutally intense fight scenes the show has yet produced.

Mark's physical and emotional limits are repeatedly pushed. He must grapple with opponents stronger than he is, the aftermath of his battles, and the ethical burden of his decisions. Excellent storylines for key characters like Cecil Stedman and Rex Splode complete a fantastic installment.

4. Peacemaker Season 2

James Gunn's irreverent anti-hero series came back with elevated importance within the new DC canon, and season 2 executes on that count. Although it successfully establishes groundwork for upcoming DCU projects, it primarily presents a resonant and focused {