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How would you do if you had boundless control? That's a core inquiry posed by all best science fiction and fantasy narratives. What if you possessed extraordinary powers? Perhaps discovered a miraculous drug? Or if every single human was dedicated to your satisfaction? Could you wield such power for the greater good, or succumb to your darker instincts?

The television series ranked herein all grapple with this concept in various ways (with a single key exclusion). Detailed here is our ranking of the ten best installments of sci-fi & fantastical TV from the past year.

10. Spider-Man: Your Friendly Neighborhood

Even after more than 60 years of stories, Spider-Man remains reimagined by new talent. Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man offers a refreshing look at the hero's formative days, skillfully merging classic source material story beats with ideas from the broader Marvel universe to create something which is both fresh and profoundly compelling.

Instead of operating solo or Tony Stark as a guide, this iteration of the hero forges a evolving relationship with Norman Osborn, who here is merely the CEO of Oscorp. Across their dynamic, Peter becomes a true hero, internalizing the iconic lesson of great power and responsibility.

9. Hazbin Hotel Season 2

Showrunner Vivienne Medrano's boldly transgressive adult musical series, which originated as a crowdfunded pilot, truly came into its own in its second season. Following the climactic revelations of the first season, the story broadens significantly, following the ambitious media overlord Vox who takes control of the narrative, sparking a series of increasingly dramatic conflicts that inevitably end in elaborate song.

While it may lack a single viral song on the level of the first season's "iconic tune," this is due to each element in season 2 being increasingly interwoven. The action, personal development, and above all the music are all more sophisticated. The story moves the main plot forward while delivering plenty of weird, wild, and simply fun dark fantasy.

8. Daredevil: Born Again

Following the legendary Netflix show, this series faced immense shoes to fill. After well-documented production issues, the final product demonstrates it was worth the wait. The story centers on Matt Murdock after his secret identity as Daredevil is exposed, making him a target to foes from his history and present in a slightly take of his familiar setting.

The premiere is a thrilling return to form, capturing the intense tone fans loved from the prior incarnation. While the subsequent episodes venture into some new narrative ground, the first season finishes on a strong note, leaving viewers eagerly anticipating a second season.

7. Common Side Effects

A surprising 2025 highlight, this show could be described as a crime saga with a sensibility of a suburban satire. Created by an Adult Swim veteran alongside writer Steve Hely, the series tells the saga of a nerdy fungi expert who finds a curative fungus and soon finds himself pursued by everyone from ruthless pharmaceutical executives to federal agents.

Far from being a parody, the narrative plays out with the grave atmosphere of a 1970s conspiracy film. Accentuated by hallucinogenic visuals and an eerie score, the plot delves into bigger questions about the mushroom's full capabilities. It's a smart, visually striking, and completely compelling ten-episode season.

6. Fallout Season 2

This hit series based on the popular video game franchise returned with a second batch of stories that deepened its sprawling mystery and expanded its nuclear wasteland setting. 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 themes of control and autonomy.

It skillfully balances several storylines and perspectives, from the protagonist's quest for justice to a knight's struggle with the dogma of the his faction. The outcome is a rich detailed and utterly absorbing addition to the ever-growing wasteland saga.

5. Invincible Season 3

The visceral and heartfelt animated show continues its winning streak in season 3. The hero faces tremendous challenges on every fronts: preparing for a looming Viltrumite threat, guiding his young brother, and clashing with his shadowy GDA. The season once again includes some of the most brutal fight sequences the show has ever delivered.

Mark's physical and emotional limits are repeatedly pushed. He must grapple with foes more powerful than he is, the consequences of his actions, and the ethical weight of his choices. Excellent storylines for supporting characters like Cecil Stedman and Rex Splode round out a fantastic installment.

4. Peacemaker Season 2

The director's offbeat anti-hero series came back with increased importance within the new DC universe, and it executes on that count. While it effectively establishes groundwork for future DCU stories, it also tells a powerful and self-contained {