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What would you do with boundless ability? That's the central inquiry asked by the greatest sci-fi and fantasy stories. What if you gained extraordinary powers? Or stumbled upon a life-altering drug? What about each and every other human was dedicated to your happiness? Could you wield that power for good, or would you give in to your baser instincts?

The series featured below all confront this dilemma in unique ways (aside from one key exception). Detailed below is our list of the ten best installments of science fiction and fantastical TV from the past year.

10. Spider-Man: Your Friendly Neighborhood

Even after more than 60 years of stories, Spider-Man remains reinterpreted by new talent. This series offers a novel look at the character's early years, cleverly combining essential source material elements with influences from the broader Marvel universe to craft something which is simultaneously new and deeply engaging.

Instead of being alone or Tony Stark as a guide, this iteration of Peter Parker forges a complex relationship with the future Green Goblin, who in this story is still just the CEO of Oscorp. Through their interactions, Peter becomes his own man, internalizing the iconic mantra of great power and great responsibility.

9. Hazbin Hotel Season 2

Showrunner Vivienne Medrano's audacious adult musical series, which originated as a crowdfunded short, truly came into its own in its sophomore season. Building on the climactic events of the first season, the story expands considerably, following the ambitious media overlord Vox who seizes control of the situation, sparking a chain of ever-more dramatic conflicts that naturally end in show-stopping song.

Although it might not have a one breakout hit quite like season one's "iconic tune," this is due to everything in season 2 being increasingly ambitious. The fight sequences, personal development, and above all the music are collectively elevated. The story advances the overarching storyline forward while delivering no shortage of weird, wild, and ultimately fun dark fantasy.

8. Daredevil: Born Again

Following the legendary Netflix series, Daredevil: Born Again faced enormous shoes to fill. After significant production challenges, the final show proves to be worthy of the wait. The story centers on Matt Murdock once his dual life as Daredevil is exposed, making him vulnerable to foes both history and new threats in a slightly version of his familiar setting.

The first episode is explosive, capturing the intense tone audiences cherished from the original incarnation. While the middle episodes venture into some different narrative ground, the first season finishes on a strong note, setting fans keenly anticipating a second season.

7. Common Side Effects

An surprising 2025 highlight, this show could be described as a Breaking Bad filtered through the humor of King of the Hill. Helmed by an Adult Swim veteran alongside writer Steve Hely, the series follows the story of a nerdy mycologist who discovers a miraculous fungus and quickly finds himself hunted by everyone from ruthless pharmaceutical CEOs to federal agents.

Despite being a parody, the narrative unfolds with the grave intensity of a 1970s paranoia thriller. Accentuated by hallucinogenic animation and an eerie musical soundtrack, the story delves into deeper mysteries about the substance's full effects. It's a intelligent, visually striking, and utterly compelling ten-episode season.

6. Fallout Season 2

The hit series based on the iconic video game franchise came back with a new season of stories that expanded its epic lore and expanded its nuclear wasteland world. While it ventures toward the fan-favorite location of New Vegas, the story is not a direct retelling of that game; instead, it continues to explore themes of authority and freedom.

The show skillfully juggles multiple narrative threads and points of view, from Lucy's mission for justice to a knight's reckoning with the dogma of the his faction. The outcome is a deeply detailed and wholly engaging chapter to the ever-growing Fallout mythology.

5. Invincible Season 3

The bloody and heartfelt animated series keeps its powerful streak in its third outing. The hero faces immense pressure on all side: preparing for a looming alien threat, mentoring his young brother, and clashing with the shadowy Global Defense Agency. The story also features some of the most brutal fight scenes the series has ever delivered.

Mark's bodily and emotional limits are repeatedly pushed. He must contend with foes stronger than he is, the consequences of his actions, and the ethical burden of his decisions. Excellent arcs for key cast members like Cecil Stedman and Rex Splode round out a fantastic season.

4. Peacemaker Season 2

James Gunn's irreverent anti-hero series came back with increased importance within the new DC canon, and season 2 executes on that fronts. While it effectively lays groundwork for future DCU stories, it also tells a resonant and self-contained {