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What would you do with infinite control? That's a central question explored by the best sci-fi and fantasy stories. What if you gained superhuman abilities? Perhaps discovered a life-altering substance? What about each and every other person was wholly committed to your personal happiness? Would you wield such power for good, or give in to your own baser impulses?

The television series listed below each grapple with that very concept in various ways (aside from one key exclusion). Outlined here is a ranking of the 10 top installments of sci-fi and fantasy TV from the past year.

10. Spider-Man: Your Friendly Neighborhood

Despite over six decades of history, the web-slinger is constantly reimagined by fresh creative voices. This series offers a novel perspective at the character's formative years, cleverly blending essential comic story beats with influences from other adaptations to craft something which is both new and deeply engaging.

Rather than being solo or Tony Stark as a mentor, this version of Peter Parker develops a evolving partnership with the future Green Goblin, who here is still just the CEO of Oscorp. Across their dynamic, Peter grows into a true hero, internalizing the signature lesson of power and responsibility.

9. Hazbin Hotel Season 2

Creator Vivienne Medrano's boldly transgressive adult musical-comedy show, which originated as a crowdfunded pilot, truly hit its stride in its second installment. Building on the climactic revelations of season 1, the narrative expands significantly, following the scheming media overlord Vox who seizes command of the narrative, igniting a chain of increasingly explosive confrontations that naturally end in elaborate musical numbers.

While it may lack a single viral hit on the level of season one's "Loser, Baby," that's because each element in this season being increasingly complex. The action, personal development, and above all the music are collectively more sophisticated. The season moves the overarching plot forward while delivering no shortage of weird, unhinged, and ultimately entertaining fantasy.

8. Daredevil: Born Again

As a successor to the acclaimed Netflix series, this series had immense expectations. After well-documented development issues, the resulting product proves to be 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 refreshed take of his well-known setting.

The first episode is explosive, evoking the gritty feeling audiences loved from the prior incarnation. While the subsequent episodes explore certain new narrative ground, the season concludes on a strong note, leaving fans eagerly awaiting a second season.

7. Common Side Effects

An unexpected 2025 highlight, this show could be described as a Breaking Bad with a sensibility of King of the Hill. Created by Joe Bennett alongside writer Steve Hely, it follows the story of a mild-mannered mycologist who finds a miraculous fungus and quickly finds himself hunted by everyone from ruthless Big Pharma CEOs to federal authorities.

Far from being a parody, the show plays out with the serious atmosphere of a 1970s paranoia thriller. Enhanced by trippy visuals and an unnerving score, the plot explores deeper questions about the mushroom's true capabilities. It's a smart, visually striking, and utterly gripping first season.

6. Fallout Season 2

The acclaimed series of the iconic video game series came back with a second season of episodes that expanded its epic lore and broadened its post-apocalyptic setting. While it ventures toward the legendary location of New Vegas, the season is not a direct retelling of that title; instead, it further examine themes of authority and freedom.

It expertly balances multiple storylines and perspectives, from the protagonist's mission for answers to a knight's reckoning with the ideology of the his faction. The result is a rich detailed and wholly absorbing addition to the ever-growing wasteland mythology.

5. Invincible Season 3

The visceral and heartfelt animated series continues its powerful streak in season 3. The hero faces immense challenges on every side: training for a looming Viltrumite threat, mentoring his powered brother, and clashing with his secretive Global Defense Agency. The story once again features some of the most brutally brutal fight scenes the show has ever delivered.

Mark's physical and psychological limits are repeatedly pushed. He must grapple with foes stronger than himself, the aftermath of his actions, and the ethical weight of his decisions. Excellent arcs for key characters such as Cecil Stedman and Rex Splode complete a fantastic installment.

4. Peacemaker Season 2

The director's irreverent superhero series returned with elevated importance within the revamped DC canon, and it executes on that fronts. While it successfully lays groundwork for upcoming cinematic universe projects, it also presents a resonant and self-contained {