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How would you do if you had infinite control? This is a fundamental question asked by the finest science fiction as well as fantastical tales. Imagine if you gained extraordinary powers? Perhaps discovered a miraculous drug? What about every other person became dedicated to your personal satisfaction? Would you wield such influence for the greater good, or would you succumb to your own darker impulses?

These shows listed herein all explore this theme in various ways (aside from one key exclusion). Outlined here is our ranking of the 10 best installments of science fiction & fantastical TV from the past year.

10. Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man

Despite more than six decades of stories, the web-slinger is constantly reinvented by new creative voices. Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man delivers a novel perspective at the hero's early days, skillfully combining essential comic elements with ideas from other adaptations to craft something that feels simultaneously fresh and deeply compelling.

Instead of operating solo or Iron Man as a guide, this version of Peter Parker develops a evolving partnership with the future Green Goblin, who here is merely the CEO of Oscorp. Through their dynamic, Peter grows into his own man, learning the iconic lesson of power and responsibility.

9. Hazbin Hotel Season 2

Showrunner Vivienne Medrano's audacious adult musical series, which originated as a crowdfunded pilot, fully hit its stride in its second installment. Following the game-changing revelations of the first season, the story broadens significantly, centering on the ambitious TV demon Vox as he seizes control of the narrative, igniting a chain of increasingly dramatic conflicts that naturally end in show-stopping musical numbers.

While it might not have a single viral song on the level of the first season's "iconic tune," that's because each element in this season being more complex. The action, personal development, and above all the score and songs are all elevated. The story moves the main storyline forward while providing no shortage of weird, unhinged, and simply fun dark fantasy.

8. Daredevil: Born Again

Following the acclaimed Netflix show, Daredevil: Born Again had enormous shoes to fill. Despite significant development challenges, the final product proves it was worth the wait. The story follows Matt Murdock once his secret identity as Daredevil is exposed, making him a target to enemies both history and present in a slightly version of his well-known world.

The first episode is explosive, evoking the intense feeling audiences cherished from the original incarnation. Although the middle chapters venture into some new territory, the season finishes on a strong note, setting viewers keenly awaiting a follow-up installment.

7. Common Side Effects

A surprising 2025 highlight, this show could be described as an animated crime saga filtered through a sensibility of a suburban satire. Helmed by an Adult Swim veteran and comedy Steve Hely, the series tells the saga of a nerdy mycologist who discovers a curative mushroom and quickly finds himself hunted by forces including ruthless Big Pharma CEOs to government authorities.

Despite being a spoof, the show plays out with the grave intensity of a classic conspiracy thriller. Enhanced by trippy visuals and an eerie musical soundtrack, the story explores deeper mysteries about the substance's true capabilities. It's a smart, visually striking, and utterly gripping first season.

6. Fallout Season 2

This hit series based on the iconic video game series came back with a second season of stories that deepened its sprawling mystery and expanded its post-apocalyptic setting. Although it travels toward the fan-favorite location of New Vegas, the season is not a direct retelling of that title; rather, it further examine ideas of control and freedom.

The show expertly juggles multiple storylines and points of view, from the protagonist's quest for justice to Maximus's struggle with the ideology of the his faction. The outcome is a rich layered and utterly absorbing addition to the expanding wasteland saga.

5. Invincible Season 3

This visceral and emotionally charged animated series keeps its powerful momentum in season 3. Mark Grayson confronts tremendous pressure on all side: training for a looming Viltrumite threat, guiding his young brother, and battling with the shadowy GDA. The season also features some of the most brutally intense action scenes the show has yet delivered.

Mark's bodily and emotional limits are repeatedly tested. He must grapple with opponents more powerful than he is, the consequences of his battles, and the ethical burden of his choices. Standout storylines for key characters such as Cecil Stedman and Rex Splode round out a fantastic season.

4. Peacemaker Season 2

The director's irreverent superhero show came back with increased significance within the revamped DC canon, and season 2 delivers on that fronts. While it effectively lays foundations for future DCU projects, it also presents a resonant and focused {