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How would you do with boundless power? That's the core inquiry posed by all best sci-fi and fantastical stories. Imagine if you gained superhuman abilities? Or stumbled upon a revolutionary substance? Or if every other human became dedicated to your happiness? Could you use such power for the greater good, or give in to your own darker impulses?

The series listed below all explore this theme in various manners (aside from one key exception). Outlined below is a list of the 10 best installments of science fiction and fantasy television from the past year.

10. Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man

Even after over six decades of history, the web-slinger is constantly reinterpreted by new creative voices. This series presents a novel look at the character's early days, skillfully blending classic comic elements with ideas from other adaptations to create something that feels both new and deeply engaging.

Instead of being alone or having Iron Man as a mentor, this version of the hero develops a evolving relationship with Norman Osborn, who in this story is merely the head of Oscorp. Through their interactions, Peter grows into his own man, learning the signature mantra of power and great responsibility.

9. Hazbin Hotel Season 2

Showrunner Vivienne Medrano's boldly transgressive mature musical series, which originated as a crowdfunded pilot, fully hit its stride in its sophomore season. Following the climactic events of the first season, the narrative expands significantly, following the ambitious media overlord Vox as he seizes control of the situation, sparking a series of ever-more dramatic conflicts that inevitably end in show-stopping musical numbers.

Although it may lack a single viral song quite like season one's "Loser, Baby," this is due to everything in this season being increasingly ambitious. The fight sequences, character arcs, and above all the music are collectively more sophisticated. The story moves the main storyline forward while delivering no shortage of bizarre, wild, and ultimately fun dark fantasy.

8. Daredevil: Born Again

As a successor to the legendary Netflix show, this series faced enormous shoes to fill. After significant development issues, the resulting product proves it was worthy of the effort. The story follows Matt Murdock once his dual life as Daredevil is exposed, making him vulnerable to enemies from his history and new threats in a slightly version of his well-known setting.

The premiere is a thrilling return to form, capturing the gritty feeling audiences loved from the prior series. While the subsequent episodes explore some different territory, the first season concludes powerfully, setting fans eagerly anticipating a follow-up season.

7. Common Side Effects

A unexpected 2025 gem, this show is essentially a crime saga filtered through the sensibility of a suburban satire. Created by Joe Bennett alongside comedy Steve Hely, the series follows the story of a mild-mannered mycologist who finds a curative fungus and soon finds himself hunted by everyone from unscrupulous pharmaceutical CEOs to federal agents.

Far from being a parody, the narrative plays out with the grave intensity of a classic conspiracy thriller. Accentuated by hallucinogenic visuals and an unnerving score, the story delves into deeper mysteries about the substance's true capabilities. It's a intelligent, visually striking, and completely gripping first season.

6. Fallout Season 2

The acclaimed adaptation of the iconic video game franchise returned with a second season of episodes that expanded its sprawling lore and expanded its post-apocalyptic setting. While it ventures toward the legendary location of New Vegas, the story is far from a direct adaptation of that title; rather, it further examine ideas of control and autonomy.

It expertly balances multiple storylines and perspectives, from Lucy's quest for justice to a knight's reckoning with the dogma of the Brotherhood of Steel. The outcome is a rich detailed and wholly absorbing chapter to the expanding wasteland mythology.

5. Invincible Season 3

This bloody and heartfelt adult animation series keeps its winning momentum in its third outing. Mark Grayson confronts immense challenges on every side: preparing for a coming alien invasion, mentoring his young sibling, and battling with the secretive Global Defense Agency. The season once again features some of the most brutal fight scenes the show has ever produced.

Mark's physical and psychological limits are repeatedly pushed. He must contend with foes stronger than himself, the consequences of his actions, and the ethical weight of his decisions. Excellent storylines for supporting cast members such as Cecil Stedman and Rex Splode complete a superb season.

4. Peacemaker Season 2

James Gunn's offbeat superhero show returned with increased importance within the new DC canon, and season 2 delivers on that fronts. Although it successfully lays groundwork for upcoming cinematic universe projects, it primarily presents a resonant and self-contained {