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What could you accomplish with unlimited ability? This is the core inquiry asked by all greatest science fiction and fantastical tales. Imagine if you were granted superhuman abilities? Or discovered a revolutionary substance? Or if each and every other person was dedicated to your personal happiness? Would you wield such influence for good, or would you succumb to your own darker impulses?

These series ranked below each confront that very concept in distinct ways (with one notable exclusion). Detailed below is our list of the 10 best installments of sci-fi & fantasy television from the past year.

10. Spider-Man: Your Friendly Neighborhood

Even after over six decades of history, the web-slinger continues to be reimagined by fresh creative voices. This series delivers a refreshing perspective at the character's early days, cleverly combining essential source material elements with influences from the broader Marvel universe to craft something which is simultaneously fresh and deeply compelling.

Instead of being solo or Tony Stark as a mentor, this version of Peter Parker forges a evolving partnership with Norman Osborn, who here is merely the CEO of Oscorp. Through their interactions, Peter grows into a true hero, learning the iconic mantra of great power and great responsibility.

9. Hazbin Hotel Season 2

Showrunner Vivienne Medrano's audacious mature musical-comedy series, which originated as a crowdfunded pilot, truly hit its stride in its second installment. Building on the climactic revelations of the first season, the narrative broadens significantly, centering on the scheming media overlord Vox who seizes control of the narrative, igniting a series of increasingly explosive confrontations that naturally end in elaborate song.

Although it may lack a single viral song on the level of the first season's "Loser, Baby," this is due to everything in this season being increasingly ambitious. The action, character development, and above all the score and songs are collectively more sophisticated. The season moves the main storyline forward while providing no shortage of weird, unhinged, and ultimately fun dark fantasy.

8. Daredevil: Born Again

Following the acclaimed Netflix show, Daredevil: Born Again faced immense shoes to fill. Despite well-documented development issues, the resulting product demonstrates to be worth the wait. The plot centers on Matt Murdock after his secret identity as Daredevil is publicly revealed, making him a target to enemies from his history and new threats in a slightly version of his well-known setting.

The first episode is a thrilling return to form, evoking the gritty tone audiences cherished from the original series. Although the subsequent chapters explore some different narrative ground, the first season finishes powerfully, setting viewers keenly awaiting a follow-up season.

7. Common Side Effects

An unexpected 2025 gem, this series could be described as an animated crime saga filtered through the sensibility of a suburban satire. Helmed by Joe Bennett alongside comedy Steve Hely, it tells the saga of a nerdy fungi expert who finds a miraculous fungus and soon finds himself hunted by everyone from ruthless pharmaceutical executives to government authorities.

Far from being a spoof, the show plays out with the serious atmosphere of a 1970s paranoia thriller. Accentuated by trippy animation and an eerie musical soundtrack, the plot delves into bigger mysteries about the substance's true capabilities. It's a smart, beautifully animated, and utterly gripping ten-episode season.

6. Fallout Season 2

The hit series based on the iconic video game franchise returned with a second season of stories that expanded its epic lore and broadened its post-apocalyptic setting. While it travels in the direction of the legendary location of New Vegas, the season is far from a straight adaptation of that title; rather, it continues to explore ideas of control and freedom.

It skillfully balances several storylines and perspectives, from Lucy's mission for answers to a knight's reckoning with the dogma of the his faction. The outcome is a deeply layered and utterly engaging chapter to the expanding wasteland saga.

5. Invincible Season 3

The bloody and emotionally charged animated show keeps its winning momentum in its third outing. The hero faces tremendous pressure on all fronts: training for a looming Viltrumite threat, mentoring his young sibling, and clashing with his shadowy Global Defense Agency. The story also includes some of the most brutally intense action sequences the series has ever delivered.

Mark's physical and emotional endurance are repeatedly tested. He must contend with foes stronger than himself, the consequences of his battles, and the moral weight of his choices. Excellent arcs for key characters like Cecil Stedman and Rex Splode round out a superb installment.

4. Peacemaker Season 2

James Gunn's offbeat anti-hero show came back with elevated significance within the new DC universe, and season 2 executes on that count. While it successfully lays foundations for upcoming cinematic universe stories, it primarily presents a resonant and focused {